Malta

Jewel of the Mediterranean full of history and beauty.

Malta is a small but fascinating island country located in the very center of the Mediterranean, it is famous with its rich history, beautiful nature, and vivid culture. Malta is a country famous by its crystal- clear waters, ancient temples and fortified cities and represents a unique combination of historical sites, modern attractions and nature sites. Wherever you wander in the streets of Valletta, whatever you rest on its golden beaches, or observe its rich history, Malta is a round about guarantee to provide every tourist with what they will not forget.

look at its Wikipedia site to see its detailed history as well as general information. To get the official resource and news visit the official site of Malta

In case you want to find more information regarding Malta, such as its flag, language, area, currency, and population, you can produce and download free  this information by visit in our Random Country Generator tool. 

Note: The tool provides rapid research access on relevant country facts that can be used both in school and personal application

Geographical Location

Malta is a group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea that is some 80 km (50 miles) south of Italy and 280 km (170 miles) north of Libya. Malta has three landmasses which are considered the main islands namely Malta Island as the biggest and most populous, Gozo and Comino. The country is only 316 square kilometer in size; that is, it qualifies as one of the smallest countries in the world.

This is a strategically positioned country placed between Europe, Africa and Asia and has played a center of many civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Normans, Knights of St. John and British Empire.

Geographical features and Natural Features

The terrain of Malta is characterized by mountainous craggy coast lines, hills and steep vertical cliffs plunging into the Mediterranean. The land mass consists of dry rocky land, lots of terraces and wild flowers enhance the beauty of the land. There are also none of these extensive forests, but beaches with golden sand and crystal-clear waters are really enjoyed especially in the Blue Lagoon on Comino Island and the Golden Bay on Malta Island.

Malta is also endowed with a number of caves (Blue Grotto), and natural harbors which are common diving and boating sites. Gozo, the sister-island of Malta, boasts with a savorable landscape, with rolling hills and beautiful walks, also Comino is an excellent place to visit, which has secluded beaches designed as a quiet stay.

Climate

Malta has a Mediterranean climate due to warm and sunny summers and cool wet winters. The temperature in the summer is 30C (86F) and in winter the temperature normally does not drop below 10C (50F). The country has got more than 300 sunny days annually; hence it is a year round location to outdoor activities such as beach activities, hiking and water sports.

Malta is very pleasant to visit in spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), during which periods the weather is mild, the island is not overcrowded.

Early settlements and Ancient History

Historically, Malta is over 7,000 years old, and the island represents some of the first hominids to have ever existed in its area; such as the neolithic truckers of the megalithic temples, the oldest free standing structures in the world. Among the archaeological sites on Malta are the 7000-year-old Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, prehistoric burial chambers and Mnajdra and Ġgantija Temples.

Phoenicians and Romans found Malta an important base which left behind them mosaics, baths, and fortification. Malta served as a naval base and also a trade centre to Romans and this brought economic development and culture to this region.

Knights of St. John and the Great Siege

Malta In the 16 th century, the Knights Hospitaller (later Knights of St. John), a religious military order, had its headquarters in Malta. The knights strengthened the island and put up Valletta, the capital city which is to date a UNESCO heritage site.

The Great Siege of Malta in 1565, when the Maltese island managed to resist the invasion of the Ottoman Empire, became one of the milestones of Maltese history. The triumph in the Battle of the Knights made Malta a town of Christian Europe and formed their cultural and historical background.

The British and Independence

Colonization by the British in the early 19 th century saw Malta become an important military and naval hub in two conflicts: the Napoleonic wars and World War II. The island was so strategically positioned and it helped the British in the Mediterranean. On September 21, 1964, Malta attained independence in relation to the United Kingdom and became republic on 1974.

Since it joined the European Union in the year 2004 and changed its currency to the Euro in 2008, a major turning post in modern times of Malta was scored.

Tradition and Culture

The people of Malta are ethnically Maltese dominated by Arabic, Italian and British influences because of foreign occupation by these nations in the past. The prevailing religion is Roman Catholicism and churches and religious fests have significant role in the daily life.

Declared in 2005, Malta folk music has rich Italian-North African-influenced as well as its own form of folk music ghn sn (traditional Maltese folk song). Maltese is an interesting mixture of Arab and Romance origins; it is also one of the official languages of this country (English is the other one).

Language and literature

Maltese (Maltese: Il-L-Ilsien Malti) is the formal idiom of Malta and the solitary official Semitic idiom of the European Union. The language is of Arabic origin although it has been greatly influenced by Italian and English. Almost everyone in the country speaks Maltese while English is quite popular, particularly in business and education.

Maltese writers date back to centuries with Dun Karm Psaila and Guido de Marco among the writers credited to have helped in national building and cultural identity. Maltese literature is being supplemented modern authors such as Immanuel Mifsud and Oliver Friggieri.

Food and Food Culture

Maltese food is Mediterranean in taste and it is inspired by the culinary tradition of the Italians, North Africans and the British. Typical ingredients are olive oil, fresh fish, tomatoes, cheese and bread. Common delicacies are pastizzi (flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas), bragioli (beef olives) and rabbit stew (fenkata) the national Maltese dish.

Religious Festivals

Festas of the patron saints are a very significant part of Maltese culture and Valletta, as well as other towns, including Mosta, Rabat, and Gozo celebrate the saint with a procession, music and fireworks. The victory over the Ottoman Empire is commemorated on the same day, The Feast of Our Lady of Victories (Victory Day, September 8) which is observed with much fervor.

Christmas and Easter are also famous in Malta which includes church services and processions as well as feast meals.

Special days and National Holidays

The Independence Day (September 21) is the day to celebrate the independence of the British. December 13 Republic day The day Malta was turned into a republic in1974.

Cultural Festivals

Malta International Arts Festival, Malta Jazz Festival and The Valletta Film Festival are major events of the cultural industry which creates positive publicity about Malta in the world and its excellent arts industry that welcomes foreign artists and tourists.

Economy: Digital Innovation, Tourism and Agriculture

Economic Development

The economy of Malta is robust and consists of many industries that are in tourism, manufacturing, and even finance. It is now a center of financial services, blockchain and digital innovation with an increasingly established reputation as a home of thriving start-up ecosystem.

Tourism

In Malta, the economy bases on tourism, and the country attracts tourists to visit its historical places, its lovely beaches, and their culture. Systematically ranked highest among the history enthusiasts is the UNESCO-listed Valletta, St. Johns Co-Cathedral and Megalithic Temples, among the other spectacular attractions that are on offer on the island, the beaches and the crystal-clear waters thus forming heaven to the sun-seekers and the divers alike.

Trade and Industry

The technology sector is on an upward trend in Malta, which has seen blockchain, online gaming, and fintech. The movie scene is also flourishing and Malta is currently a favorite spot to shoot movies such as Gladiator, Troy and Assassin Creed.

Malta: Attraction Sites you Must See

The top six attractions in Malta are the following:

1. Valletta

The capital city is a UNESCO World Heritage city, and it is full of historic architectures, such as St. Johns Co-Cathedral, the palace grandmaster, and the upper Barracca Gardens.

2. The megalithic temples in Malta

Some of the oldest free-standing buildings in the world were these ancient structures such as the Ġgantija found in Gozo Island.

3. The blue lagoon (comino island)

The Blue Lagoon is renowned as having turquoise waters, where people do a large amount of swimming and snorkeling.

4. Mdina

Mdina, or the quiet City, is a walled medieval village with a maze of pleasant sidewalks and amazing overlooks over the isle.

5. Gozo Island

Gozo is a serene getaway, in all its natural beauty which encompasses beautiful beaches, incredible sceneries and the well-known Azure Window (though it is no more, it remains a landmark).

6. Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples

Situated in the South of the island of Malta, they are one of the most ancient free-standing constructions on the whole planet, rocking temples will finally give an idea of the pre-historic folk of the island.

Healthcare System

In Malta, there is a universal system of healthcare where the quality of service delivery is high, being realized in both public and the private sector. Healthcare services in the country are very much appreciated in Europe.

Education System

Malta is very well equipped with education system with free primary and secondary education. The University of Malta is the dominant institution of higher learning in Malta that provides various courses.

Transport Network

Public transport is also great in Malta; there are buses, ferries and flights with international destinations. Travelling in and out of Malta is also very simple as the island has an international airport that has connections with the other major cities in Europe.

Urban Development

The cities of Malta, especially Valletta, Mosta, and Sliema are modern and yet they have their historic buildings and therefore they are practical as well as scenic.

Ideal Seasons

To visit Malta, the most favorable time of year is spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), the weather is not so hot, and there is no mass influx of tourists.

Special events/Festivals

Malta Jazz Festival Carnival of Malta and the Malta International Arts Festival are some of the most important cultural events to attend.

Conclusion:

Malta is an ideal place that combines the rich history with contemporary innovation and its natural beauty. Be it in wandering the historic streets of Valletta, lounging at the Gozo beaches or making merry amidst the festivals that run through the island, Malta sets to be a beaming experience and one whose life will ever be enhanced.

Customers regularly ask questions about prices, times, or any question that may occur to them. These questions are what we term as frequently asked questions.

When is the best time to go to Malta?

The most preferable time to visit is in spring (March to May) or in autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild and the Island is empty.

Which are the best places in Malta?

The best attractions are Valletta, Megalithic Temples, The Blue Lagoon, Mdina and the Gozo Island.

Which are the languages spoken in Malta?

The official languages are Maltese and English, but English is widely spread in the country.

Is Malta tourist friendly?

Yes, it is a very safe country where many tourists are welcome with a few cases of crime.

Which cultural festivals must I attend in Malta?

Malta Jazz Festival Carnival of Malta and the Malta International Arts Festival are some of the most important cultural events to attend.