Official Name: Republic of Malta
Capital: Valletta
Total area: 316 km2
GDP per capita: $27,022
Native Language: Maltese, English
Government: Parliamentary republic
Population: 452,515
Major Religion: Roman Catholicism
Monetary Unit: Euro (EUR)

Malta is a group of seven 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, in the heart of the Mediterranean, is a melting pot of civilizations with a history stretching back thousands of years. The country has been around since about 5200 BC. A significant prehistoric civilization existed on the islands before the arrival of the Phoenicians, who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. For centuries the islands were later the seat of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John and then part of the British Empire. Malta became independent in 1964.

The Maltese government is headed by the leader of the party with the majority of seats in the unicameral House of Representatives, called Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti in Maltese.

The national language is Maltese and belongs to the Semitic language family, which also includes Arabic. English is also recognized as an official language and many Maltese also speak Italian.

Tourism is important in Malta, but the island also has an expanding service sector.

Traditional Maltese dishes include soups (minestrone, fish), pasta and pastries. Stuffed dishes are also part of Maltese cuisine. Stuffat Tal-Fenek (rabbit stew) is a national dish.


Health & Welfare
The Maltese health care system provides comprehensive coverage for all citizens. Free pharmaceuticals are offered to low income workers.

Economy & Jobs
Agriculture and tourism.

Main Attractions
Valetta, Gozo island, Mdina city (3000 years old), and Ħaġar Qim temple.

Economy
Malta is classified as an advanced economy together with 32 other countries according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Until 1800 Malta depended on cotton, tobacco and its shipyards for exports. Once under British control, they came to depend on the dockyard for support of the Royal Navy, especially during the Crimean War of 1854. The military base benefited craftsmen and all those who served the military.

In 1869, the opening of the Suez Canal gave Malta's economy a great boost, as there was a massive increase in the shipping which entered the port. Ships stopping at Malta's docks for refuelling helped the Entrepôt trade, which brought additional benefits to the island.