Bonġu!
Our Homeland
Malta is a country in the European Union. Independence was gained in 1964 and Malta became a republic in 1974. Official currency is the Euro but was previously the Lira. Malta is home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, one being the capital city of Valletta. The population is around 500,000 people.
Malta Quick Facts
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross
The recognizable 8 point cross was dubbed by the Knights Hospitaller in the early 16th century. The points have multiple representative interpretations.
Languages
Maltese Cross
Maltese Cross
Maltese is a Semitic language. Its morphology is derived from Arabic, Latin, Italian, and Sicilian. Learn some basics here! English is Malta's other nationally recognized language.
Flag
Maltese Cross
Spirituality
The red and white flag was first recognized in May of 1952. The top left corner is a representation of the George Cross. Which was awarded to Malta by King George VI in 1942.
Spirituality
Maltese Cross
Spirituality
Maltese values are heavily influenced by Roman Catholicism. Each village has a parish with a dedicated patron saint. Malta is renowned for jubilant Festas honoring these saints.
The terrain
Malta is a known for jagged limestone cliffs and crystal clear blue water. Because of this, Malta is a very popular filming location and has most notably been featured in Popeye, Gladiator, Game of Thrones, Jurassic Park, Troy, Luzzu, and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean between Sicily and the North African coast. The total land area is about 122 square miles (316 km2). Mainland Malta is about 17 miles long and 9 miles wide. Gozo is about 9 miles long and 4.5 miles wide. Malta is the 10th smallest country (by area) in the world. The climate is hot and dry, and cools in the winter. Malta is derived from a Greek word for honey, which is among its abundantly foraged resources. Others include spineless capers, chamomile, figs, thyme, and prickly pears.
God Save the Queen
A Joy of Elizabeth II
As quoted in The Crown, Queen Elizabeth II often said Malta was one of her favorite places to have lived. She stayed in Villa Guardamangia through 1949-1951. This was her last residence as Princess, as her succession to Queen was in 1952. Her beloved royal yacht, the Britannia, made her maiden voyage stop in Malta.