The Maltese population has almost doubled in the past 100 years, soaring to 416,000 in 2011 from just over 211,000, according to preliminary census results.

The islands remain by far the most densely populated territory in the EU

The rate of growth, however, is on the decline. In 2005, the population totalled 404,962 rising to 416,055 last year, with an average annual increase of 1,849 compared to nearly 2,700 in the previous decade.

The figures were released in the preliminary report on the population census before the full survey is issued in the coming months.

Historically, the population growth rate increased between the 19th and 20th centuries but slowed between 2005 and 2011. The largest annual growth was recorded between 1931 and 1948 before going into a decline between 1957 and 1967 because of emigration.

The northern harbour area remains the most densely populated – home to 28.9 per cent of the population. However, the northern area is seeing the fastest growth, having 15.3 per cent of the population. The southern harbour district has seen a drop in population over the past 16 years, down from 83,234 to 79,203 last year.

Birkirkara still has the largest population with 21,533 residents and Mdina the smallest with 237. On a percentage basis, Xgħajra is seeing the fastest growth with 26.5 per cent, followed by Birżebbuġa and St Paul’s Bay, both having a growth of 23 per cent since 2005.

Ta’ Xbiex has seen a decline of 16.8 per cent, Mdina of 14.7 per cent and Senglea 11.5 per cent.

The number of households has risen by just under eight per cent to 139,583 since 2005.

The islands remain by far the most densely populated territory in the EU with 1,320 people per square kilometre. Next are the Dutch, with 492.2 people per square kilometre.

The difference between Malta and Gozo is stark. Malta has an average of 1,562 people per square kilometre while Gozo has 454. The most densely populated locality is Senglea (17,027 per square kilometre) although it is declining fast.

Għasri is the least densely populated with 85 persons per square kilometre.

The census also confirmed the ageing trend among the Maltese. The average age increased to 40.5 last year from 38.5 in 2005. In Gozo, it is higher with an average of 41.6.

Overall, Pembroke has the youngest average age at 33.5 and Luqa – which includes the elderly home St Vincent de Paul – has the oldest at 48.3.

On average, towns in the southern harbour areas have the oldest average age at 41.8.