Malta

About

Malta is a small island nation located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. It consists of three main inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, along with two uninhabited islets, Comminotto and Filfla. The country has a rich history, with evidence of habitation dating back to around 5900 BC. Over the centuries, Malta has been ruled by various powers, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and British, each leaving their mark on the island's culture and architecture. Malta's strategic location has historically made it a significant military and economic hub. Today, it is a unitary parliamentary republic with a free-market economy, heavily reliant on tourism, manufacturing, and financial services. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and adopted the euro in 2008. Malta is known for its beautiful landscapes, historic sites like Valletta and the Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum, and a vibrant culture influenced by its diverse past. The official languages are Maltese and English, and the country maintains a strong Roman Catholic tradition.