Malta

Malta
See File history below for details. · Public domain · source
Conventional long name	Republic of Malta
Capital	Valletta
Official languages	Maltese, English
Government type	Unitary parliamentary republic
Leader title1	President
Leader name1	Myriam Spiteri Debono
Leader title2	Prime Minister
Leader name2	Robert Abela
Legislature	Parliament
Area km2	316
Population estimate	542,051
Population estimate year	2023

Malta. An island country in the Mediterranean Sea, forming an archipelago south of Sicily and east of Tunisia. It is a member state of the European Union and the Commonwealth of Nations, renowned for its strategic historical role and rich cultural heritage. The nation's capital, Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded by the Knights Hospitaller in the 16th century.

Geography

The Maltese archipelago consists principally of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. It lies on the Malta Plateau, a shallow shelf in the Strait of Sicily. The terrain is characterized by low hills with terraced fields, and its coastline features numerous harbors, bays, and dramatic cliffs. The climate is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Major urban areas include the capital Valletta, as well as Birkirkara, Mosta, and Sliema. The islands have no permanent rivers or lakes, and freshwater is a critical resource, historically supplied by the Wignacourt Aqueduct and now through desalination plants.

History

Malta's history is marked by a succession of rulers due to its strategic location. Early settlements date to the Neolithic period, evidenced by the Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim temples. The islands were later colonized by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans, with Saint Paul being shipwrecked there according to the Acts of the Apostles. After a period of Byzantine and Arab rule, it was conquered by Norman Roger I of Sicily. In 1530, Emperor Charles V granted Malta to the Knights Hospitaller, who withstood the Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire in 1565. Napoleon seized the islands in 1798, followed by British rule after the Siege of Malta (1798–1800). It became a critical naval base for the Royal Navy, enduring the Siege of Malta (World War II). Independence from the United Kingdom was achieved in 1964, it became a republic in 1974, and joined the European Union in 2004.

Government and politics

Malta is a parliamentary republic with a political system based on the Westminster system. The President of Malta is the head of state, while executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister of Malta and the Cabinet. The Parliament is unicameral, known as the House of Representatives. The two major political parties are the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party. The judiciary is independent, with the highest court being the Constitutional Court of Malta. Malta is also a neutral state, adhering to a policy of non-alignment, and hosts the headquarters of the International Institute for Justice and the Rule of Law.

Economy

Malta has a highly developed, service-based economy. Key sectors include financial services, online gaming, tourism, and maritime services. The country serves as a financial centre, hosting numerous banks and investment funds. Major exports include pharmaceuticals, electronics, and professional services. The Malta Freeport in Marsaxlokk is one of the largest transshipment hubs in the Mediterranean. Important state-owned enterprises include Air Malta and MaltaPost. The currency is the Euro, adopted in 2008, and economic policy is closely aligned with the European Central Bank.

Demographics and culture

The population is predominantly Maltese, with the Maltese language, a Semitic language with extensive Romance influences, and English as official languages. Roman Catholicism is the state religion, with festivities like Mnarja and the Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck being central to cultural life. Traditional music includes għana, and notable literary figures include author Francis Ebejer and poet Dun Karm Psaila. Maltese cuisine reflects its history, featuring dishes like fenkata and pastizzi. The islands are also a popular filming location, featured in productions like *Gladiator* and the Game of Thrones series.