Malta (mol tah) is a very small island Republic situated sixty miles south of Sicily in central Mediterranean. The Island represents around 78 per cent of the total land area. The remainder is made up three smaller sister Islands named Gozo (gow zow), Comino and Filfla (fill flah). Comino is only populated by around thirty people and a number of sailing tourists who occupy the unique tourist resort during the summer period. Filfla, on the other hand is more of a very large rock and is uninhabited. Malta measures just 17 miles (north to south) by 9 miles (east to west). The highest point is around 830 feet above sea level and the total shoreline is about 85 miles made up from sandy and rocky beaches to cliff sides and clay slopes. The climate is very stable with long hot, dry summers to cool windy and showery winters. There is an absence of snow and violent storms. The temperatures range from lows of around 12ºC (54ºF) to highs in the average of 35ºC (95ºF). The population's ethnics are a mixture Phoenician, Arab, British and Italian heritages. Almost all of the population is Roman Catholic. The official languages are Maltese and English but other languages like Italian, German and French are also spoken.  

History

Unlike its size, Malta has a very long and exciting history. Our history dates back to the 8th Century BC when the island was under the rule of the Carthaginians. Prehistoric megalithic monuments and archaeological remains are believed to have been built by prehistoric humans and are considered among the oldest remains in the Mediterranean. The Romans have ruled Malta in the 2nd century BC and for hundreds of years Malta was a colony of many powers including the Arabs, the Normans, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem (later known as the Knights of Malta). During their rule between the 16th and 18th century AD the knights of Malta fought the threat of the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565. The Knights' rule came to an end when they were defeated by the French under the leadership of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798. The French rule was in fact the shortest, lasting only two years, when in 1800 the Country passed in the hands of the British led by Sir Alexander Ball. This was not before the French had stripped Churches, Palaces etc from their riches.

Under the British rule, Malta's political status underwent major upheavals. Forming part of the allies, Malta was drawn into the two World Wars. During World War I many Maltese men were taken in the military or as naval seamen. In 1921 Malta was awarded the self-government but in 1936 reverted to colonial government. Malta underwent severe destruction, deaths and poverty during the course of World War II. The Islands were subjected to continuous aerial attacks from German and Italian air powers. But, determined as they were and armed with a few artillery and three old Gloster Gladiator fighter planes named Faith, Hope and Charity, the Maltese men never gave up the struggle.  The courage and determination of the Maltese people was so strong that on April the 15th 1942, King George VI of Great Britain awarded them the George Cross, Britain's highest civilian medal. It was the first time that such a prestigious decoration was awarded to any part of the Commonwealth.

The Maltese Flag

On the 21st of September 1964, Malta obtained its Independence within the Commonwealth and ten years later became a Republic. On the 31st March 1979, Malta ended its alliance with the Great Britain and became a Neutral Country guaranteed by many other Countries including the former Soviet Union, the United States and the European Union.

The Maltese Economy

Malta is totally deprived of mineral resources and its economy is largely dependent on services, tourism, light industry, agriculture and transshipping. The Gross National Product (GNP) has grown rapidly during the past few years and as the population has only increased very slowly, the GNP per head is among the highest amongst the World's developing countries.

The manufacturing industry accounts for about 25% of total Gross Domestic Product (GDP) while agriculture contributes only 3%.   Tourism is Malta's major industry and source of foreign exchange.  Due to its mild climate Malta is preferred by tourists from all over the world although a high percentage of visitors come from mainland Europe.

Malta has nationalised drydocks which compete with the best in the world.  Ship repair and construction are also an important industry.

Government

Malta is governed by a democratic Parliament.   In 1964 the country attained Independence and a revision of the Constitution in 1974 made Malta a Republic. The President is the constitutional Head of State, and is elected unanimously in Parliament for a five year term.  The President appoints as Prime Minister, the party leader who attains the majority of votes in the general elections.  There are two major political parties; The Malta Labour Party and the Nationalist Party.

Social Conditions

The Maltese people enjoy a series of social security benefits which ensure financial compensation for sickness, injury, unemployment and invalidity.  There are also family and children allowances, and pensions for disability and old age. Hospitalisation in state hospitals and clinics is free.

Education is compulsory up to the age of sixteen but it is common for  most youths to continue High School and University. Higher Education is also free in state owned schools.  The standard of education both in private and state owned schools is very high.

The standard of living is very high averaging two T.V.'s per household.  A growing number of state and private T.V. stations provide a wide range of bilingual programming a high percentage of which produced locally.

Cultural Life

Folklore and Traditions in Malta are among the oldest in Europe.  The 'Festa', celebrated in all towns and villages and marked by processions, firework displays and street decorations, is held to celebrate the town or village Patron Saint.  Other traditions include the 'Mnarja', which commemorates St. Peter and St. Paul, the 'Regatta', an annual boat race in the Grand Harbour that commemorates the victory over the Turks in the Great Siege of 1565.

Some other links to Maltese or Malta related sites