Malta


Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: Republic
Capital city: Valletta
Total area: 316 km²
Population: 0.4 million
Currency: euro
Listen to the EU official language:
Maltese, English


Malta is a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea. Only the three largest islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, are inhabited. The terrain is low and rocky with coastal cliffs.



Malta, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a melting pot of civilisations with a history stretching back thousands of years. Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant prehistoric civilisation existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. Later the islands were for centuries the seat of the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John and then part of British Empire. It became independent in 1964.

The Maltese government is headed by the leader of the party with a majority of seats in the unicameral House of Representatives, known in Maltese as Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti.

The national language is Maltese but English is recognised as an official language, and many Maltese also speak Italian.

Tourism is important in Malta but the island also has an expanding services sector.

Traditional Maltese food includes soup (minestrone, fish), pasta and pastry dishes. Stuffed dishes are a feature of Maltese cuisine. Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) is a national dish.


Introduction to the country and travel infos:
http://www.visitmalta.com/main