Are you curious to learn some weird and wonderful facts about Malta?
If so, excellent! You are in exactly the right place my friend…
It’s time to chat about Malta facts.
Let’s dive right in…
Facts About Malta
1 – Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea with a population of 502,000.
2 – It has been inhabited since around 7000 BC.
3 – The country’s name comes from the word “malta” which means “refuge” or “place of safety”. Malta was named after the Latin word “malta” meaning “refuge”, because it served as refuge to many ships from enemy pirates in ancient times.
4 – Malta was ruled by the Arabs from 870-1090, then became part of the Norman Kingdom of Sicily and later passed to Aragon, Spain and Austria before becoming an independent republic on September 21, 1964.
5 – Despite its small size, it has played a significant role in world history – including being one of only two locations where Stonehenge-style megalithic temples exist (the other is in Göbekli Tepe).
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6 – The Maltese language is descended from Siculo-Arabic dialects spoken by medieval Arab settlers on the island.
7 – Malta has the second-highest quality of life in Europe.
8 – Malta’s economy relies heavily on tourism, with about 1 million tourists visiting each year.
9 – In 1565, when it was surrendered to England by the Turks, it became the headquarters of British naval power in the Mediterranean for more than 200 years.
10 – The country gained independence from Britain on September 21, 1964.
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11 – Malta was founded by the Phoenicians and became part of the Roman Empire in 218 BC.
12 – The capital city is Valletta, which was founded by the Knights Hospitaller in 1566.
13 – They are members of the European Union and NATO.
14 – Stone-cut tombs show that people have lived on Malta since 5000 BC.
15 – The country is home to many historical sites including Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Hal Saflieni Hypogeum which are prehistoric temples dating back 3,600 years that were discovered during construction work on an apartment complex.
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16 – Malta’s national animal is Pharaoh Hound and the national flower is Cheirolophus Crassifolius.
17 – In 1814, George Cross was awarded by King George IV to honor the bravery of the Maltese people during World War II.
18 – One popular dish served in Malta is rabbit stew with pasta which is cooked using tomatoes, onions, garlic cloves, carrots and parsley leaves.
19 – Eighty-five percent of Maltese citizens live near to the sea as it’s a popular tourist destination.
20 – Malta was once ruled by Catholic knights, which led to Catholicism being the dominant religion of the country today.
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21 – In 2008, the World Economic Forum ranked Malta as “the most competitive economy” in Europe and third most competitive worldwide.
22 – Maltese law requires that all education be free and compulsory until age 16 or completion of secondary school.
23 – The country has been ruled by various nations throughout history including the Romans, French, British, Spanish, and Ottoman Empire.
24 – The national anthem is L-Innu Malti which is translated to Anthem of Malta.
25 – Napoleon took over Malta in 1798 while on his way to Egypt.
Bonus Facts
People drive on the left-hand side of the road in Malta.
There are three official languages in Malta – Maltese, Maltese Sign Language and English.
