Maltese

Maltese is a term used to describe things related to the island nation of Malta. It is used for the Maltese people, the Maltese language, and the Maltese dog breed, among other associations. Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. With a history that includes Phoenician, Greek, Roman, Arab, and European influences, modern Malta is a parliamentary republic and member of the European Union.

Maltese, or Malti, is a Semitic language that developed from Siculo-Arabic with heavy Italian and English influence. It is written in the Latin alphabet and is the national language of Malta, co-official with English. Since the 19th and 20th centuries, standard Maltese has been codified; it is spoken by most residents and taught in schools.

The Maltese are the inhabitants and citizens of Malta. They share a distinct culture formed by a long history of Mediterranean trade and successive rulers. Most Maltese are bilingual, speaking Maltese and English. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, became a republic in 1974, joined the European Union in 2004, and adopted the euro in 2008.

The Maltese is a small toy breed known for its long, white, silky coat. It originated in the Mediterranean region and has a long history as a companion dog. In modern care, the Maltese requires regular grooming to prevent matting, careful dental and skin care, and a temperate climate to avoid overheating. It is typically affectionate and lively, suited for family living in various environments.