Valetta, the capital city, is a UNESCO World

Heritage Site and is renowned for its rich

historical architecture.
GEOGRAPIC LOCATION
Malta is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea,
south of Italy and north of Libya. It covers an area of
316 square kilometers, making it one of the smallest
countries in Europe.

Malta is also famous for its prehistoric temples, which

are among the oldest freestanding structures in the
world, and its beautiful coastlines that attract millions
of tourists annually.
The Maltese archipelago consists of
three main islands: Malta (the
largest and most populous), Gozo
(known for its rural countryside and
historic sites), and Comino (a very
small, mostly uninhabited island
famous for the Blue Lagoon).
 Malta has a population of
around 514,564 as of
2023, and its population
density is among the
highest in the world.

The Population of
Malta
 The Maltese people are
predominantly Roman Catholic,
and religion plays an integral
part in everyday life, with a large
number of religious festivals and
public holidays throughout the
year.

The country is home to several

international organizations, and
it offers a high quality of life,
making it an attractive
destination for foreigners.
 The
language of
Malta
Malta has two official languages:
Maltese and English. Maltese (Il-
Lingwa Maltija) is the national
language, spoken by nearly all of
the population.

Maltese and English coexist harmoniously

in daily life, with most Maltese people being
bilingual. It’s common for conversations to
switch between the two languages, often
referred to as code-switching
It is a Semitic
language with roots in
Arabic, but over
centuries, it has been
influenced by Italian,
Sicilian, French, and
English. Maltese is the
only Semitic language
written in the Latin
alphabet
English is also widely
spoken and serves as the
second official language.
Due to British colonization,
English is the language of
education, law,
government, and business.
In fact, English is often the
primary language used in
schools, universities, and
professional environments.
 Influence & Current
Malta’s history ofCondition Tourism remains a
being controlled by critical pillar of
numerous civilizations, This mixture of
Malta’s economy,
including the influences can be
Phoenicians, Romans, with visitors
seen in the
Byzantines, Arabs, flocking to the
country’s
Normans, Knights of islands for their
architecture,
St. John, French, and warm climate,
British, has left a deep traditions, and even stunning beaches,
mark on its culture its cuisine.
historical sites, and
and identity.
vibrant festivals.
Historical Events
Malta is home to some of the world's
oldest temples, such as the Ġgantija
Temples on Gozo, which date back to
around 3600 BCE. These megalithic
structures predate even Stonehenge and
the Egyptian pyramids.Knights of St.
John (1530-1798): The Order of the
Knights of St. John, also known as the
Knights Hospitaller, was granted rule
over Malta by the Holy Roman Emperor
Charles V. The Knights fortified the
islands and built the city of Valletta after
their victory in the Great Siege of 1565,
when they successfully defended Malta
from an invasion by the Ottoman Empire.
Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean
Parisot de Valette, became a stronghold
of European Christian culture.
French Occupation (1798-1800): Napoleon Bonaparte
briefly captured Malta on his way to Egypt in 1798.
However, the French rule was short-lived due to the
Maltese rebellion and assistance from the British.

British Rule (1800-1964): Malta became a British

protectorate in 1800 and later a colony. Its strategic
position made it a vital naval base, especially during
World War II, when Malta endured severe bombing raids
by the Axis powers. Malta’s resilience during the war
earned it the George Cross, which is still featured on the
Maltese flag today. In 1964, Malta gained independence
from Britain, becoming a republic in 1974.

EU Membership (2004): Malta's accession to the

European Union in 2004 has significantly boosted its
economic development. Malta has adopted the Euro as its
currency and participates in EU policies on trade,
immigration, and education.6. Etiquette, Norms, &
Culture
Etiquette, Norms, & Culture
Business Etiquette Social Etiquette
In Malta, business relationships are Social gatherings in Malta often
formal yet friendly. Punctuality is revolve around family and religious
important, and business meetings events. Maltese people are known for
often begin with small talk to their hospitality and warmth towards
establish rapport. Handshakes are guests. It is common to greet people
the common form of greeting, and with a handshake, and in more
it's polite to address people by intimate settings, cheek-kissing (often
their title and surname unless twice) is a customary greeting,
invited to use first names. Business especially among close friends or
attire is generally conservative, family. It’s also polite to bring a small
with men typically wearing suits gift, such as wine or sweets, when
and women opting for formal invited to someone’s home.
dresses or suits.
Slang & Vocabulary: Maltese English incorporates slang and idioms that reflect its
unique cultural influences. For example, "kappara" (a deposit) or "ghajnuna" (help) may
be heard in conversations where Maltese words are blended with English. Many Maltese
also mix Maltese and English freely in informal conversations, often using English words
with a distinct Maltese pronunciation.
Grammar & Pronunciation: English grammar in Malta generally follows British norms,
given its colonial history. However, the pronunciation of some words may be influenced
by Maltese sounds, particularly among older generations. For instance, some Maltese
speakers may pronounce the "th" sound in "think" as a "t" sound, similar to "tink."
Younger generations, however, tend to adopt more standard British pronunciation due to
their education system.

Bilingualism: Most Maltese people are fluent in both Maltese and English, and they are
adept at switching between the two languages depending on the context. English is more
common in formal settings, while Maltese is often spoken at home or in more casual
environments.