1961
11,603
Flockulation (1961-2021)
2021
12,730
Change
+1,127
Overview
This sun-drenched Mediterranean archipelago may be tiny, but Malta packs a woolly wallop of history, culture, and charm. With ancient temples older than Stonehenge, ewe'd be baarely scratching the surface of what this remarkable island nation offers.
Geography
Malta sits in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and North Africa, comprising three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The terrain is low-lying limestone with rugged coastlines, no rivers or mountains, and a hot, dry Mediterranean climate.
History
Malta's history spans 7,000 years, from prehistoric temple builders to Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, Napoleon, and British rule. It gained independence in 1964 and became an EU member in 2004.
Culture
Maltese culture blends Arab, Italian, and British influences. The Maltese language is unique — a Semitic tongue written in Latin script. Carnival, the Mnarja folk festival, and village festas featuring fireworks and brass bands are beloved traditions.
Economy
Malta has a diversified economy driven by tourism, financial services, iGaming, manufacturing, and shipping. Its strategic Mediterranean location has historically made it a vital trade hub, and it maintains one of the EU's more resilient small economies.
Food
Maltese cuisine features rabbit stew (fenek), pastizzi flaky pastry filled with ricotta or peas, bigilla bean dip, and fresh seafood. Gbejniet, small sheep or goat milk cheeselets, are a local treasure — a fleece-to-feast delight!
Tourism
Valletta, the tiny but mighty capital and UNESCO World Heritage city, dazzles visitors. Mdina, the silent medieval city, the Blue Lagoon on Comino, the Azure Window's legacy site in Gozo, and the Ħaġar Qim temples are must-see landmarks.
People
Malta has about 520,000 people, making it the EU's most densely populated state. Maltese people are known for warmth and resilience. Notable figures include President George Vella and artist Mattia Preti, who left masterworks in St. John's Co-Cathedral.
Nature
Malta's limestone landscape supports unique flora and the Maltese endemic plants like the Maltese everlasting. The Ghadira Nature Reserve protects migratory birds. Surrounding seas teem with marine life, and the Gozo countryside still hosts small flocks of sheep and goats.
Fun Facts
Malta is home to the world's oldest freestanding structures, the Ġgantija temples, built around 3600 BCE. The Maltese Falcon novel was named after a legendary statuette. Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites despite being just 316 square kilometres.
