Malta

c. 7000 BCE – First settlers arrive in Malta, establishing Neolithic civilization

218 BCE – Malta becomes part of the Roman Empire

870 CE – Arab conquest of Malta, introducing Islamic culture

1091 CE – Norman conquest of Malta, the island comes under Christian rule

1530 (March 26, Thursday) – Knights of St. John take control of Malta from Emperor Charles V

1565 (September 7, Thursday) – Great Siege of Malta by the Ottoman Empire (defeated by the Knights of St. John)

1798 (June 9, Saturday) – French invasion of Malta, led by Napoleon Bonaparte

1800 (September 5, Friday) – British protectorate established over Malta after French withdrawal

1964 (September 21, Monday) – Independence from the United Kingdom, Malta becomes a sovereign state

1974 (December 13, Friday) – Republic of Malta proclaimed

2004 (May 1, Saturday) – Malta joins the European Union

2017 (March 8, Wednesday) – Collapse of the Azure Window, a natural limestone arch on Gozo Island, after a storm

2020 (March 2020) – COVID-19 pandemic severely impacts tourism

2024 (January 2024) – Flooding in Valletta and surrounding areas, caused by heavy rainfall

Continent: Europe
Location: Southern Europe, Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy
Capital: Valletta
Language: Maltese, English (both official languages)
Currency: Euro (€)
Population: ~540,000 (last updated: April 2025)
Time Zone: Central European Time (CET, UTC+1), Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2)

Borders: None (archipelago of islands)
Landscape: Rocky, hilly terrain, coastal cliffs, sandy beaches
Major Rivers: None (due to island nature)
Major Mountains: None (highest point is 253 m)
Deserts: None
Lakes: None (surrounded by sea)
Volcanoes: None
Highest Point: Ta’ Dmejrek (253 m / 830 ft)
Lowest Point: Mediterranean Sea (0 m)
Climate: Mediterranean climate – hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters
Geological Features: Limestone cliffs, rocky coastline, caves, and underground reservoirs

Ethnic Groups: Predominantly Maltese
Religion: Roman Catholic (over 90%)
Urban Population: ~95% (last updated: 2023)
Aging Population: ~19% aged 65+ (last updated: 2024)

Famous For: Historic architecture, Mediterranean cuisine, sea ports, fishing, and festivals
Cuisine: Pastizzi, rabbit stew, seafood, Maltese bread, Ftira (Maltese pizza), Imqaret (dates-filled pastry)
Arts: Baroque architecture, stone carvings, medieval and Renaissance art
Sports: Football (soccer), basketball, water polo, rugby

Economy Type: Advanced, service-based economy with a strong focus on tourism
GDP: Approx. $16 billion USD (last updated: 2024)
Major Industries: Tourism, manufacturing, financial services, electronics, pharmaceuticals
Key Exports: Machinery, electrical equipment, textiles, pharmaceuticals
Unemployment Rate: ~3.8% (last updated: 2024)
Economic Regions: Tourism-based economy, with major income from services, particularly in the tourism and financial sectors

Government Type: Parliamentary republic
Head of State: President Robert Abela (as of April 2025)
Head of Government: Prime Minister Robert Abela (as of April 2025)
Legislature: Unicameral (House of Representatives)
Constitution: In effect since 1964 (after independence)

Valletta: UNESCO World Heritage Site, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grandmaster’s Palace
Mdina: The “Silent City,” medieval fortifications, historical buildings
Gozo: Island known for the Azure Window (collapsed in 2017), beaches, and hiking trails
The Blue Lagoon: Crystal-clear water, popular for snorkeling and boat trips
Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni: Prehistoric underground temple, UNESCO World Heritage Site