1.
Location and Area of the Country
Malta is a small island country located in Southern Europe, in
the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. It lies between the island
of Sicily (which belongs to Italy) and the northern coast of
Africa. Because of its location, Malta has always been an
important place for trade and military strategy.
The country consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and
Comino. Malta is the largest and most populated, with many
cities, historical sites, and businesses. Gozo is smaller and
more rural, known for its beautiful landscapes, fishing villages,
and traditional way of life. Comino is the smallest island, with
only a few people living there. It is famous for the Blue
Lagoon, a stunning turquoise bay that attracts many tourists.
The total area of Malta is only 316 km², making it one of the
smallest countries in the world. For comparison, Malta is smaller
than some large cities, such as London or New York.
2. Population and Language
Malta has a population of about 514,000 people, which makes
it one of the most densely populated countries in Europe. Many
people live in cities and towns along the coast, such as Valletta
(the capital), Sliema, and St. Julian’s. These areas are busy
and modern, with shops, restaurants, and hotels. However,
there are also quiet villages, especially in Gozo.
There are two official languages in Malta: Maltese and
English. Most people speak both languages fluently. Maltese is
a unique language that has roots in Arabic but also includes
many words from Italian, French, and English. For example, the
Maltese word "bonġu" means "good morning" and comes from
the Italian "buongiorno". English is widely spoken, especially
in business, education, and tourism.
Many Maltese people also speak Italian because Malta is
geographically close to Italy, and Italian television channels are
popular.
3. History
Malta has a long and fascinating history. The first settlers
arrived over 7,000 years ago, building megalithic temples
that are older than the Egyptian pyramids.
In ancient times, Malta was ruled by the Phoenicians,
Romans, and later the Arabs, who influenced the Maltese
language. In 1530, the Knights of St. John took control and
built fortifications, including Valletta. In 1565, they
successfully defended Malta against the Ottoman Empire in
the Great Siege of Malta.
Malta later became part of the British Empire and played an
important role in World War II. The island was heavily bombed
but remained strong, earning the George Cross for bravery.
Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964 and joined
the European Union in 2004.
4. Culture and Traditions
Maltese culture is a mix of Mediterranean influences, with
traditions from Italy, Spain, and the Arab world.
One of the most important parts of Maltese culture is religious
festivals. Every town and village has an annual festa, which is
a celebration of the local patron saint. During a festa, the
streets are decorated with colorful lights, and there are
processions, brass band music, and fireworks. For example, the
Feast of St. Paul’s Shipwreck in Valletta is one of the biggest
celebrations in Malta.
Maltese cuisine is also a big part of the culture. Some traditional
dishes include:
Pastizzi – small, crispy pastries filled with ricotta cheese
or mashed peas. These are popular street snacks.
Stuffat tal-Fenek – a slow-cooked rabbit stew, which is
considered Malta’s national dish.
Lampuki Pie – a fish pie made with lampuki, a type of
fish found in Maltese waters.
Music and dance are also important in Maltese culture.
Traditional folk music, called għana, is often performed in
villages. It is a form of improvised singing, where two singers
compete by exchanging verses in a poetic way.
5. Religion
Religion plays a central role in Malta’s society. Over 90% of the
population is Roman Catholic, and the Maltese people are
very religious. There are more than 360 churches across the
islands, which means there is almost one church for every day
of the year!
Some of the most important religious events in Malta include:
Good Friday processions, where people dress in
traditional biblical costumes and walk through the streets.
Christmas celebrations, with beautiful nativity scenes,
midnight Mass, and family feasts.
Each town has a festa dedicated to its patron saint. During
these festivals, people carry large statues of saints through the
streets, while fireworks light up the sky.
6. Tourism and Transport
Tourism is one of the most important industries in Malta. Every
year, millions of visitors come to Malta to enjoy its warm
climate, clear blue sea, and rich history. Some of the most
famous tourist attractions include:
Valletta – the capital city, known for its Baroque
architecture and stunning views.
Mdina – the old medieval capital, also called "The Silent
City" because of its peaceful atmosphere.
The Blue Lagoon – a breathtaking swimming spot on the
island of Comino.
The Megalithic Temples – ancient structures older than
Stonehenge.
Malta has a well-developed public transport system, with
buses that connect all major towns and villages. There are also
ferries that take passengers between Malta and Gozo. The
country has one international airport, located near Luqa.
7. Films and Literature
Because of its beautiful landscapes and historical sites, Malta is
a popular filming location. Many famous movies and TV series
have been shot here, such as:
"Gladiator" (2000) – some scenes were filmed in Fort
Ricasoli.
"Troy" (2004) – filmed on Malta’s beaches.
"Game of Thrones" (Season 1) – parts of King’s Landing
were filmed in Mdina.
Maltese literature is influenced by history, religion, and folklore.
Many books and legends tell stories about the Knights of St.
John and the famous shipwreck of St. Paul.
8. Interesting Facts
Malta is one of the smallest but most densely
populated countries in the world.
It has no rivers or lakes, so most of its water comes from
desalination.
The Maltese cross, a symbol of the Knights of St. John, is
used on coins and logos.
Malta was awarded the George Cross for bravery during
World War II.
The country has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Our photos
Marsaxlokk is a traditional fishing village on the island of Malta.
It is famous for its colorful boats docked in the bay. Before
visiting Marsaxlokk, there was a trip to the Blue Grotto. The first
picture in that series shows a type of gate called "nie wieszka."
The local architecture features Maltese townhouses with
decorative doors—often in bright colors like blue or green—and
charming balconies.
Malta is also known for its festivals and traditional dishes. One
festival mentioned is the fire festival, also known as the Yogurt
Fire Festival. Traditional Maltese cuisine includes seafood dishes
with giant shrimp and meat dishes with potatoes. All these
elements together create a unique atmosphere with a blend of
beautiful architecture, lively traditions, festivals, and delicious
food
