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Malta
Year of EU entry: 2004
Political system: Republic
Capital city: Valletta
Total area: 316 km²
Population: 0.4 million
Currency: Maltese lira
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 is situated in the heart of the Mediterranean. It is often called a melting pot of civilizations, because different nations have inhabited. Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant prehistoric civilization existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malta, 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-Rapprezentanti.
The national language is Maltese but English is recognized as an official language, and many Maltese also speak Italian.Tourism is important in Malta but the island also has an expanding services sector.
Last updated: 1/9/2010