Malta

Malta, officially Republic of Malta, republic in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, made up of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, and some uninhabited islets, for a total area of 122 sq mi (316 sq km). The capital and chief port is Valletta.

Land

The islands are chiefly layers of limestone, with a thin topsoil, and reach their greatest height (827 ft/252 m) near Dingli, on Malta. Their fertile slopes and valleys are intensively cultivated, usually under irrigation.

People

The state religion is Roman Catholicism, and the official languages are English and Maltese, a Semitic language; Italian is widely spoken.

Economy

Malta has almost no mineral wealth or valuable natural resources and must import most of what it needs. Agriculture, tourism, shipbuilding, and light industry, as well as traditional handicrafts (lave and ceramic), support the economy.

History

Malta is rich in prehistoric remains, but the first known inhabitants were the Phoenicians, who were succeeded by the Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, and Saracens. Saint Paul was shipwrecked on Malta about A.D. 60. In 1530, after occupation by the Arabs, Normans, and Spaniards, Malta was granted to the Knights Hospitalers (later Knights of Malta), who defeated the Turks in the Great Siege (1565) and built Valletta. They were ousted by Napoleon I (1798), and 2 years later Malta passed to the British. Malta's courage under siege and intensive Axis bombardment during World War II was recognized by the award of the George Cross to the entire population. The country became independent within the Commonwealth in 1964. In 1990 Malta submitted a formal request for entry into the EC.