Malta

Malta is a Southern European island nation in the central Mediterranean. It comprises an archipelago with three inhabited islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—and several smaller islets. The capital is Valletta, a fortified port city with a long military and maritime history.

Malta covers about 316 square kilometers and lies south of Sicily. The population is around 520,000. The climate is Mediterranean, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The country is densely populated, especially in urban areas along the coasts.

Human settlement on Malta dates to the Neolithic period, with megalithic temples such as Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and the Ggantija temples on Gozo dating from roughly 3600 to 3200 BCE. The islands were ruled by various powers, including the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans. In 1530 they came under the Knights Hospitaller, who fortified Valletta after the Great Siege of 1565. During the 19th and 20th centuries Malta was a British colony and gained independence in 1964, becoming a republic in 1974. It joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

Malta has a parliamentary republic system. The president is head of state, while the prime minister is head of government. Parliament is unicameral. The official languages are Maltese and English, with Italian widely used in media and daily life. The economy relies on services, tourism, manufacturing, and gaming and financial sectors.

Culturally, Malta is known for Baroque architecture, historic fortifications, and a rich archaeological heritage. UNESCO designates Valletta and the Megalithic Temples as World Heritage Sites. The country is also recognized for its diving, Mediterranean cuisine, and a distinctive Maltese language.