Malta
Leading cause: Cancer · 50% plant-based · 83 yr life expectancy · UHC 82/100
What People Eat
Cardiovascular and dietary profile drawn from WHO Global Health Estimates. Plant-based score reflects the share of whole plant foods (grains, legumes, vegetables, fruit, nuts) in the typical national diet.
Disease Burden
Leading cause of death: Cancer · 140 / 100k
Bars show each rate against the global range; the tick marks the world median.
Malta pairs a long life expectancy (83) and low heart disease (71/100k) with cancer (140/100k) leading mortality. Strong healthcare and Mediterranean roots are offset by the EU's highest obesity rate, driven by sugar and processed food.
Healthcare System
Sources: WHO UHC Service Coverage Index (SDG 3.8.1) & WHO Global Health Expenditure Database. Latest available year.
What Could Improve
- Cut sugary drinks and processed foods behind the EU-leading obesity rate.
- Revive the traditional Mediterranean diet and increase physical activity.
Explore the evidence: Cancer
WHO Global Health Estimates · 2022 · age-standardized country data
→ 71 CVD deaths per 100k · 50% plant-based diet