Malta

Overview

The Republic of Malta is an island country at Southern Europe with an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea.

The country recorded an area of 493,559 in 2019 and covers an area of 316 km2.

Its capital city is Valleta. It is the smallest national capital by area in the European Union.

The other major cities are Victoria, Mdina and Rabat, Birgu and St. Paul’s Bay.

The Capital, Valletta

History

It was a colony of the British Empire in from 1814 to 1964 when it gained independence. It later became a republic in 1974.

It joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008.

Food & culture

Its culture is influenced by the societies which have settled in the Islands throughout the years and that of the neighbouring countries.

The main crops in the country are cauliflower, wheat, barley, citrus, green peppers, potatoes and grapes.

The main dishes include fish pie, rabbit stew and beef olives.

Wildlife

Common wildlife animals are pilot whales, whale dolphins, the wall lizard, Sicilian shrew and crab.

Festivals & events

The main celebrated events include Malta Jazz Festival, Maltese Carnival, Valletta Film Festival, International Arts Festival and Malta Fireworks Festival.

Things to see

The Grand Harbor is a natural harbour on the island, which has been reformed to accommodate larger docks, wharves and fortifications.

There is also the Azure Window, which is a natural arch on the island of Gozo with a height of 28m.

Other places to visit are St. John’s Co-Cathedral and Comino Island.

People also visit the Blue Lagoon, which is a beautiful beach on Comino Island.

Interesting facts

The official languages are Maltese and English.

The major religion is the Roman Catholic Apostolic Religion.

Cities & towns I’ve visited

Neighbours

Malta has no land borders with other countries.