Overview of Malta
A small island nation in the heart of the Mediterranean, a tourism powerhouse preserving the legacy of the Knights and megalithic temples.
Profile
Malta's distinguishing feature is the concentration of layered cultural heritage in its small territory, including fortified cities like Valletta and Mdina, and megalithic temple complexes such as Tarxien and Ġgantija. With a history of multiple rulers including Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Knights of Malta, and the British, Malta has developed a bilingual Maltese-English system and diverse architectural styles. Currently a member of both the EU and the Commonwealth, it drives its economy through tourism, finance, and digital services. The warm Mediterranean climate, transparent seas, and weekly village festivals attract travelers from around the world.
- Official name
- Republic of Malta
- Common name
- Malta
- Numeric code
- 470
- Alpha-3 code
- MLT
- Alpha-2 code
- MT
- Population
- Approximately 520,000 people (2023)
- Population density
- Approximately 1,600 people/km²
- Primary languages
- Maltese, English
- Major religions
- Christianity (Roman Catholic)
- National anthem
- L-Innu Malti (Maltese National Anthem)
- Calling code
- +356
- Internet TLD
- .mt
History
Beginning with megalithic civilization and passing through various rulers, it gained independence from the UK in 1964 and transitioned to a republic in 1974.
During the Neolithic period, megalithic temple culture flourished, and it developed as a Phoenician trading post. After Roman, Byzantine, and Arab rule, the Order of St. John (Knights of Malta) governed in 1530 and repelled the Ottoman Empire in the Great Siege of 1565. After Napoleon's occupation in the late 18th century, it developed as a British naval stronghold, awarded the George Cross for resistance during World War II. It gained independence on September 21, 1964, as a Commonwealth realm and declared a republic on December 13, 1974. It joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.
Geography & climate
Arid island terrain with limestone plateaus and gentle hills, featuring steep cliffs and intricate natural harbors.
Warm Mediterranean climate
- Area
- Europe / 316 km²
- Capital
- Valletta
- Largest city
- Birkirkara
- Coastal status
- Yes
Politics
Government: Unitary state, republican parliamentary system
Economy
Currency: Euro (EUR)
GDP (nominal): 205 hundred million US dollars (2023)
GDP (PPP): 258 hundred million US dollars (2023)
Language & timezone
Primary languages: Maltese, English
Time zone: Central European Time (CET), Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Culture & customs
Ethnic groups
Maltese, Italian descent, British descent, North African descent, Other European descent
Life expectancy
82.4 years
Literacy rate
92.4%
National sports
Football, Water polo, Rugby, Basketball, Sailing
Flag
Emblem
