Malta: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox Country |
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{{Otheruses1|the Mediterranean country}} |
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{{Infobox Country |
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|native_name = ''Repubblika ta' Malta'' |
|native_name = ''Repubblika ta' Malta'' |
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|conventional_long_name = Republic of Malta |
|conventional_long_name = Republic of Malta |
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|image_coat = Coat_of_arms_of_Malta.svg |
|image_coat = Coat_of_arms_of_Malta.svg |
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|image_map = Location Malta EU Europe.png |
|image_map = Location Malta EU Europe.png |
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|map_caption = Location of Malta (dark green) <br /> – |
|map_caption = Location of Malta (dark green) <br /> – on the [[Europe|European continent]] (light green & dark grey) <br /> |
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|national_motto = |
|national_motto = |
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|national_anthem = ''[[L-Innu Malti]]''<small><br/>("The Maltese |
|national_anthem = ''[[L-Innu Malti]]''<small><br/>("The Maltese Anthem")</small> |
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|official_languages = [[Maltese language|Maltese]], [[English language|English]] |
|official_languages = [[Maltese language|Maltese]], [[English language|English]] |
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|demonym = Maltese |
|demonym = Maltese |
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|ethnic_groups = [[Maltese people|Maltese]] 95.3%, [[British people|British]] 1.6%, other 3.1% <ref>[http://www.populstat.info/Europe/maltag.htm Populstat.info]</ref> |
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|capital = [[Valletta]] (''[[de facto]]'') |
|capital = [[Valletta]] (''[[de facto]]'') |
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|latd=35 |latm=53 |lats=42 |latNS=N |longd=14 |longm=30 |longs=36 |longEW=E |
|latd=35 |latm=53 |lats=42 |latNS=N |longd=14 |longm=30 |longs=36 |longEW=E |
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|largest_city = [[Birkirkara]] |
|largest_city = [[Birkirkara, Malta|Birkirkara]] |
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|other_cities = [[Sliema]] [[Floriana]] [[Qormi]] [[Mellieha]] [[Paola]] |
|other_cities = [[Sliema]] [[Floriana]] [[Qormi]] [[Mellieha]] [[Paola]] |
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|government_type = [[Parliamentary republic|Parliamentary Republic]] |
|government_type = [[Parliamentary republic|Parliamentary Republic]] |
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|leader_title1 = [[President of Malta|President]] |
|leader_title1 = [[President of Malta|President]] |
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|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]] |
|leader_title2 = [[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]] |
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|leader_title3 = <small>[[President of Malta|President-designate]]</small> |
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|leader_name1 = [[Eddie Fenech Adami|Edward Fenech Adami]] |
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|leader_name2 = [[Lawrence Gonzi]] |
|leader_name2 = [[Lawrence Gonzi]] |
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|leader_name3 = <small>[[George Abela]]</small> |
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|area_rank = |
|accessionEUdate = May 1, 2004 |
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|area_rank = 185th <!--rank based on sovereign states only--> |
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|area_magnitude = 1_E8 |
|area_magnitude = 1_E8 |
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|area_km2 = 316 |
|area_km2 = 316 |
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|area_sq_mi = 121 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
|area_sq_mi = 121 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|percent_water = 0.001 |
|percent_water = 0.001 |
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|population_estimate_year = |
|population_estimate_year = 2007 |
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|population_estimate = |
|population_estimate = 419,285 |
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|population_estimate_rank = 174th <!--rank based on sovereign states only--> |
|population_estimate_rank = 174th <!--rank based on sovereign states only--> |
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|population_census = 404, |
|population_census = 404,500<sup>1</sup> |
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|population_census_year = 2005 |
|population_census_year = 2005 |
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|population_density_km2 = 1, |
|population_density_km2 = 1,282 <!--2005 census--> |
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|population_density_sq_mi = 3, |
|population_density_sq_mi = 3,339 <!--Do not remove per [[WP:MOSNUM]]--> |
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|population_density_rank = |
|population_density_rank = 7th <!--rank based on sovereign states only--> |
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|GDP_PPP_year = 2008 |
|GDP_PPP_year = 2008 |
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|GDP_PPP = $9. |
|GDP_PPP = $9.894 billion<ref name="autogenerated1">{{cite web|url=http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/ft/weo/2008/02/weodata/weorept.aspx?sy=2004&ey=2008&scsm=1&ssd=1&sort=country&ds=.&br=1&c=181&s=NGDPD%2CNGDPDPC%2CPPPGDP%2CPPPPC%2CLP&grp=0&a=&pr.x=37&pr.y=1|title=Report for Selected Countries and Subjects<!-- Bot generated title -->}}</ref> |
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|GDP_PPP_rank = |
|GDP_PPP_rank = 137th |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $23, |
|GDP_PPP_per_capita = $23,908 <ref name="autogenerated1" /> (IMF) |
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|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = |
|GDP_PPP_per_capita_rank = 37th |
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|HDI_year = 2006 |
|HDI_year = 2006 |
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|HDI = {{increase}}0.894 |
|HDI = {{increase}}0.894 |
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|HDI_rank = 36th |
|HDI_rank = 36th |
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|HDI_category = < |
|HDI_category = <font color="#009900">high</font> |
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|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
|sovereignty_type = [[Independence]] |
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|established_event1 = from the [[United Kingdom]] |
|established_event1 = from the [[United Kingdom]] |
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|established_event2 = Republic |
|established_event2 = Republic |
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|established_date2 = December 13, 1974 |
|established_date2 = December 13, 1974 |
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|currency = [[Euro]] ([[Euro sign|€]])<sup>2</sup> |
|currency = [[Euro]] ([[Euro sign|€]])<sup>2</sup>[[List of banks in Malta|Banks]] |
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|currency_code = EUR |
|currency_code = EUR |
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|country_code = MLT |
|country_code = MLT |
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|calling_code = 356 |
|calling_code = 356 |
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|GDP_nominal_year = 2008 |
|GDP_nominal_year = 2008 |
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|GDP_nominal = $8. |
|GDP_nominal = $8.584 billion<ref name="autogenerated1" /> |
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|GDP_nominal_rank = |
|GDP_nominal_rank = 118th |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $20 |
|GDP_nominal_per_capita = $20.744 <ref name="autogenerated1" /> (IMF) |
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|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = |
|GDP_nominal_per_capita_rank = 28th |
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|religion = [[Roman Catholicism]] |
|religion = [[Roman Catholicism]] |
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|percent_religion = 98<!--CIA World Factbook, August 2006. See external links.--> |
|percent_religion = 98<!--CIA World Factbook, August 2006. See external links.--> |
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}} |
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{{otheruses1|the Mediterranean country}} |
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'''Malta''' {{Audio-IPA|en-us-Malta.ogg|/ˈmɔːltə/}}, officially the '''Republic of Malta''' ({{lang-mt|Repubblika ta' Malta}}), is a [[population density|densely]] populated [[developed country|developed]] [[European microstates|European]] [[country]] in the [[European Union]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traveltips24.com/European_Microstates.htm |title=European Microstates hotels, youth hostels, nightlife. European Microstates culture, tourist attractions, souvenirs. European Microstates travel tips, flights |publisher=Traveltips24.com |date=2008-12-22 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/adco/1998/00000020/00000001/00135717#aff_1 |title=IngentaConnect Career guidance in Malta: A Mediterranean microstate in transitio |publisher=Ingentaconnect.com |date=2006-06-16 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/the-microstate-environmental-world-cup-malta-vs-san-marino/613 |title=The Microstate Environmental World Cup: Malta vs. San Marino |publisher=Environmentalgraffiti.com|date=2007-12-15 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> The [[Southern Europe]]an [[island nation|island]] [[nation]] is an [[archipelago]] that includes the inhabited islands of Malta, [[Gozo]] and [[Comino]], along with a number of smaller, uninhabited islands. It is situated centrally in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], 93 km south of [[Sicily]] ([[Italy]]) and 288 km north of [[Tunisia]]. [[Gibraltar]] is 1,826 km to the west and [[Alexandria]] 1,510 km to the east.<ref>http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/islands/location.asp</ref> |
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Malta is |
'''Malta''' {{Audio-IPA|en-us-Malta.ogg|/ˈmɔːltə/}}, officially the '''Republic of Malta''' ({{lang-mt|Repubblika ta' Malta}}), is a small and densely populated [[European microstates|European]] [[microstate]],<ref>[http://www.traveltips24.com/European_Microstates.htm]</ref><ref>[http://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/klu/adco/1998/00000020/00000001/00135717#aff_1]</ref><ref>[http://www.environmentalgraffiti.com/offbeat-news/the-microstate-environmental-world-cup-malta-vs-san-marino/613]</ref> comprising an [[archipelago]] of seven islands, making it an [[island nation]]. Situated in [[Southern Europe]], {{km to mi|93|abbr=yes}} [[Italian peninsula|off the coast]] of [[Sicily]] ([[Italy]]), it is located in the [[Mediterranean Sea]], giving the country a warm, [[Mediterranean climate]], while a further {{km to mi|288|abbr=yes}} to the island's west is [[Tunisia]] and about {{km to mi|300|abbr=yes}} south is [[Libya]].<ref>[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html#Geo CIA Factbook] - Geographic location</ref><ref>[http://www.doi.gov.mt/en/islands/location.asp The Maltese Islands], Department of Information - Malta.</ref> [[Valletta]] is [[de facto|in practice]] the nation's [[capital city]]. |
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Throughout its history, Malta |
Throughout much of its history, Malta has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part its position in the Mediterranean Sea.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://home.wanadoo.nl/bezver/introduc.html|publisher=A History of Malta|title=Situation|date=[[6 February]] [[2008]]}}</ref> It was held by several ancient cultures including [[Phoenician]]s, [[Carthaginians]], [[Roman Empire|Romans]], [[Byzantine]]s, [[Sicily|Sicilians]], and others. The island is commonly associated with the [[Knights Hospitaller]] who ruled it. This, along with the historic [[Acts of the Apostles|Biblical]] shipwreck of [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]] on the island, ingrained the strong [[Roman Catholic Church|Roman Catholic]] legacy which is still the official and most practiced [[religion in Malta]] today. |
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The country's official languages are [[Maltese language|Maltese]] and [[English language|English]], although there are strong historical ties to the [[Italian language]] on the islands. Malta gained [[independence]] from the [[United Kingdom]] in 1964 and is currently a member of the [[European Union]] which it joined in 2004, in addition to being part of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]] and the [[United Nations]]. |
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Malta is known for its [[world heritage site]]s,<ref name=Unesco>{{cite web | title= Megalithic Temples of Malta| url= http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/132|accessdate=2008-09-16}}</ref> most prominently the [[Megalithic Temples of Malta|Megalithic Temples]] which are the oldest free-standing structures in Europe.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.bradshawfoundation.com/malta/ |title=The Prehistoric Archaeology of the Temples of Malta |publisher=Bradshawfoundation.com |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.otsf.org/ |title=Malta Temples and The OTS Foundation |publisher=Otsf.org |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>David Trump et al., Malta Before History (2004: Miranda Publishers)</ref> According to the [[Acts of the Apostles]], [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]] was shipwrecked on the island. Malta is also considered a [[Location hypotheses of Atlantis|hypothetical location]] for the mythical lost island of [[Atlantis]].<ref>[http://www.atlantis-scout.de/Franke_Atlantis=Sicily_Atlantis2008_Proceedings.pdf ]{{Dead link|date=July 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://atlantisinmalta.art.officelive.com/default.aspx |title=Atlantis In Malta |publisher=Atlantisinmalta.art.officelive.com |date=2009-03-17 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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==Etymology== |
==Etymology== |
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The origin of the term "Malta" is uncertain |
The origin of the term "Malta" is uncertain, though the modern day variation is from the [[Maltese language]]. The more common [[etymology]] is that it comes from the [[Ancient Greek language|Greek]] word μέλι (''meli'') ('honey'). The Greeks called the island Μελίτη (''Melite'') meaning "[[honey]]" or "honey-sweet" possibly due to Malta's unique production of honey; Malta has had an [[Endemism|endemic]] species of bee which lives on the island, giving it the common nickname the "land of honey".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2003/06/29/l7.html|publisher=Malta Today|title=Controversy over unique Maltese bee population|date=[[February 6]] [[2008]]}}</ref> Not only was there Greek influence on the island as early as [[700 BCE]],<ref name="ndmh">{{cite news|url=http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/islands/dates.asp|publisher=Department of Information - Maltese Government|title=Notable dates in Malta's history|date=[[February 6]] [[2008]]}}</ref> but the island was later dominated by the Greek-speaking [[Byzantine Empire]] from 395 to 870.<ref name="ndmh" /> Another etymology given is the [[Phoenician languages|Phoenician]] word ''Maleth'' meaning "a haven,"<ref>{{cite book |last=Pickles |first=Tim | title = Malta 1565: Last Battle of the Crusades |publisher=Osprey Publishing |url=http://books.google.com/books?id=0LuvbRQ78sIC&pg=PA11&lpg=PA11&dq=Maleth+Malta+haven&source=web&ots=PGO2OF9Y9I&sig=rcodiMbexlDy5YwMXhelH7zEYyw |isbn=978-1855326033}}</ref> in reference to Malta's many bays and coves. |
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== History == |
== History == |
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{{ |
{{main|History of Malta|Timeline of Maltese history}} |
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===Ancient civilizations=== |
===Ancient civilizations=== |
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{{ |
{{see also|Magna Graecia|Phoenicia|Ancient Rome|Sicilia (Roman province)|Byzantine Empire}} |
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[[ |
[[Image:Hagar Quim II.jpg|thumb|right|[[Hagar Qim]]]] |
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[[Image:Ggantija Temples.jpg|thumb|right|[[Ggantija]] Temples]]] |
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Pottery found by archeologists at [[Skorba]] resembles that found in Italy, and suggests that the Maltese islands were first settled in [[5200 BC]] mainly by stone age hunters or farmers who had arrived from the larger island of [[Sicily]], possibly the [[Sicani]]. The extinction of the [[Maltese Hippopotamus|dwarf hippos]] and [[Elephas falconeri|dwarf elephants]] has been linked to the earliest arrival of humans on Malta.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/3096/palaeol.html Palaeolithic Man in the Maltese Islands], A. Mifsud, C. Savona-Ventura, S. Mifsud</ref> The most probable means by which people came to Malta was by using rafts. When they came to Malta they first settled in caves, such as [[Għar Dalam]], and later built huts.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} The Sicani were the only known tribe known to have inhabited the island at this time<ref name="gozo">{{cite news|url=http://www.islandofgozo.org/history.htm|publisher=IslandofGozo.org|title=Gozo|date=7 October 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.localhistories.org/malta.html|publisher=LocalHistories.org|title=Brief History of Malta|date=7 October 2007}}</ref> and are generally regarded as related to the [[Iberians]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Anthon| first =Charles| title =A Classical Dictionary: Containing an Account of the Principal Proper Names| publisher =New York Public Library| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=3iQQAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA1232&dq=sicani#PRA1-PA1231,M1}}</ref> The population on Malta grew [[cereals]], raised [[livestock|domestic livestock]] and, in common with other ancient Mediterranean cultures, worshiped a [[mother goddess|fertility figure]] represented in Maltese prehistoric artifacts as exhibiting the large proportions seen in similar statuettes, including the [[Venus of Willendorf]]. |
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[[Image:Malta 16 Mnajdra.jpg|thumb|left|The temple complex of [[Mnajdra]] (4th mi-3200 BCE)]] |
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The Maltese islands were first settled in [[5200 BC]] by stone age farmers who had arrived from the nearby, much larger island of [[Sicily]], possibly the [[Sicani]] who were the only known tribe to be inhabiting the island at this time.<ref name="gozo">{{cite news|url=http://www.islandofgozo.org/history.htm|publisher=IslandofGozo.org|title=Gozo|date=[[7 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.localhistories.org/malta.html|publisher=LocalHistories.org|title=Brief History of Malta|date=[[7 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref> The Sicani are generally regarded to be related to the [[Iberians]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Anthon| first =Charles| title =A Classical Dictionary: Containing an Account of the Principal Proper Names| publisher =New York Public Library| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=3iQQAAAAYAAJ&pg=RA1-PA1232&dq=sicani#PRA1-PA1231,M1}}</ref>. They grew cereals and raised domestic livestock and, in keeping with many other ancient Mediterranean cultures, worshipped a [[mother goddess]], represented in Malta by statuettes of unusually large proportions. Pottery from the earliest period of Maltese civilization (known as the [[Għar Dalam]] phase) is similar to that found in [[Agrigento]], Sicily. These people were either supplanted by, or gave rise to a mysterious culture of [[megalithic]] temple builders, whose surviving monuments on Malta and Gozo are now believed to be the oldest standing stone structures in the world.<ref>[http://www.otsf.org/ Old Temples Study Foundation (OTSF)]</ref><ref>[http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpg/malta/arch.html Aberystwyth, The University of Wales]</ref><ref>David Trump et al., ''Malta Before History'' (2004: Miranda Publishers)</ref> The temples date from 4000–2500 BCE, and typically consist of a complex trefoil (cloverleaf) design. |
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Little is known about the temple builders of Malta and Gozo; however, there is some evidence that their rituals included [[animal sacrifice]]. This culture disappeared from the Maltese Islands around 2500 BCE. The reasons for the disappearance are shrouded in mystery, although historians and archeologists have speculated that the temple builders fell victim to famine and disease. War is unlikely to have been the cause of their disappearance, since archeological digs on Malta have yielded little or no evidence of weapons. |
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[[File:Ggantija Temples (1).jpg|thumb|left|[[Ġgantija]] [[megalithic]] [[temple]] complex]] |
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The Maltese Islands were depopulated for several decades, until the arrival of a new influx of [[Bronze Age]] immigrants, a culture that is known to have [[cremation|cremated]] its dead, and introduced smaller megalithic structures called [[dolmens]] to Malta.<ref>Daniel Cilia, [http://web.infinito.it/utenti/m/malta_mega_temples/linetime.html "Malta Before Common Era", in ''The Megalithic Temples of Malta'']. Accessed January 28, 2007.</ref> |
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[[File:Malta 16 Mnajdra.jpg|thumb|right|The temple complex of [[Mnajdra]]]] |
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Pottery from the [[Għar Dalam]] phase is similar to pottery found in [[Agrigento]], Sicily. A mysterious culture of [[megalithic]] temple builders then either supplanted or arose from this earliest period of Maltese civilization. During 3500 BC, these people built some of the oldest existing, free-standing structures in the world in the form of the megalithic [[Ġgantija]] temples on [[Gozo]];<ref name=otsf>{{cite web|url=http://www.otsf.org/ |title=Old Temples Study Foundation |publisher=OTSF |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> other early temples include those at [[Ħaġar Qim]] and [[Mnajdra]].<ref>{{cite book | last =Sheehan| first =Sean | title =Malta| publisher =Marshall Cavendish| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=LRGrRy7S750C&pg=PA87&dq=%C4%A6a%C4%A1ar+Qim+and+Mnajdra&sig=ACfU3U1ozj76aQDaWbOpgv4EsJxWGi8jgg| isbn=0761409939}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://users.aber.ac.uk/jpg/malta/arch.html |title=Aberystwyth, The University of Wales |publisher=Users.aber.ac.uk |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>David Trump et al., ''Malta Before History'' (2004: Miranda Publishers)</ref> The temples have a distinctive architecture, typically a complex trefoil design, and were used from 4000–2500 BCE. Animal bones and a knife found behind a removable altar stone suggest that temple rituals included [[animal sacrifice]]. Tentative information suggests that the sacrifices were made to the goddess of fertility, whose statue is now in the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} The culture apparently disappeared from the Maltese Islands around 2500 BCE. Archeologists speculate that the temple builders fell victim to famine or disease; war is an unlikely cause as archeology has yielded little or no evidence of weapons.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} |
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During 3500 BC, these people built some of the oldest free-standing structures and some of the oldest religious structures in the world, in the form of the megalithic [[Ġgantija]] temples on [[Gozo]],<ref name=otsf>[http://www.otsf.org/ Old Temples Study Foundation (OTSF)]</ref> other early temples include those at [[Ħaġar Qim]] and [[Mnajdra]].<ref>{{cite book | last =Sheehan| first =Sean | title =Malta| publisher =Marshall Cavendish| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=LRGrRy7S750C&pg=PA87&dq=%C4%A6a%C4%A1ar+Qim+and+Mnajdra&sig=ACfU3U1ozj76aQDaWbOpgv4EsJxWGi8jgg| isbn=0761409939}}</ref> The extinction of the [[Maltese Hippopotamus|dwarf hippos]] and [[Elephas falconeri|dwarf elephants]] has been linked to the |
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After 2500 BCE, the Maltese Islands were depopulated for several decades until the arrival of a new influx of [[Bronze Age]] immigrants, a culture that [[cremation|cremated]] its dead and introduced smaller megalithic structures called [[dolmens]] to Malta.<ref>Daniel Cilia, [http://web.infinito.it/utenti/m/malta_mega_temples/linetime.html "Malta Before Common Era", in ''The Megalithic Temples of Malta'']. Retrieved January 28, 2007.</ref> |
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earliest arrival of humans on Malta.<ref>[http://www.geocities.com/RainForest/3096/palaeol.html Palaeolithic Man in the Maltese Islands], A. Mifsud, C. Savona-Ventura, S. Mifsud</ref> Around [[700 BC]], there was [[Ancient Greek]] culture on Malta, especially around the area of [[Valletta]].<ref name="ndmh">{{cite news|url=http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/islands/dates.asp|publisher=Department of Information - Maltese Government|title=Notable dates in Malta's history|date=[[6 February]] [[2008]]}}</ref> A century later the natives were joined on the island by [[Phoenician]] traders,<ref name="ndmh" /> who used the islands as an outpost for their trade route explorations from the east [[Mediterranean Sea]] across to [[Cornwall]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Owen| first =Charles | title =The Maltese Islands| publisher =Praeger| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=OhRCAAAAIAAJ&q=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&dq=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&pgis=1}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Roman Malta.jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[Ancient Rome|Roman]] mosaic from [[Rabat, Malta]].]] |
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Around [[700 BC]], the [[Ancient Greece|Ancient Greeks]] settled on Malta, especially around the area where [[Valletta]] now stands.<ref name="ndmh">{{cite news|url=http://www.doi.gov.mt/EN/islands/dates.asp|publisher=Department of Information - Maltese Government|title=Notable dates in Malta's history|date=6 February 2008}}</ref> A century later, [[Phoenicia]]n traders,<ref name="ndmh" /> who used the islands as a stop on their trade routes from the eastern [[Mediterranean Sea|Mediterranean]] to [[Cornwall]], joined the natives on the island.<ref>{{cite book | last = Owen| first =Charles | title =The Maltese Islands| publisher =Praeger| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=OhRCAAAAIAAJ&q=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&dq=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&pgis=1}}</ref> The Phoenicians inhabited the area now known as [[Mdina]], and its surrounding town of [[Rabat]], which they called ''Maleth''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.edrichton.com/MdinaHistory.htm |title=History of Mdina |publisher=Edrichton.com |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> The [[Ancient Rome|Romans]], who also lived in Mdina, referred to it (and the island) as ''Melita''.<ref name="malticross">{{cite book | last = Castillo| first = Dennis Angelo | title =The Maltese Cross: A Strategic History of Malta| publisher =Greenwood Publishing Group| url =http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i5ns5LNtoiUC&pg=PA25&lpg=PA25&dq=MALTA+sEMPRONIUS&source=web&ots=JHcfabryVa&sig=cXCtKu3apl5Y2y7OEhaMvt1CMM0&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA25,M1|isbn=0313323291}}</ref> |
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After the fall of [[Siege of Tyre|Phoenicia]], the area came under the control of people from a former Phoenician colony in 400 BC: the [[Carthage|Carthaginians]].<ref name="maltihist">{{cite book | last = Terterov| first = Marat | title =Doing Business with Malta| publisher =GMB Publishing Ltd| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=kc7DO3TZEYcC&pg=PA4&dq=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&sig=ACfU3U2Sm0qNg7diIWAe4mLI4LUqiRKNgA#PPA4,M1|isbn=1905050631}}</ref> During this time Malta was mainly used as a place to cultivate [[olives]], [[carobs]] and produce [[textiles]].<ref name="maltihist"/> |
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During 218 BC in the [[Punic Wars]] tensions arose and the Maltese people rebelled against the rule of Carthage, turning over control of their garrison to [[Roman Republic]] consul [[Tiberius Sempronius Longus (consul 218 BC)|Sempronius]].<ref name="malticross">{{cite book | last = Castillo| first = Dennis Angelo | title =The Maltese Cross: A Strategic History of Malta| publisher =Greenwood Publishing Group| url =http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=i5ns5LNtoiUC&pg=PA25&lpg=PA25&dq=MALTA+sEMPRONIUS&source=web&ots=JHcfabryVa&sig=cXCtKu3apl5Y2y7OEhaMvt1CMM0&hl=en&sa=X&oi=book_result&resnum=1&ct=result#PPA25,M1|isbn=0313323291}}</ref> During the [[Second Punic War|Syracusan revolt]] Malta remained loyal to Rome and was rewarded accordingly with the title ''Foederata [[Civitas]]''; a designation which meant a level of autonomy within the juristiction of [[Sicilia (Roman province)|Sicilia province]] while being allied to Rome.<ref name="malticross"/> The island known then as ''Melita'' had its capital located in the centre, this carried the same name, though today it is known as [[Mdina]].<ref name="malticross"/> |
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In 117 BC the [[Maltese Islands]] were thriving as part of the [[Roman Empire]] and were promoted to the level of ''[[Municipium]]'' under [[Hadrian]].<ref name="malticross"/> During 60 AD in the north of the island at [[San Pawl il-Baħar|Saint Paul's Bay]], one of the apostles of [[Jesus Christ]] named [[Paul of Tarsus|Saint Paul]] was shipwrecked on the shores.<ref name="malticross"/> Tradition holds he stayed in Malta for three months introducing [[Christianity]] and performing various miracles.<ref name="malticross"/> This is documented in the [[Bible]] in the ''[[Acts of the Apostles]]''.<ref name="malticross"/> When the Roman Empire split into the east and west divisions in the 4th century, Malta fell under the control of the Greek speaking [[Byzantine Empire]] which was ruled from [[Constantinople]].<ref name="ruff">{{cite book | last = Borg| first = Victor Paul | title =The Rough Guide to Malta & Gozo| publisher =Rough Guides| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=o1QO1Tk-FsMC&pg=PA331&dq=byzantine+malta&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U38b0XhbN8wTPyxs2tPEX0RbyVg9w|isbn=1858286808}}</ref> Although Malta was under Byzantine rule for four centuries, not a lot is known about this period. There is evidence that [[Germanic tribes]] the [[Goths]] and the [[Vandals]] briefly took control of the islands before the Byzantines launched a counter attack and retook Malta, keeping a [[military]] presence there.<ref name="ruff"/> |
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[[File:Roman Malta.jpg|thumb|left|180px|[[Ancient Rome|Roman]] mosaic from [[Rabat, Malta]].]] |
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After the fall of [[Siege of Tyre|Phoenicia]], in 400 BC the area came under the control of [[Carthage]], a former Phoenician colony.<ref name="maltihist">{{cite book | last = Terterov| first = Marat | title =Doing Business with Malta| publisher =GMB Publishing Ltd| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=kc7DO3TZEYcC&pg=PA4&dq=malta+Phoenician++%22trading+post%22&sig=ACfU3U2Sm0qNg7diIWAe4mLI4LUqiRKNgA#PPA4,M1|isbn=1905050631}}</ref> During this time the people on Malta mainly cultivated [[olives]] and [[carobs]], and produced [[textiles]].<ref name="maltihist"/> |
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During the [[First Punic War]] of 218 BC, tensions led the Maltese people to rebel against Carthage and turn control of their garrison over to the [[Roman Republic]] consul [[Tiberius Sempronius Longus (consul 218 BC)|Sempronius]].<ref name="malticross"/> Malta remained loyal to Rome during the [[Second Punic War]] and the Romans rewarded it with the title ''[[Civitas|Foederata Civitas]]'', a designation that meant it was exempt from paying [[tribute]] or the rule of [[Roman law]], although at this time it fell within the jurisdiction of [[Sicilia (Roman province)|Sicilia province]].<ref name="malticross"/> |
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In 117 AD, the [[Maltese Islands]] were a thriving part of the [[Roman Empire]], being promoted to the status of ''[[Municipium]]'' under [[Hadrian]].<ref name="malticross"/> Tradition, documented in the [[Bible]] in the ''[[Acts of the Apostles]]'', relates that during 60 AD, [[Jesus Christ]]'s apostle [[Paul of Tarsus|Saint Paul]] was shipwrecked on the northern shore of the island at [[San Pawl il-Baħar|Saint Paul's Bay]], being received by the person who would be known to posterity as [[Saint Publius]], and stayed in Malta for three months, introducing [[Christianity]] and performing various miracles. <ref name="malticross"/> |
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When the Roman Empire split into Eastern and Western divisions in the 4th century, Malta fell under the control of the Greek speaking [[Byzantine Empire]] from 395 to 870,<ref name="ndmh" />,which ruled from [[Constantinople]].<ref name="ruff">{{cite book | last = Borg| first = Victor Paul | title =The Rough Guide to Malta & Gozo| publisher =Rough Guides| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=o1QO1Tk-FsMC&pg=PA331&dq=byzantine+malta&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U38b0XhbN8wTPyxs2tPEX0RbyVg9w|isbn=1858286808}}</ref> Although Malta was under Byzantine rule for four centuries, not much is known from this period. There is evidence that [[Germanic tribes]], including the [[Goths]] and [[Vandals]], briefly took control of the islands before the Byzantines launched a counter attack and retook Malta.<ref name="ruff"/> |
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===Middle Ages=== |
===Middle Ages=== |
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{{see also|Byzantine-Arab Wars|Emirate of Sicily|Kingdom of Sicily|Crown of Aragon}} |
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[[Image:Roger I of Sicily.jpg|thumb|left|145px|[[Roger I of Sicily]] returned Malta to Christian rule.]] |
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[[Image:Flag of the Kingdom of Sicily.svg|thumb|right|150px|Aragonese flag of the [[Kingdom of Sicily]].]] |
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Malta was involved in the [[Byzantine-Arab Wars (780–1180)|Byzantine-Arab Wars]], and the conquest of Malta is closely linked with that of Sicily due to admiral [[Euphemius (Sicily)|Euphemius]] betraying his fellow Byzantines and |
Malta was involved in the [[Byzantine-Arab Wars (780–1180)|Byzantine-Arab Wars]], and the conquest of Malta is closely linked with that of Sicily due to admiral [[Euphemius (Sicily)|Euphemius]] betraying his fellow Byzantines and asking the [[Aghlabid]] dynasty to invade the area.<ref name="stan">{{cite news|url=http://archaeology.stanford.edu/MountPolizzo/handbookPDF/MPHandbook5.pdf|format=PDF|publisher=Archaeology.Stanford.edu|title=Brief history of Sicily|date=[[7 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref> As part of the [[Emirate of Sicily]] rule switched to the [[Fatimid]]s in 909.<ref name="gozmalt">{{cite book | last = Bain| first =Carolyn | title =Malta & Gozo| publisher =Lonely Planet| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=lqHLlLsgi1IC&pg=PA22&dq=malta+arab&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U3QDGMLZFGwiilmVB0bB-Nfsq8X9w|isbn=174059178X}}</ref> The Arabs introduced new [[irrigation]], some [[fruit]]s and [[cotton]], as well as from the island of Sicily the [[Siculo-Arabic]] language which would eventually become [[Maltese language|Maltese]].<ref>{{cite book | last = Wilson| first =Andrew | title =Corpus Linguistics Around the World| publisher =Rodopi| url =http://books.google.com/books?id=jIP9WiIOtKYC&pg=PA64&dq=Siculo-Arabic+Maltese&lr=&as_brr=3&sig=ACfU3U0ANaOtExtwNoXiIbN9koijAKe_9A|isbn=9042018364}}</ref> The native Christians were allowed [[freedom of religion]] but had to pay [[jizya|an extra tax]] to their rulers.<ref name="gozmalt"/> After the [[Normans]] from the [[Duchy of Normandy]] had relieved Sicily, they did the same on the Maltese Islands by 1091.<ref name="malticross"/> [[Roger I of Sicily]] was according to Maltese tradition warmly welcomed by the native Christians.<ref name="malticross"/> The Maltese offered to fight for him and Roger reportedly tore off a portion of his flag, half-red, half-white presenting it to the Maltese to fight under; the basis of the [[flag of Malta]].<ref name="malticross"/> |
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The Norman period was productive; Malta became part of the newly formed [[Kingdom of Sicily]] which also covered the island of Sicily and the southern half of the [[Italian Peninsula]].<ref name="malticross"/> The [[Catholic Church]] was re-instated as the state religion, with Malta under the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo|See of Palermo]] and much [[Norman architecture]] sprung up around Malta.<ref name="malticross"/> [[Tancred of Sicily]] the last Norman monarch made Malta and Gozo a [[Feudal Lordship|feudal lordship]] or [[fief]] within the kingdom with a [[Count of Malta]] instated. As the islands were much desired due to their strategic importance, during this time the men of Malta were [[Militarization|militarise]]d to fend off capture attempts; the early counts were skilled [[Republic of Genoa|Genoese]] [[corsair]]s.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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[[File:Malta by Piri Reis.jpg|thumb|right|180px|[[Ottoman Empire|Ottoman]] map of Malta, by [[Piri Reis]]]] |
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The kingdom passed on to the [[House of Hohenstaufen|Hohenstaufens]] from 1194 until 1266. It was under [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick I]] that any remaining Muslims were expelled from Malta in 1224<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aboutmalta.com/history/time-Line.htm|publisher=AboutMalta.com|title=Time-Line|date=[[7 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref> and the entire Christian male population of [[Celano]] in [[Abruzzo]] was exported to Malta.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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The Norman period was productive; Malta became part of the newly formed [[Kingdom of Sicily]] which also covered the island of Sicily and the southern half of the [[Italian Peninsula]].<ref name="malticross"/> The [[Catholic Church]] was re-instated as the state religion with Malta under the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Palermo|See of Palermo]] and much [[Norman architecture]] sprung up around Malta especially in its ancient capital [[Mdina]].<ref name="malticross"/> [[Tancred of Sicily]], the last Norman monarch, made Malta and Gozo a [[Feudal Lordship|feudal lordship]] or [[fief]] within the kingdom and a [[Count of Malta]] instated. As the islands were much desired due to their strategic importance, it was during this time the men of Malta were [[Militarization|militarised]] to fend off capture attempts; the early counts were skilled [[Republic of Genoa|Genoese]] [[corsair]]s.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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The kingdom passed on to the [[House of Hohenstaufen]] from 1194 until 1266. Malta was part of the [[Holy Roman Empire|Holy Roman Empire of the German Nation]] for 72 years. Even if Malta was erected into a county and a marquisate, its trade was totally ruined, and for a considerable period of it remained solely a fortified [[garrison]].<ref>Montgomery Martin, Robert. [http://books.google.com/books?id=yDQGAAAAMAAJ&pg=RA1-PA568&dq=strabo+melita&lr= ''History of the colonies of the British Empire''], W. H. Allen, 1843, p 569 {{quote|Malta remained for 72 years subject of the emperors of Germany. The island was after the period of Count Roger of the Normans afterwards given up to the Germans, on account of the marriage between Constance, heiress of Sicily, and Henry VI., son of the Emperor Friedrick Barbarossa. Malta was erected into a county and a marquisate, but its trade was now totally ruined, and for a considerable period of it remained solely a fortified garrison.}}</ref> It was under [[Frederick II, Holy Roman Emperor|Frederick I]] that all remaining Muslims were expelled from Malta (in 1224<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.aboutmalta.com/history/time-Line.htm|publisher=AboutMalta.com|title=Time-Line|date=7 October 2007}}</ref>) and the entire Christian male population of [[Celano]] in [[Abruzzo]] was exported to Malta.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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[[Image:JPDV.jpg|thumb|right|[[Jean Parisot de La Valette]], the founder of [[Valletta]]]] |
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For a brief period the kingdom passed |
For a brief period the kingdom passed onto the [[Capetian House of Anjou]], however high taxes made the dynasty unpopular in Malta, due to [[Charles I of Naples|Charles of Anjou]]'s war against the [[Republic of Genoa]] the island of Gozo was sacked in 1275.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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Following this there was a large revolt on Sicily known as the [[Sicilian Vespers]], this saw the Peninsula part of the kingdom separating into the [[Kingdom of Naples]]; the Kingdom of Sicily including Malta instead fell under the rule of the [[House of Barcelona|Aragonese]].<ref name = "knowital"/> The kingdom was ruled by relatives of the [[kings of Aragon]] until 1409 and then as part of the [[Crown of Aragon]].<ref name="knowital">{{cite news|url=http://www.knowital.com/history/sicily/sicily-history.html|publisher=KnowItal.com|title=History of Sicily|date=[[7 October]] [[2007]]}}</ref> Early on in the Aragonese reign, the Count of Malta title was given to sons of the monarchy; it was also during this time that much of the [[Maltese nobility]] sprung up. By 1397 however the Count title was back to a feudal basis with two families fighting over it causing the Maltese distress, thus the [[Martin I of Sicily|king]] confiscated it. This was a familiar theme when the title was reinstated a few years later, the Maltese led by the nobility rose up against Count Gonsalvo Monroy.<ref name="malticross"/> However, the Maltese voiced that they were loyal to the [[Sicilian Crown]], which impressed [[Alfonso V of Aragon|Alfonso IV]] greatly who did not punish the people for their rebellion but instead promised never to grant it to a third party, incorporating it back into the crown. The city of [[Mdina]] was nicknamed ''Città Notabile'' as a result.<ref name="malticross"/> |
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===Knights of Malta and Napoleon=== |
===Knights of Malta and Napoleon=== |
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[[Image:Mdinakathedraal.jpg|thumb|left|150px|[[St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina]] designed in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] style.]] |
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{{See also|Knights Hospitaller}} |
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In 1530 [[Charles I of Spain]] gave the islands to the [[Knights Hospitaller|Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem]] in perpetual lease. The [[Crown of Aragon]] had owned the islands as part of its Mediterranean empire for some time. These knights, a military religious order now known as the "[[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of Malta]]", had been driven out of [[Rhodes]] by the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1522. They withstood a full-blown [[Siege of Malta (1565)|siege by the Ottoman Turks]] in 1565, at the time the greatest naval power in the Mediterranean sea. After this they decided to increase the [[fortification]]s, particularly in the inner-harbour area, where the new city of [[Valletta]], named after [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Jean Parisot de la Valette|Jean de la Valette]], was built. |
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Their reign ended when Malta was captured by [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]] en route to his expedition of [[Egypt]] during the [[French Revolutionary Wars: Campaigns of 1798|French Revolutionary Wars]] in 1798. As a ruse, Napoleon asked for safe harbour to resupply his ships, and then turned his guns against his hosts once safely inside Valletta. [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim]] capitulated, and Napoleon stayed in Malta for a few days, during which time he systematically looted the movable assets of the Order, and established an administration controlled by his nominees. He then sailed for Egypt, leaving a substantial garrison in Malta. |
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[[File:Mdinakathedraal.jpg|thumb|150px|[[St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina]] designed in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque]] style.]] |
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In 1530 [[Charles I of Spain]] gave the islands to the [[Knights Hospitaller|Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem]] in perpetual lease. These knights, a military religious order now known as the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of Malta]], had been driven out of [[Rhodes]] by the [[Ottoman Empire]] in 1522. In 1551, [[Barbary corsairs]] enslaved the entire population of the Maltese island [[Gozo]], about 5,000, sending them to [[Libya]]. The knights withstood a full-blown [[Siege of Malta (1565)|siege by the Ottoman Turks]] in 1565, at the time the greatest naval power in the Mediterranean. The knights, fighting alongside the Maltese, were victorious and speaking of the battle [[Voltaire]] said, "Nothing is more well known than the siege of Malta".<ref>Fernand Braudel, The Mediterranean and the Mediterranean World in the Age of Philip II, vol. II ( University of California Press: Berkeley, 1995).</ref> |
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The occupying French forces were unpopular, however, due particularly to their negative attitude towards religion. Their financial and religious reforms did not go down well with the citizens. The Maltese rebelled against them, and the French were forced behind the fortifications. |
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After this they decided to increase Malta's [[fortification]]s, particularly in the inner-harbour area, where the new city of [[Valletta]], named in honour of [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Jean Parisot de la Valette|Jean de la Valette]], was built. They also built [[watchtower]]s along the coasts - the [[Wignacourt towers|Wignacourt]], [[Lascaris towers|Lascaris]], and [[de Redin towers]] - named after the Grand Masters who ordered the work. The Knights' presence on the island saw the completion of many architectural and cultural projects, including the embellishment of [[Birgu|Città Vittoriosa]], the construction of new cities including [[Zebbug|Città Rohan]] and [[Zabbar|Città Hompesch]] and the introduction of new academic and social resources. Approximately 11,000 people out of a population of 70,000 died of [[plague (disease)|plague]] in 1675.<ref>[http://www.emergency-management.net/malta_di.htm Malta Disaster]. Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs.</ref> |
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Great Britain, along with the [[Kingdom of the Two Sicilies]], sent ammunition and aid to the rebels, and Britain also sent [[Royal Navy|her navy]], which instigated a blockade of the islands. The isolated French forces, under General [[Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois]], surrendered in 1800, and the island became a British [[Dominion]], being presented by several Maltese leaders to Sir [[Alexander Ball]]. The Maltese people created a Declaration of Rights where they demanded to come "under the protection and sovereignty of the King of the free people, His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland." The Declaration also stated that "his Majesty has no right to cede these Islands to any power...if he chooses to withdraw his protection, and abandon his sovereignty, the right of electing another sovereign, or of the governing of these Islands, belongs to us, the inhabitants and aborigines alone, and without control."<ref>{{cite book | last=Holland | first=James | title=Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege, 1940-1943 | publisher=Miramax Books | year=2003 | isbn=1-4013-5186-7}}</ref> |
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[[File:Detail St John's.JPG|thumb|left|150px|[[Baroque]] interior detail from [[St John's Co-Cathedral]], [[Valletta]]]] |
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The Knights' reign ended when [[Napoleon I of France|Napoleon]] captured Malta on the way to [[Egypt]] during the [[French Revolutionary Wars: Campaigns of 1798|French Revolutionary Wars]] in 1798. As a ruse, Napoleon asked for safe harbour to resupply his ships. Once safely inside Valletta's harbor he turned his guns against his hosts. [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim]] capitulated and Napoleon stayed in Malta for a few days, during which time he systematically looted the movable assets of the island and established an administration controlled by his nominees. He then sailed for Egypt, leaving behind a substantial garrison. |
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===British rule and World War II=== |
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The occupying French forces were deeply unpopular with the Maltese, due particularly to the French forces' hostility towards Catholicism. The French financial and religious policies angered the Maltese who rebelled, forcing the French to retreat within the city fortifications. Great Britain, along with the [[Kingdom of Naples]] and the [[Kingdom of Sicily]], sent ammunition and aid to the Maltese and Britain also sent [[Royal Navy|her navy]], which blockaded the islands. |
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{{main|Siege of Malta (World War II)}} |
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[[Image:BombDamageMalta.jpg|thumb|200px|left|The heavily bomb-damaged Republic Street in [[Valletta]] during the [[Siege of Malta (World War II)|Siege of Malta]], 1942.]] |
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In 1814, as part of the [[Treaty of Paris (1814)|Treaty of Paris]], Malta officially became a part of the [[British Empire]], and was used as a shipping way-station and fleet headquarters. Malta's position half-way between [[Gibraltar]] and the [[Suez Canal]] proved to be its main asset during these years, and it was considered to be an important stop on the way to [[India]]. |
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In the early 1930s, the British [[Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|Mediterranean Fleet]], which was at the time the main contributor for the commerce on the island, was moved to [[Alexandria]] as an economic measure. Malta played an important role during [[World War II]], owing to its proximity to [[Axis Powers|Axis]] shipping lanes. The bravery of the Maltese people in their long struggle against [[Siege of Malta (World War II)|enemy attack]] moved [[George VI of the United Kingdom|HM King George VI]] to award the [[George Cross (Malta)|George Cross]] to Malta on a collective basis on [[April 15]] [[1942]] "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history". Some historians argue that the award caused Britain to incur disproportionate losses in defending Malta, as British credibility would have suffered if Malta was surrendered, as [[Singapore]] had been.<ref> {{cite web | title=The Siege of Malta in World War Two |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/siege_malta_06.shtml | accessdate=2007-04-15}}</ref> A replica of the George Cross now appears in the upper hoist corner of the [[Flag of Malta]]. The collective award remained unique until April 1999, when the [[Royal Ulster Constabulary]] became the second{{ndash}} and, to date, the only other{{ndash}} recipient of the collective George Cross. |
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General [[Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois]] surrendered his French forces in 1800. Maltese leaders presented the island to Sir [[Alexander Ball]], asking that the island become a British [[Dominion]]. The Maltese people created a Declaration of Rights in which they agreed to come "under the protection and sovereignty of the King of the free people, His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland". The Declaration also stated that "his Majesty has no right to cede these Islands to any power...if he chooses to withdraw his protection, and abandon his sovereignty, the right of electing another sovereign, or of the governing of these Islands, belongs to us, the inhabitants and aborigines alone, and without control."<ref>{{cite book | last=Holland | first=James | title=Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege, 1940-1943 | publisher=Miramax Books | year=2003 | isbn=1-4013-5186-7}}</ref> |
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===Independence=== |
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===British Empire and World War II=== |
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After the war, and after the [[Labour Party (Malta)|Labour Party]]'s unsuccessful attempt at [[History of Malta#Attempted integration with the United Kingdom|"Integration with Britain"]], Malta was granted independence on September 21, 1964 ([[Independence Day (Malta)|Independence Day]]). Under its 1964 [[constitution]], Malta initially retained Queen [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] as [[Queen of Malta]], with a [[Governor-General]] exercising [[executive (government)|executive]] authority on her behalf. On December 13, 1974 ([[Republic Day (Malta)|Republic Day]]) it became a [[republic]] within the [[British Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]], with the [[President of Malta|President]] as [[head of state]]. A defence agreement signed soon after independence (and re-negotiated in 1972) expired on March 31, 1979 ([[Freedom Day (Malta)|Freedom Day]]) when the British military forces were withdrawn and the Union Flag was lowered for the last time by Admiral Sir John Hamilton GBE, Commander in Chief of the Eastern Mediterranean fleet. Malta adopted an official policy of [[Neutral country|neutrality]] in 1980 and was a member of the [[Non-Aligned Movement|Movement of Non-Aligned Countries]] until 2004. In 1989 Malta was the venue of an important [[Malta Summit|summit]] between US President [[George H.W. Bush|Bush]] and Soviet leader [[Mikhail Gorbachev|Gorbachev]], their first face-to-face encounter, which signaled the end of the [[Cold War]]. |
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{{Main|Siege of Malta (World War II)}} |
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[[File:BombDamageMalta.jpg|thumb|200px|right|The heavily bomb-damaged Republic Street in [[Valletta]] during the [[Siege of Malta (World War II)|Siege of Malta]], 1942.]] |
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In 1814, as part of the [[Treaty of Paris (1814)|Treaty of Paris]], Malta officially became a part of the [[British Empire]] and was used as a shipping way-station and fleet headquarters. Malta's position half-way between [[Gibraltar]] and the [[Suez Canal]] proved to be its main asset during these years and it was considered an important stop on the way to [[India]]. In 1919 British troops fired on a rally protesting against new taxes, killing four Maltese men. This led to increased resistance and support for the [[Pro-Italian Maltese|pro-Italian]] parties that had challenged the British presence on the island. The event, known as [[Sette Giugno]] ([[Italian language|Italian]] for ''7 June''), is commemorated every year. |
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Malta joined the [[European Union]] on May 1, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/abc/history/2000_today/index_en.htm|title=The History of the European Union - 2000-today|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> Following the European Council of 21 June to 22 June 2007 it joined the [[Eurozone]] on January 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro/cyprus-malta-set-join-eurozone-2008/article-163836|title=Cyprus and Malta set to join eurozone in 2008|date=16 May 2007|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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In the early 1930s the British [[Mediterranean Fleet (Royal Navy)|Mediterranean Fleet]], which was at that time the main contributor to commerce on the island, moved to [[Alexandria]] as an economic measure. |
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== Politics and government== |
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During [[World War II]], Malta played an important role owing to its proximity to [[Axis Powers|Axis]] shipping lanes. The bravery of the Maltese people during the second [[Siege of Malta (World War II)|Siege of Malta]] moved [[George VI of the United Kingdom|HM King George VI]] to award the [[George Cross (Malta)|George Cross]] to Malta on a collective basis on [[April 15]] [[1942]] "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history". Some historians argue that the award caused Britain to incur disproportionate losses in defending Malta, as British credibility would have suffered if Malta surrendered, as [[Singapore]] had.<ref> {{cite web | title=The Siege of Malta in World War Two |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/worldwars/wwtwo/siege_malta_06.shtml | accessdate=2007-04-15}}</ref> A replica of the George Cross now appears in the upper hoist corner of the [[Flag of Malta]]. The collective award remained unique until April 1999, when the [[Royal Ulster Constabulary]] became the second{{ndash}} and, to date, the only other{{ndash}} recipient of a collective George Cross. |
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[[Image:Edward Fenech Adami.jpg|thumb|right|170px|Dr. [[Eddie Fenech Adami]], President of Malta.]] |
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[[Image:Courthouse Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|290px|The Courthouse, [[Valletta]]]] |
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{{main|Politics of Malta|Government of Malta}} |
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Malta is a [[republic]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legal-malta.com/law/constitution-1.htm|title=Chapter 1 / The Republic of Malta / Maltese Constitution|work=Constitution of Malta Act, 1964|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> whose [[parliamentary system]] and [[public administration]] is closely modeled on the [[Westminster system]]. The [[unicameral]] [[House of Representatives of Malta|House of Representatives]], (Maltese: ''Il-Kamra tad- Deputati''), is elected by direct universal suffrage through [[single transferable vote]] every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the [[President of Malta|President]] on advice of the [[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]]. The House of Representatives is made up of sixty-five [[Member of Parliament|Members of Parliament]]. However, where a party wins an absolute majority of votes, but does not have a majority of seats, that party is given additional seats to ensure a parliamentary majority. The [[Constitution of Malta]] provides that the President appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House who is best able to command a (governing) majority in the House. |
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The [[President of Malta|President of the Republic]] is elected every five years by the House of Representatives. The role of the president as head of state is largely ceremonial. The main political parties are the [[Partit Nazzjonalista|Nationalist Party]], which is a [[Christian democracy|Christian democratic]] party, and the [[Partit Laburista|Labour Party]], with [[Joseph Muscat|Dr. Joseph Muscat]] as its leader, which is a [[social democracy|social democratic]] party. The Nationalist Party is currently (2008) at the helm of the government, the Prime Minister being [[Lawrence Gonzi|Dr. Lawrence Gonzi]]. The Labour Party is in opposition. There are a number of smaller political parties in Malta that presently have no parliamentary representation. |
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===Independence and Republic=== |
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Malta achieved its independence on 21 September 1964 ([[Independence Day (Malta)|Independence Day]]). Under its 1964 [[constitution]], Malta initially retained Queen [[Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom|Elizabeth II]] as [[Queen of Malta]] and thus [[Head of State]], with a [[Governor-General]] exercising [[executive (government)|executive]] authority on her behalf. On 13 December 1974 ([[Republic Day (Malta)|Republic Day]]) Malta became a [[republic]] within the [[British Commonwealth of Nations|British Commonwealth]], with the [[President of Malta|President]] as [[head of state]]. A defence agreement signed soon after independence (and re-negotiated in 1972) expired on 31 March 1979 ([[Freedom Day (Malta)|Freedom Day]]), under the prime minister [[Dom Mintoff]]. On that day British military forces departed and Admiral Sir John Hamilton GBE, Commander in Chief of the Eastern Mediterranean fleet, lowered the [[Union Jack]] for the last time. The Maltese then raised the Maltese flag over the Freedom Monument in [[Vittoriosa]], to the sound of the first playing of Malta's national anthem. Malta adopted a policy of [[Neutral country|neutrality]] in 1980 and was a member of the [[Non-Aligned Movement|Movement of Non-Aligned Countries]] until 2004. In 1989, Malta was the venue of a [[Malta Summit|summit]] between US President [[George H.W. Bush]] and Soviet leader [[Mikhail Gorbachev]], their first face-to-face encounter, which signaled the end of the [[Cold War]]. |
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Until [[World War II]] Maltese politics was dominated by the [[Languages of Malta|language question]] fought out by [[Pro-Italian Maltese|pro-Italian]] and [[Pro-British Maltese|pro-British]] parties.<ref>[http://www.maltavoyager.com/history_independence.html Maltavoyager.com - History - The Independence<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.maltavoyager.com</ref> Post-War politics dealt with constitutional questions on the relations with Britain (first with [[History of Malta#Attempted integration with the United Kingdom|Integration]] then [[History of Malta#Independence (Indipendenza)|Independence]]) and, eventually, relations with the [[History of Malta#EU membership (L-Unjoni Ewropea)|European Union]]. |
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Malta joined the [[European Union]] on 1 May 2004.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://europa.eu/abc/history/2000_today/index_en.htm|title=The History of the European Union - 2000-today|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> Following the European Council of 21 June to 22 June 2007 it joined the [[Eurozone]] on 1 January 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.euractiv.com/en/euro/cyprus-malta-set-join-eurozone-2008/article-163836|title=Cyprus and Malta set to join eurozone in 2008|date=16 May 2007|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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===Administrative divisions=== |
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== Government and politics== |
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[[File:Courthouse Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|290px|The Courthouse, [[Valletta]]]] |
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{{Main|Politics of Malta|Government of Malta}} |
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Malta is a [[republic]],<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.legal-malta.com/law/constitution-1.htm|title=Chapter 1 / The Republic of Malta / Maltese Constitution|work=Constitution of Malta Act, 1964|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> whose [[parliamentary system]] and [[public administration]] is closely modeled on the [[Westminster system]]. Malta had the second highest [[voter turnout]] in the world (and the highest for nations without [[mandatory voting]]), based on election turnout in national [[lower house]] elections from 1960 to 1995.<ref>Mark N. Franklin. "Electoral Participation." in ''Controversies in Voting Behavior''</ref> The [[unicameral]] [[House of Representatives of Malta|House of Representatives]], (Maltese: ''Il-Kamra tad- Deputati''), is elected by direct universal suffrage through [[single transferable vote]] every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the [[President of Malta|President]] on advice of the [[Prime Minister of Malta|Prime Minister]]. The House of Representatives is made up of sixty-five [[Member of Parliament|Members of Parliament]]. However, where a party wins an absolute majority of votes, but does not have a majority of seats, that party is given additional seats to ensure a parliamentary majority. The [[Constitution of Malta]] provides that the President appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House who is best able to command a (governing) majority in the House. |
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[[Image:Malta location map.svg|thumb|left|260px|Administrative divisions of Malta]] |
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[[File:Official-photo-president-of-malta-300x240.jpg|thumb|200px|upright|President of the Republic [[George Abela]].]] |
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Malta is divided into 68 elected [[local council]]s, with each council responsible for the administration of cities or regions of varying sizes. Administrative responsibility is distributed between the local councils and the central government in Valletta. |
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The [[President of Malta|President of the Republic]] is elected every five years by the House of Representatives. The role of the president as head of state is largely ceremonial. The main political parties are the [[Partit Nazzjonalista|Nationalist Party]], which is a [[Christian democracy|Christian democratic]] party, and the [[Partit Laburista|Labour Party]], with [[Joseph Muscat|Dr. Joseph Muscat]] as its leader, which is a [[social democracy|social democratic]] party. The Nationalist Party is currently at the helm of the government, the Prime Minister being [[Lawrence Gonzi|Dr. Lawrence Gonzi]]. The Labour Party is in opposition. There are a number of smaller political parties in Malta that presently have no parliamentary representation. |
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The Local Councils Act, 1993 (Act XV of 1993) was published on June 30, 1993, subdividing Malta into 54 local councils in Malta and 14 in [[Gozo]]. The inhabitants who are registered elect the Council every three years, as voters in the Local Councils' Electoral Register. Elections are held by means of the system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote. The mayor is the head of the Local Council and the representative of the Council for all effects under the Act. The Executive Secretary, who is appointed by the Council, is the executive, administrative, and financial head of the Council. All decisions are taken collectively with the other members of the Council. Local councils are responsible for the general upkeep and embellishment of the locality, local wardens, and refuse collection, and carry out general administrative duties for the central government such as collection of government rents and funds, and answering government-related public inquiries. |
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Until [[World War II]] Maltese politics was dominated by the [[Languages of Malta|language question]] fought out by [[Pro-Italian Maltese|pro-Italian]] and [[Pro-British Maltese|pro-British]] parties.<ref>[http://www.maltavoyager.com/history_independence.html Maltavoyager.com - History - The Independence<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.maltavoyager.com</ref> Post-War politics dealt with constitutional questions on the relations with Britain (first with [[History of Malta#Attempted integration with the United Kingdom|Integration]] then [[History of Malta#Independence (Indipendenza)|Independence]]) and, eventually, relations with the [[History of Malta#EU membership (L-Unjoni Ewropea)|European Union]]. |
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[[File:Malta location map.svg|thumb|left|260px|[[Local councils of Malta|Administrative divisions]] of Malta]] |
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===Local |
===Local councils=== |
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{{ |
{{main|Local councils of Malta}} |
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Since 1993 Malta |
Since 1993 Malta has been subdivided into sixty-eight local councils. These form the most basic form of local government. There are no intermediate levels between local government and national government. |
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The Local Councils Act, 1993 (Act XV of 1993) was published on June 30, 1993, subdividing Malta into 54 local councils in Malta and 14 in [[Gozo]]. The inhabitants who are registered elect the Council every three years, as voters in the Local Councils' Electoral Register. Elections are held by means of the system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote. The [[List of mayors of Malta|mayor]] is the head of the Local Council and the representative of the Council for all effects under the Act. The Executive Secretary, who is appointed by the Council, is the executive, administrative, and financial head of the Council. All decisions are taken collectively with the other members of the Council. Local councils are responsible for the general upkeep and embellishment of the locality, allocation of local wardens and refuse collection; they also carry out general administrative duties for the central government such as collection of government rents and funds and answer government-related public inquiries. |
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== Geography == |
== Geography == |
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[[ |
[[Image:View of Nature Reserve from St. Agatha's Tower.JPG|thumb|260px|right|Maltese Landscape]] |
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[[Image:Satelite image of Malta.jpg|thumb|left|260px|Satellite image of Malta]] |
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{{main|Geography of Malta}} |
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[[File:View of Nature Reserve from St. Agatha's Tower.JPG|thumb|250px|right|Maltese Landscape]] |
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Malta is an [[archipelago]] in the central [[Mediterranean Sea]] (in its eastern basin), some 93 km south of the [[Italy|Italian]] island of [[Sicily]] across the Malta Channel; east of [[Tunisia]] and north of [[Libya]] in [[Africa]]. Only the three largest islands [[Malta Island]] (Malta), [[Gozo]] (Għawdex), and [[Comino]] (Kemmuna) are inhabited. The smaller islands, such as [[Filfla]], [[Cominotto]] and the [[Islands of St. Paul]] are uninhabited. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The archipelago itself lies on the edge of the African tectonic plate, as it borders with the Eurasian plate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.geology.yale.edu/RETREAT/maps/Mediterranean%20map2001sheet1%20tectonics&kinematics.jpg|title=Geodynamic Map of the Mediterranean|author=Commission for the Geological Map of the World|accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref>. The islands of the archipelago were formed from the high points of a [[land bridge]] between [[Sicily]] and [[North Africa]] which became isolated as sea levels rose after the last [[Ice Age]] <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reading.ac.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lID=12783&sID=48883|title=Island Landscape Dynamics: Examples from the Mediterranean|accessdate=2008-12-13}}</ref>. The modern-day landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The highest point is at [[Ta' Dmejrek]] on Malta Island at 253 metres (830 [[foot (length)|ft]]) near [[Dingli]]. Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. However, some watercourses are found around the island that have fresh water running all year round. Such places are Baħrija, l-Intaħleb and San Martin. Running water in Gozo is found at Lunzjata Valley. |
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Malta implemented the [[Schengen Agreement]] on December 21, 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ec.europa.eu/snapshot2007/travel/travel_en.htm|title=Europe and you in 2007, Passport-free travel extended|author=European Commission|accessdate=2007-12-21}}</ref> Customs and border controls remained at airports until March 2008. |
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{{Main|Geography of Malta}} |
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Malta is an [[archipelago]] in the central [[Mediterranean Sea]] (in its eastern basin), some 93 km (58 miles) south of the [[Italy|Italian]] island of [[Sicily]] across the Malta Channel. Only the three largest islands — [[Malta Island]] (Malta), [[Gozo]] (Għawdex), and [[Comino]] (Kemmuna) — are inhabited. The smaller islands (see below) are uninhabited. The islands of the archipelago were formed from the high points of a [[land bridge]] between [[Sicily]] and [[North Africa]] that became isolated as sea levels rose after the last [[Ice Age]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.reading.ac.uk/nmsruntime/saveasdialog.asp?lID=12783&sID=48883|title=Island Landscape Dynamics: Examples from the Mediterranean|accessdate=2008-12-13}}</ref> The archipelago lies on the edge of the African tectonic plate where it meets the Eurasian plate.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://earth.geology.yale.edu/RETREAT/maps/Mediterranean%20map2001sheet1%20tectonics&kinematics.jpg|title=Geodynamic Map of the Mediterranean|author=Commission for the Geological Map of the World|accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref> |
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Contrary to popular belief, the south of Malta is not [[Extreme points of Europe|Europe's most southern point]]; that distinction belongs to the [[Greece|Greek]] island of [[Gavdos]]. |
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Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The landscape consists of low hills with terraced fields. The highest point is [[Ta' Dmejrek]] on Malta Island at 253 metres (830 [[foot (length)|ft]]) near [[Dingli]]. Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. However, some watercourses have fresh water running all year round at [[Baħrija]], l-Intaħleb and San Martin, and at Lunzjata Valley in Gozo. |
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The south of Malta is not [[Extreme points of Europe|Europe's most southern point]]; that distinction belongs to the [[Greece|Greek]] island of [[Gavdos]]. |
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[[Phytogeography|Phytogeographically]], Malta belongs to the Liguro-Tyrrhenian province of the [[Mediterranean Region]] within the [[Boreal Kingdom]]. According to the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]], the territory of Malta belongs to the [[ecoregion]] of "Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/mediterranean_forests_scrub.cfm | title=Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub - A Global Ecoregion | publisher=Panda.org | accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref> |
[[Phytogeography|Phytogeographically]], Malta belongs to the Liguro-Tyrrhenian province of the [[Mediterranean Region]] within the [[Boreal Kingdom]]. According to the [[World Wide Fund for Nature|WWF]], the territory of Malta belongs to the [[ecoregion]] of "Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub".<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.panda.org/about_wwf/where_we_work/ecoregions/mediterranean_forests_scrub.cfm | title=Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub - A Global Ecoregion | publisher=Panda.org | accessdate=2008-11-28}}</ref> |
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=== |
===Islands=== |
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[[Image:View from Kenuna garden.jpg|thumb|right|280px|[[Nadur]] grassland, [[Gozo]] island]] |
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The main islands, and the only inhabited ones of the country are [[Malta (island)|Malta Island]], [[Comino]] and [[Gozo]]. Other islands that form part of the [[archipelago]] include: [[Cominotto]] (''Kemmunett'', uninhabited), [[Filfla]] (uninhabited), [[Fungus Rock]] (''Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral'', uninhabited), [[Manoel Island]] (which is joined to the town of [[Gżira]], on the mainland by a bridge), and the [[Islands of St. Paul]] (uninhabited). The Maltese Islands have been an independent [[republic]] since 1974. The centre of government, commerce and [[Culture of Malta|culture]] is the capital city of [[Valletta]], on the eastern coast of [[Malta]]. |
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Maltese Islands are as the following: |
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The minor islands that form part of the [[archipelago]] are uninhabited and include: |
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{{col-start}}{{col-break}} |
{{col-start}}{{col-break}} |
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* Barbaganni Rock |
* Barbaganni Rock |
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* [[Comino]] |
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* [[Cominotto]], (''Kemmunett'') |
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* [[Cominotto]] |
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* Delmarva Island |
* Delmarva Island |
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* [[Filfla]] |
* [[Filfla]] |
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* Fessej Rock |
* Fessej Rock |
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* [[Fungus Rock]] |
* [[Fungus Rock]] |
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* Għallis Rock |
* Għallis Rock |
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* [[Gozo]] |
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* Halfa Rock |
* Halfa Rock |
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* Large Blue Lagoon Rocks |
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{{col-break}} |
{{col-break}} |
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* Large Blue Lagoon Rocks |
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* [[Islands of St. Paul]]/Selmunett Island |
* [[Islands of St. Paul]]/Selmunett Island |
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* [[Malta (island)|Malta Island]] |
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* [[Manoel Island]], which connects to the town of [[Gżira]], on the mainland, via a bridge |
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* [[Manoel Island]] |
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* Mistra Rocks |
* Mistra Rocks |
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* Tac-Cawl Rock |
* Tac-Cawl Rock |
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* Qawra Point/Ta` |
* Qawra Point/Ta`Fraben Island |
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* Small Blue Lagoon Rocks |
* Small Blue Lagoon Rocks |
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* Sala Rock |
* Sala Rock |
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===Climate=== |
===Climate=== |
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The climate is [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] Csa) |
The climate is [[Mediterranean climate|Mediterranean]] ([[Köppen climate classification]] Csa), with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. There is no real thermal dormant season for plants, although plant growth can be checked briefly by abnormal cold in winter (patches of ground frost may occur in inland locales), and summer heat and aridity may cause vegetation to wilt. Effectively there are only two seasons, which makes the islands attractive for tourists, especially during the drier months. However, strong winds can make Malta feel cold during the springtime. |
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[[ |
[[Image:Valletta-view-from-senglea.jpg|thumb|left|500px|Malta has a predominantly Mediterranean climate]] |
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Water supply poses a problem on Malta, as the summer is both rainless and the time of greatest water use, and the winter rainfall often falls as heavy showers running off to the sea rather than soaking into the ground. Malta depends on underground reserves of fresh water, drawn through a system of water tunnels called the Ta' Kandja galleries, which average about 97 m. below surface and extend like the spokes of a wheel. In the galleries in Malta's porous limestone, fresh water lies in a lens upon brine. More than half the potable water of Malta is produced by [[desalination]], which creates further issues of fossil fuel use and pollution.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6525069.stm BBC News "Briney future for vulnerable Malta"] 4 April 2007 |
Water supply poses a problem on Malta, as the summer is both rainless and the time of greatest water use, and the winter rainfall often falls as heavy showers running off to the sea rather than soaking into the ground. Malta depends on underground reserves of fresh water, drawn through a system of water tunnels called the Ta' Kandja galleries, which average about 97 m. below surface and extend like the spokes of a wheel. In the galleries in Malta's porous limestone, fresh water lies in a lens upon brine. More than half the potable water of Malta is produced by [[desalination]], which creates further issues of fossil fuel use and pollution.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/6525069.stm BBC News "Briney future for vulnerable Malta"] 4 April 2007</ref> |
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Average number of days above 21°C (70°F) is 189, average number of days above 32°C (90°F) is 15. Average morning [[relative humidity]]: 82%, average evening relative humidity: 64%<ref>[http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weatherall.php3?s=79561&refer=&units=metric Weatherbase: Historical Weather for Malta]</ref> |
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The lowest temperature ever recorded at Valletta was on February 19, 1895, with {{Convert|1.2|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}}, and the highest temperature was {{Convert|43.8|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}} recorded in August 1999 at Luqa International Airport. An unofficial lowest temperature of {{Convert|-1.7|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}} was recorded on February 1, 1962 in the [[Ta' Qali]] airfield with snow on the ground. |
The lowest temperature ever recorded at Valletta was on February 19, 1895, with {{Convert|1.2|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}}, and the highest temperature was {{Convert|43.8|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}} recorded in August 1999 at Luqa International Airport. An unofficial lowest temperature of {{Convert|-1.7|°C|°F|1|abbr=on|lk=off}} was recorded on February 1, 1962 in the [[Ta' Qali]] airfield with snow on the ground. |
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Snow is virtually unheard of, with very few and brief snow flurries recorded in February 1895, January 1905 and January |
Snow is virtually unheard of, with very few and brief snow flurries recorded in February 1895, January 1905 and January 31st, 1962. No accumulation has been reported on the coast at least since 1800, but on the last day of January 1962 snow briefly covered some parts of the interior of the main island. The following night the only frost in the history of Malta was recorded in the [[Ta' Qali]] airfield. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%;width:100%;border:0px;text-align:center;line-height:120%;" |
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{{Infobox Weather |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color: #000080" height="17" |Month |
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|metric_first=yes |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Year |
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|single_line=yes |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jan |
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|location=Malta |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Feb |
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|Jan_Hi_°C = 15.2 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Mar |
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|Feb_Hi_°C = 15.5 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Apr |
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|Mar_Hi_°C = 16.7 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | May |
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|Apr_Hi_°C = 19.1 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jun |
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|May_Hi_°C = 23.3 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Jul |
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|Jun_Hi_°C = 27.5 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Aug |
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|Jul_Hi_°C = 30.7 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Sep |
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|Aug_Hi_°C = 30.7 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Oct |
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|Sep_Hi_°C = 28.0 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Nov |
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|Oct_Hi_°C = 24.2 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" | Dec |
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|Nov_Hi_°C = 20.1 |
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|- |
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|Dec_Hi_°C = 16.7 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" |Avg high °C (°F) |
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|Year_Hi_°C = 22.3 |
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| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 21 (71) |
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|Jan_Lo_°C = 9.2 |
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| style="background: #DDDDDD; color:#000000;" | 15 (59) |
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|Feb_Lo_°C = 9.3 |
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| style="background: #DDDDDD; color:#000000;" | 15 (59) |
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|Mar_Lo_°C = 10.1 |
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| style="background: #FFFFCC; color:#000000;" | 16 (61) |
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|Apr_Lo_°C = 11.9 |
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| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 18 (65) |
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|May_Lo_°C = 14.9 |
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| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 22 (72) |
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|Jun_Lo_°C = 18.4 |
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| style="background: #FFCC66; color:#000000;" | 27 (80) |
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|Jul_Lo_°C = 21.0 |
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| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 32 (86) |
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|Aug_Lo_°C = 21.8 |
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| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 32 (86) |
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|Sep_Lo_°C = 20.1 |
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| style="background: #FF8000; color:#000000;" | 28 (82) |
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|Oct_Lo_°C = 17.1 |
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| style="background: #FFCC66; color:#000000;" | 24 (75) |
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|Nov_Lo_°C = 13.9 |
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| style="background: #FFFF99; color:#000000;" | 19 (67) |
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|Dec_Lo_°C = 11.0 |
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| style="background: #FFFFCC; color:#000000;" | 16 (61) |
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|Year_Lo_°C = 14.89 |
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|- |
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|Jan_MEAN_°C = 12.2 |
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! style="background: #99CCCC; color:#000080;" height="16;" |Avg low temperature °C (°F) |
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|Feb_MEAN_°C = 12.4 |
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| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 15 (60) |
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|Mar_MEAN_°C = 13.4 |
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| style="background: #80FFFF; color: black;" | 9 (49) |
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|Apr_MEAN_°C = 15.5 |
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| style="background: #80FFFF; color: black;" | 9 (49) |
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|May_MEAN_°C = 19.1 |
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| style="background: #80FFFF; color: black;" | 10 (51) |
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|Jun_MEAN_°C = 22.95 |
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| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 12 (54) |
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|Jul_MEAN_°C = 25.85 |
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| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 15 (59) |
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|Aug_MEAN_°C = 26.25 |
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| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 19 (66) |
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|Sep_MEAN_°C = 24.05 |
|||
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 22 (71) |
|||
|Oct_MEAN_°C = 20.65 |
|||
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 22 (72) |
|||
|Nov_MEAN_°C = 17.0 |
|||
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 20 (69) |
|||
|Dec_MEAN_°C = 13.85 |
|||
| style="background: #FFFF99; color: black;" | 18 (64) |
|||
|Year_MEAN_°C = 18.6 |
|||
| style="background: #DDDDDD; color: black;" | 14 (57) |
|||
|Jan_Precip_days = 13.7 |
|||
| style="background: #80FFFF; color: black;" | 11 (52) |
|||
|Feb_Precip_days = 10.9 |
|||
|- |
|||
|Mar_Precip_days = 8.9 |
|||
| colspan="14" style="text-align:center;font-size:90%;"|''Source: [http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=79561&refer= Weatherbase]'' |
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|Apr_Precip_days = 6.4 |
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|} |
|||
|May_Precip_days = 2.8 |
|||
|Jun_Precip_days = 1.1 |
|||
|Jul_Precip_days = 0.4 |
|||
|Aug_Precip_days = 1.0 |
|||
|Sep_Precip_days = 3.9 |
|||
|Oct_Precip_days = 10.2 |
|||
|Nov_Precip_days = 10.6 |
|||
|Dec_Precip_days = 14.2 |
|||
|Year_Precip_days = 84.1 |
|||
|Jan_Precip_cm = 8.90 |
|||
|Feb_Precip_cm = 6.13 |
|||
|Mar_Precip_cm = 4.09 |
|||
|Apr_Precip_cm = 2.25 |
|||
|May_Precip_cm = 0.66 |
|||
|Jun_Precip_cm = 0.32 |
|||
|Jul_Precip_cm = 0.04 |
|||
|Aug_Precip_cm = 0.70 |
|||
|Sep_Precip_cm = 4.04 |
|||
|Oct_Precip_cm = 8.97 |
|||
|Nov_Precip_cm = 8.0 |
|||
|Dec_Precip_cm = 11.23 |
|||
|Year_Precip_cm = 55.33 |
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|source = [[World Meteorological Organization]] ([[United Nations|UN]])<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.worldweather.org/012/c00042.htm |
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|title=Weather Information for Malta |
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|dateformat=mdy |
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|accessdate=}}</ref> |
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|accessdate = }} |
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== Economy == |
== Economy == |
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{{ |
{{main|Economy of Malta}} |
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[[Image:European flag in the wind.jpg|thumb|left|Malta is a member state of the [[European Union]], part of its [[single market]] and part of the [[Eurozone]]. ]] |
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[[Image:1 Euro coin Mt.gif|thumb|250px|left|The [[Maltese euro coins| Maltese 1 Euro coin]]]] |
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[[Image:Malta Financial.jpg|thumb|190px|left|Malta Financial]] |
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[[Image:Euro accession.svg|thumb|right|250px|Malta is a part of the [[Eurozone]]]] |
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[[Image:AIDAcara Valetta.jpg|right|250px|thumb|Valletta's maritime industrial zone]] |
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Until 1800 Malta had very few industries except the [[cotton]], [[tobacco]] and shipyards industry. The [[dockyard]] was later used by the British for military purposes. At times of war Malta's economy prospered due to its strategic location. This could be seen during the [[Crimean war|Crimean War]] of 1854. This benefited those who had a military role, as well as the craftsmen. |
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In 1869 the opening of the [[Suez Canal]] benefited Malta's economy greatly, as there was a massive increase in the shipping which entered the port. [[Entrepôt]] trade saw many ships stopping at Malta's docks for refuelling, which brought great benefits to the population. Towards the end of the 19th century the economy began declining, and by the 1940s Malta's economy was in serious crisis. This was partially due to the longer range of newer merchant ships which required less frequent refuelling stops. |
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Until 1800 Malta depended on [[cotton]], [[tobacco]] and its shipyards for exports. After the British arrived, they came to depend on the [[dockyard]] for support of the [[Royal Navy]], especially during the [[Crimean war|Crimean War]] of 1854. The military base benefited craftsmen and all those who served the military. |
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Presently, Malta’s major resources are [[limestone]], a favourable geographic location and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade (serving as a freight trans-shipment point), manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles) and tourism. Tourism infrastructure has increased dramatically over the years and a number of good-quality hotels are present on the island, although overdevelopment and the destruction of traditional housing is of growing concern. An increasing number of Maltese now travel abroad on holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=57309|title=More Maltese travel abroad|work=The Malta Independent|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> Although they are still a net importer of tourism, the ratio of inbound tourists to outbound tourists is decreasing. [[Films shot in Malta|Film production]] is a growing contributor to the Maltese economy, with several big-budget foreign films shooting in Malta each year. The country has increased the exports of many other types of services such as banking and finance. |
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In 1869 the opening of the [[Suez Canal]] gave Malta's economy a great boost, as there was a massive increase in the shipping which entered the port. Ships stopping at Malta's docks for refuelling helped the [[Entrepôt]] trade, which brought additional benefits to the island. |
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However, towards the end of the 19th century the economy began declining, and by the 1940s Malta's economy was in serious crisis. One factor was the longer range of newer merchant ships that required less frequent refuelling stops. |
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[[File:AIDAcara Valetta.jpg|thumb|left|Valletta's maritime industrial zone]] |
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Presently, Malta’s major resources are [[limestone]], a favourable geographic location and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade (serving as a freight trans-shipment point), manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles) and tourism. Tourism infrastructure has increased dramatically over the years and a number of good-quality hotels are present on the island, although overdevelopment and the destruction of traditional housing is of growing concern. An increasing number of Maltese now travel abroad on holiday.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=57309|title=More Maltese travel abroad|work=The Malta Independent|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> Although they are still a net importer of tourism, the ratio of inbound tourists to outbound tourists is decreasing. The popular ''[[Glassblowing|Mdina Glass]]'' enterprise was established on the island in 1968 by Michael Harris, a former tutor at the UK's [[Royal College of Art|RCA]]. |
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The government is investing heavily in the country's provision of education. As all education is free, Malta is currently producing a pool of qualified persons which heavily contribute to the country's growing economy. |
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[[Films shot in Malta|Film production]] is a growing contributor to the Maltese economy, with several big-budget foreign films shooting in Malta each year. The country has increased the exports of many other types of services such as banking and finance. |
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Malta has recently [[privatization|privatised]] some state-controlled firms and liberalised markets in order to prepare for membership in the [[European Union]], which it joined on May 1, 2004. For example, the government announced on January 8, 2007 that it is selling its 40% stake in Maltapost, in order to complete a privatisation process which has been ongoing for the past five years. Malta and [[Tunisia]] are currently discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for petroleum exploration. |
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The government is investing heavily in education, including college. |
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The Maltese government entered [[ERM II]] on May 4, 2005, and adopted the [[euro]] as the country's currency on January 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6288084.stm|title=Cyprus and Malta to adopt euros|date=10 July 2007|work=BBC News Business|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> [[Maltese euro coins]] feature the [[Maltese Cross]] on €2 and €1 coins, the [[Coat of Arms of Malta|Maltese Coat of Arms]] on the €0.50, €0.20 and €0.10 coins, and the [[Mnajdra]] Temples on the €0.05, €0.02 and €0.01 coins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymalta.com/wt/2006/06/maltese-cross-on-euro-coins.shtml|title= Maltese Cross on the Euro coins|work=Malta Media|date=June 12, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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Malta has recently [[privatization|privatised]] some state-controlled firms and liberalised markets in order to prepare for membership in the [[European Union]], which it joined on May 1, 2004. For example, the government announced on January 8, 2007 that it is selling its 40% stake in Maltapost, in order to complete a privatisation process which has been ongoing for the past five years. |
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==Numismatics== |
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Malta and [[Tunisia]] are currently discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for petroleum exploration. |
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[[Image:Mtgold08.jpg|thumb|200px|[[Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Malta)#2008 coinage|The €50 Auberge de Castille commemorative coin]] minted in 2008]] |
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{{main|Maltese euro coins}} |
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{{main|Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Malta)}} |
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In Malta the [[euro]] was introduced in 2008. Three different designs were selected for the Maltese coins. In this short period, Malta also produced collectors' coins, with face value ranging from 10 to 50 euro. These coins are a legacy of an old national practice of minting of silver and gold commemorative coins. Unlike normal issues, these coins are not legal tender in all the eurozone. For instance, a €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country. |
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Malta does not have a property tax. |
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==Infrastructures== |
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According to [[Eurostat]] data, Maltese PPS GDP per capita stood at 76 per cent of the EU average in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epp.eurostat.ec.europa.eu/cache/ITY_PUBLIC/2-25062009-BP/EN/2-25062009-BP-EN.PDF|title=GDP per capita in PPS|publisher=Eurostat|accessdate=2009-06-25}}</ref> |
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===Highways=== |
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Malta's representative in Brussels, Joe Borg, has recently courted controversy{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} by opposing a ban on the sale of [[bluefin tuna]], an increasingly rare fish that sells in Japan for tens of thousands of pounds per fish. Malta's bluefin tuna industry, which employs 1,000 of the country's 400,000 citizens, is worth €100m (£87m) a year in revenue to the island.{{Citation needed|date=September 2009}} |
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Traffic in Malta [[Driving on the left or right|drives on the left]], as in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Car ownership in Malta is exceedingly high, given the very small size of the islands: fourth highest in the European Union. The number of registered cars in 1990 amounted to 182,254, giving an automobile density of 582 per km².<ref>Sammut & Savona-Ventura, "Petrol Lead in a Small Island Environment", ''International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine'' 9 (1996) at 33-40.</ref> |
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=== Money and Banking === |
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The [[Central Bank of Malta]] (Bank Ċentrali Ta' Malta), has two key areas of responsibility: the formulation and implementation of monetary policy and the promotion of a sound and efficient financial system. It was established by the Central Bank of Malta Act on 17 April 1968. The Maltese government entered [[ERM II]] on May 4, 2005, and adopted the [[euro]] as the country's currency on January 1, 2008.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/6288084.stm|title=Cyprus and Malta to adopt euros|date=10 July 2007|work=BBC News Business|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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Malta has 2,254 kilometres of road, 1,972 km (87.5%) of which are paved and 282 km are unpaved (December 2003).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mt-malta/tra-transportation|title=''NationMaster'' - Transportation statistics|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> |
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==== Currency ==== |
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[[File:1 Euro coin Mt.gif|thumb|140px|The [[Maltese euro coins|Maltese 1 Euro coin]]]] |
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{{Main|Maltese euro coins|Euro gold and silver commemorative coins (Malta)}} |
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===Buses=== |
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[[Maltese euro coins]] feature the [[Maltese Cross]] on €2 and €1 coins, the [[Coat of Arms of Malta|Maltese Coat of Arms]] on the €0.50, €0.20 and €0.10 coins, and the [[Mnajdra]] Temples on the €0.05, €0.02 and €0.01 coins.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dailymalta.com/wt/2006/06/maltese-cross-on-euro-coins.shtml|title= Maltese Cross on the Euro coins|work=Malta Media|date=June 12, 2006|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Map of Malta 2.png|thumb|210px|Principal highways]] |
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Malta has already produced collectors' coins with face value ranging from 10 to 50 euro. These coins continue an existing national practice of minting of silver and gold commemorative coins. Unlike normal issues, these coins are not legal tender in all the eurozone. For instance, a €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country. |
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[[Image:FBY749.jpg|left|thumb|A traditional [[Malta bus|Maltese bus]] in [[Valletta]]]] |
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{{See also|Malta bus}} |
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[[Bus]]es are the primary method of public transport for the islands, which offer a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. The vast majority of buses on Malta depart from a large circular terminus in [[Valletta]]. |
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Buses have been used on the island since 1905. These classic buses have become tourist attractions in their own right, due to their uniqueness, and are depicted on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. However, these old buses are slowly being replaced by a more modern fleet, albeit still customised in the tradition of the older buses. |
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==== Banking ==== |
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The two largest (and oldest) banks in the country are [[Bank of Valletta]] and [[HSBC Bank Malta]], both of which can trace their origins back to the 19th Century. Malta is also home to an international financial center with several foreign offshore banks. |
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The buses used to be colour coded, according to the their routes, before being painted green. Now the buses in Malta are all dark yellow, with a band of orange, while those on the sister island of [[Gozo]] are grey, with a red band. |
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== Healthcare == |
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Malta has a long history of providing of socialized healthcare. The first hospital recorded in the country was already functioning by 1372.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.geocities.com/hotsprings/2615/medhist/hospital2.htm |title=Civil Hospitals In Malta In The Last Two Hundred Years |publisher=Geocities.com |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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Today, Malta has both a public healthcare system, known as the government healthcare service, where healthcare is free at the point of delivery, and a private healthcare system.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sahha.gov.mt/pages.aspx?page=156 |title=The Health Care System in Malta_1 |publisher=Sahha.gov.mt |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gov.mt/servicecluster.asp?s=4&l=2 |title=Government Of Malta - Health Services |publisher=Gov.mt |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> Malta has a strong general practitioner-delivered primary care base and the public hospitals provide secondary and tertiary care. The Maltese Ministry of Health advises foreign residents to take out private medical insurance.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.alloexpat.com/moving_to_malta_forum/healthcare-in-malta-t162.html |title=HEALTHCARE IN MALTA - Allo' Expat Malta |publisher=Alloexpat.com |date=2006-10-17 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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There are approximately 500 buses in public transit service in Malta, most of them privately owned by the bus drivers themselves, and operated to a unified timetable set by the transport authority. Malta buses carry approximately 31 million passengers per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstoday.com.mt/2006/11/22/l4.html|title=Transportation statistics|work=Business Today|author=Debono, James|date=[[2006-11-22]]|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> On any one day, half the bus fleet works on the public transport network (called 'route buses'), while the other half are used for private tours and school transportation. |
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Malta was ranked number five in the [[World Health Organization]]'s ranking of the world's health systems,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html |title=The World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems |publisher=Photius.com |date= |accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref> well above the [[United States]] (at 37), [[Australia]] (at 32), and [[Canada]] (at 30). The [[United Kingdom]], the best of this group of larger comparator countries, was ranked at number 18, which is interesting in that the healthcare system in Malta closely resembles the British system,<ref name="ph">{{cite web |author=info@icon.com.mt |url=http://www.stphilips.com.mt/StPhilips/hospital.asp |title=St. Philip's Hospital - A modern 75-bed hospital equipped with the latest medical technology - Malta |publisher=Stphilips.com.mt |date=2004-07-02 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> as healthcare is free at the point of delivery. |
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=== |
===Railway=== |
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{{Main|List of hospitals in Malta}} |
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For a brief period between 1883 and 1931, Malta had a railway line that connected the capital city of [[Valletta]] to the army barracks at [[Mtarfa]] via [[Mdina]] and a number of towns and villages. |
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The recently completed [[Mater Dei Hospital]] is Malta's primary hospital, and one of the largest medical buildings in Europe. |
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In addition, Malta has three major private hospitals: |
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*[[St Philip's Hospital]], with a capacity of 75 beds, is in Santa Venera. |
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*[[St James Capua Hospital]] (the former Capua Palace Hospital), with 80 beds, is in Sliema. |
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*St James Hospital has several sites, including a 13 bed unit in Zabbar, as well as a partner hospital in [[Libya]]. |
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The railway fell into disuse, and was eventually closed altogether, following the introduction of electric trams and buses. At the height of the bombing of Malta during [[World War II]], [[Benito Mussolini|Mussolini]] announced that his forces had destroyed the railway system. But by the time war broke out, the railway had been mothballed for more than nine years. |
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St Mark's Clinic, in Msida, with a capacity of 5 beds, also offers some private hospital services. |
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<ref name="ph"/> |
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===New public transport network=== |
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[[File:MMSA Checking Blood Pressure.JPG|thumb|left|Maltese student checking [[blood pressure]]]] |
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The [[University of Malta]] has a [[medical school]], a [[dental school]], and a [[nursing school]].<ref>[http://www.um.edu.mt/courses/bsc_nursing.pdf]</ref> |
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A new public transport network is being proposed for the islands of Malta and Gozo which will include a day service from 6am to 11pm and a night service from 11pm to 6am. The proposed network is divided into three types of services. The fast Crossline services would operate at a frequency of 30 minutes. These connect with Mainline services which would operate at a frequency of between 10 and 30 minutes. At regional and local levels the Feederlines would serve villages and neighbouring areas at a frequency of 30 minutes. Apart from the interchange at Valletta, which would be upgraded, it is being proposed that there would be other major interchanges in the network at Mater Dei, Luxol in Swieqi, Paola, Marsa, the Airport and Msida. Public transport information would be made available in various media including real time, mobile and online and enhanced bus stop and interchange facilities would be introduced providing shelter, security, information, comfort and convenience. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://secure2.gov.mt/mitc/page.aspx?pageid=156&lid=1|title=Malta public transport reform|work=MITC|author=MITC, James|date=[[2008-12-06]]|accessdate=2008-12-06}}</ref> |
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The [[Medical Association of Malta]] represents practitioners of the medical profession. [[MMSA]] is a separate body representing Maltese medical students, and is a member of [[EMSA]] and [[IFMSA]]. [[MIME]], the Maltese Institute for Medical Education, is an institute set up recently to provide CME to doctors in Malta as well as medical students. The [[Foundation Program]] followed in the UK is to be introduced in Malta in order to stem the 'brain drain' of medical students to the British Isles. [[MADS]], the Malta Association of Dental Students, is a student association set up to promote the rights of Dental Surgery Students studying within the faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Malta. It is affiliated with [[IADS]], the International Association of Dental Students. |
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=== Medical Tourism === |
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===Ports and harbours=== |
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In recent years, Malta has advertised itself as a [[medical tourism]] destination,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61027 |title=INDEPENDENT online |publisher=Independent.com.mt |date=2009-03-26 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> and a number of [[health tourism provider]]s are developing the industry. However, no Maltese hospital has undergone independent [[international healthcare accreditation]]. Malta is popular with British medical tourists,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.treatmentabroad.net/medical-tourism/news/november-2007/malta-popular-with-uk-medical-tourists |title=Malta popular with UK medical tourists |publisher=Treatmentabroad.net |date=2008-05-02 |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref><ref>[http://ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/News_MoreInfo.asp?Articleid=18342883&titleID=Malta+'popular+with+UK+medical+tourists'+(05.11.07) ]{{Dead link|date=March 2009}}</ref> pointing Maltese hospitals towards seeking UK-sourced accreditation, such as with the [[Trent Accreditation Scheme]]. Dual accreditation with the American-orientated [[Joint Commission]] is necessary if hospitals in Malta wish to compete with the Far East and Latin America for medical tourists from the [[United States]]. |
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[[Image:Gozo Ferry Disembarking.jpg|left|thumb|A ferry departs at Ċirkewwa harbour from Mġarr, Gozo.]] |
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[[Image:Valletta-Harbour.jpg|Right|thumb|300px|[[Valletta]] Harbour]] |
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Malta has three large natural harbours on its main island. There are also two man-made harbours that connect the islands of Malta and [[Gozo]]. |
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*The [[Grand Harbour]], located at the eastern side of the capital city of [[Valletta]]. The Grand Harbour, which has been used as a harbour since [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times, has several extensive [[docks (maritime)|docks]] and [[Wharf|wharves]], as well as a cruise liner terminal. |
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*[[Marsamxett Harbour]], located on the western side of Valletta, accommodate a number of yacht marinas. |
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*[[Marsaxlokk Harbour]] is sited at [[Marsaxlokk]] on the south-eastern side of Malta, and is the location of the [[Malta Freeport]], the islands' main cargo terminal. |
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A seaplane service operated by [[HarbourAir Malta]] flies daily scheduled flights between the Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mġarr harbour in Gozo. |
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====Ferry services==== |
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A frequent daily passenger and car ferry service runs between the islands of Malta and Gozo between [[Ċirkewwa|Ċirkewwa Harbour]] and [[Mġarr|Mġarr Harbour]]. |
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There is also a ferry terminal at the Grand Harbour that connects Malta to [[Pozzallo]] & [[Catania]] in [[Sicily]]. |
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===Airports and heliports=== |
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[[Image:DeHavilland Single Otter Harbour Air.jpg|left|thumb|A Harbour Air [[De Havilland Canada DHC-3 Otter]]]] |
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[[Image:Malta International Airport2.jpg|right|thumb|[[Malta International Airport]]]] |
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[[Image:Air.malta.a320-200.9h-aep.arp.jpg|right|thumb|An [[Air Malta]] flight]] |
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[[Malta International Airport]] is the only airport serving the Maltese Islands. It is built on the land formerly occupied by the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] [[RAF Luqa|Luqa]] air base. A heliport is also located there, but the scheduled service to Gozo ceased in 2006. Since June 2007, a three-times daily floatplane service, operated by Harbour Air Malta, has linked the sea terminal in Grand Harbour to Mgarr harbour in Gozo. |
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In the past there were two further airfields which were in operation during World War II, and into the 1960s, located at [[Ta'Qali]] and [[Ħal Far]]. They have now since been closed, the land on the former has now been converted into a national park, [[Ta'Qali Stadium|stadium]] and the Crafts Village visitor attraction. The Malta Aviation museum is also situated here, preserving several aircraft including Hurricane and Spitfire fighters which defended the island in World War II. |
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The national airline is [[Air Malta]], based in Luqa. It operates services to 36 destinations in Europe and North Africa. The airline's hub and base is at Malta International Airport, Malta.Air Malta has concluded over 191 interline ticketing agreements with other IATA airlines. It also has a codeshare agreement with Qantas covering the following routes: Sydney-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta, Sydney-Bangkok-Heathrow-Malta and Melbourne-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta. |
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According to the Association of European Airlines quarterly review of May 2006 Air Malta is the airline that loses the least amount of passenger baggage. The amount of baggage lost in the first quarter of 2006 was 4.1 bags missing per 1000 passengers. |
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In September 2007, Air Malta made two agreements with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways by which Air Malta wet-leased two Airbus aircraft to Etihad Airways for the winter period starting September 1st, 2007, and provided operational support on another Airbus A320, aircraft leased by Etihad Airways. |
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Air Malta is owned by the Maltese government (98%) and private investors (2%). Air Malta also has a 25% shareholding in Medavia. The airline employs 1,547 staff. |
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== Military == |
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{{main|Armed Forces of Malta}} |
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The objectives of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are to maintain a military organisation with the primary aim of defending the Islands' integrity according to the defence roles as set by Government in an efficient and cost effective manner. This is achieved by emphasising the maintenance of Malta's territorial waters and airspace integrity. |
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The AFM also engages in combating terrorism, fighting against illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations. Malta's Search and Rescue area extends from east of Tunisia to west of Crete covering an area of around 250,000 km². |
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As a military organisation, the AFM provides backup support to the [[Malta Police Force]] (MPF) and other government departments/agencies in situations as required in an organised, disciplined manner in the event of national emergencies (such as natural disasters) or internal security and bomb disposal. |
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On another level, the AFM establishes and/or consolidates [[bilateralism|bilateral co-operation]] with other countries to reach higher operational effectiveness related to AFM roles. |
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== Demographics == |
== Demographics == |
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{{ |
{{main|Demographics of Malta}} |
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===Population=== |
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[[Image:Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|230px|[[Valletta]], Malta's historical capital city]] |
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=== Population === |
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[[File:Valletta.jpg|thumb|left|230px|[[Valletta]], Malta's historical capital city]] |
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A census of population and housing is held every ten years. The last census was held over three years in November 2005 and managed to enumerate an estimated 96% of the population. A preliminary report was issued in April 2006, and results were weighted to an estimate for 100% of the population. |
A census of population and housing is held every ten years. The last census was held over three years in November 2005 and managed to enumerate an estimated 96% of the population. A preliminary report was issued in April 2006, and results were weighted to an estimate for 100% of the population. |
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Native [[Maltese people]] make up the majority of the island. However there are minorities, the largest of which are [[British people]], many of whom retired to Malta. |
Native [[Maltese people]] make up the majority of the island. However there are minorities, the largest of which are [[British people]], many of whom retired to Malta. |
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<!--Note to Editors: All information, INCLUDING COMMENTARY, is from 2005 census except where indicated. Location for verification and for updating on next year's demographic review are commented.-->The resident population of Malta, which includes foreigners residing in Malta for at least a year, as of November 27, 2005 was estimated at 404,039 of whom 200,715 (49.7%) were males and 203,324 (50.3%) were females<!--Table 2: Population and sex ratio: 1842-2005-->. Of these, 17.1 per cent were aged 14 and under, 68.2 per cent were within the 15–64 age bracket whilst the remaining 13.7 per cent were 65 years and over<!--Table 8: Total population by broad age group and locality as at 27 November 2005-->. Malta's [[population density]] of 1,282 per [[square kilometer]] (3,322/[[square mile|sq mi]]) <!--Table 6: Population density: 1995-2005-->is by far the highest in the EU<!--Table 15: Population density in Europe-->, and one of the [[List of countries by population density|highest]] in the world. The only census year showing a fall in population was that of 1967, with a 1.7% total decrease, attributable to a substantial number of Maltese residents who emigrated.<ref name="Census2005">{{cite book |authorlink=http://www.nso.gov.mt |title=Census of Population and Housing 2005: Preliminary Report |publisher=National Statistics Office |year=2005 |location=Valletta |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1653 |id=ISBN 978-99909-73-38-9}}</ref> The Maltese-resident population for 2004 was estimated to make up 97.0% of the total resident population.<ref name="Demo2004"/> |
<!--Note to Editors: All information, INCLUDING COMMENTARY, is from 2005 census except where indicated. Location for verification and for updating on next year's demographic review are commented.-->The resident population of Malta, which includes foreigners residing in Malta for at least a year, as of November 27, 2005 was estimated at 404,039 of whom 200,715 (49.7%) were males and 203,324 (50.3%) were females<!--Table 2: Population and sex ratio: 1842-2005-->. Of these, 17.1 per cent were aged 14 and under, 68.2 per cent were within the 15–64 age bracket whilst the remaining 13.7 per cent were 65 years and over<!--Table 8: Total population by broad age group and locality as at 27 November 2005-->. Malta's [[population density]] of 1,282 per [[square kilometer]] (3,322/[[square mile|sq mi]]) <!--Table 6: Population density: 1995-2005-->is by far the highest in the EU<!--Table 15: Population density in Europe-->, and one of the [[List of countries by population density|highest]] in the world. The only census year showing a fall in population was that of 1967, with a 1.7% total decrease, attributable to a substantial number of Maltese residents who emigrated.<ref name="Census2005">{{cite book |authorlink=http://www.nso.gov.mt |title=Census of Population and Housing 2005: Preliminary Report |publisher=National Statistics Office |year=2005 |location=Valletta |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1653 |id=ISBN-13 978-99909-73-38-9}}</ref> The Maltese-resident population for 2004 was estimated to make up 97.0% of the total resident population.<ref name="Demo2004"/> |
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Through all the censuses since 1842 there was always a slightly higher female-to-male ratio. Closest to reaching equality were 1901 and 1911 censuses<!-- (1000:1000 and 1003:1000 respectively)-->. The highest female-to-male ratio was reached in 1957 (1088:1000), and since the ratio has been constantly dropping. The 2005 census showed a 1013:1000 female-to-male ratio<!--Table 2: Population and sex ratio: 1842-2005-->. |
Through all the censuses since 1842 there was always a slightly higher female-to-male ratio. Closest to reaching equality were 1901 and 1911 censuses<!-- (1000:1000 and 1003:1000 respectively)-->. The highest female-to-male ratio was reached in 1957 (1088:1000), and since the ratio has been constantly dropping. The 2005 census showed a 1013:1000 female-to-male ratio<!--Table 2: Population and sex ratio: 1842-2005-->. |
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Population growth has slowed down, from +9.5% between the 1985 and 1995 censuses, to +6.9% between the 1995 and 2005 censuses (a yearly average of +0.7%)<!--Commentary p. xvii & Chart 3: Percentage population change between censuses-->. The birth rate stood at 3860 (a decrease of 21.8% from the 1995 census) and the death rate stood at 3025. Thus, there was a natural population increase of 835 (compared to +888 for 2004, of which over a hundred were foreign residents).<ref name="NSO 20060711">{{cite press release |title=World Population Day - 2006: Special Observances |publisher=National Statistics Office |location=Valletta |date=10 July 2006 |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1719 |accessdate=2006-07-12}}</ref> |
Population growth has slowed down, from +9.5% between the 1985 and 1995 censuses, to +6.9% between the 1995 and 2005 censuses (a yearly average of +0.7%)<!--Commentary p. xvii & Chart 3: Percentage population change between censuses-->. The birth rate stood at 3860 (a decrease of 21.8% from the 1995 census) and the death rate stood at 3025. Thus, there was a natural population increase of 835 (compared to +888 for 2004, of which over a hundred were foreign residents).<ref name="NSO 20060711">{{cite press release |title=World Population Day - 2006: Special Observances |publisher=National Statistics Office |location=Valletta |date=10 July 2006 |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1719 |accessdate=2006-07-12}}</ref> |
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[[File:Vallletta Waterfront.jpg|thumb|right|230px|The [[Valletta Waterfront]] illuminations]] |
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[[Image:Vallletta Waterfront.jpg|thumb|right|230px|The Valletta Waterfront]] |
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<!--May be used in any future section on the pension problem-->The population's age composition is similar to the age structure prevalent in the EU<!--Chart 11. Comparative distribution bet Malta and EU25-->. Since 1967 there was observed a trend indicating an aging population, and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Malta's [[Dependency ratio|old-age-dependency-ratio]] rose from 17.2% in 1995 to 19.8% in 2005, reasonably lower than the EU's 24.9% average. In fact, 31.5% of the Maltese population is aged under 25 (compared to the EU's 29.1%); but the 50-64 age group constitutes 20.3% of the population, significantly higher than the EU's 17.9%. In conclusion, Malta's old-age-dependency-ratio is expected to continue rising steadily in the coming years<!--Commentary p.xxvii-->. |
<!--May be used in any future section on the pension problem-->The population's age composition is similar to the age structure prevalent in the EU<!--Chart 11. Comparative distribution bet Malta and EU25-->. Since 1967 there was observed a trend indicating an aging population, and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Malta's [[Dependency ratio|old-age-dependency-ratio]] rose from 17.2% in 1995 to 19.8% in 2005, reasonably lower than the EU's 24.9% average. In fact, 31.5% of the Maltese population is aged under 25 (compared to the EU's 29.1%); but the 50-64 age group constitutes 20.3% of the population, significantly higher than the EU's 17.9%. In conclusion, Malta's old-age-dependency-ratio is expected to continue rising steadily in the coming years<!--Commentary p.xxvii-->. |
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Maltese legislation recognizes both civil and canonical (ecclesiastical) [[marriage]]s. Annulments by the Ecclesiastes and civil courts are unrelated and are not necessarily granted. There is no [[divorce]] legislation and [[abortion]] in Malta is illegal. A person must be 18 to marry.<ref>[http://www.weddingvendors.com/marriage-license-laws/united-states/montana/ Montana Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.weddingvendors.com</ref> The number of brides aged under 25 decreased from 1471 in 1997 to 766 in 2005; while the number of grooms under 25 decreased from 823 to 311. There is a constant trend that females are more likely than males to marry young. In 2005 there were 51 brides aged between 16 and 19, compared to 8 grooms.<ref name="NSO 20060711"/> |
Maltese legislation recognizes both civil and canonical (ecclesiastical) [[marriage]]s. Annulments by the Ecclesiastes and civil courts are unrelated and are not necessarily granted. There is no [[divorce]] legislation and [[abortion]] in Malta is illegal. A person must be 18 to marry.<ref>[http://www.weddingvendors.com/marriage-license-laws/united-states/montana/ Montana Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.weddingvendors.com</ref> The number of brides aged under 25 decreased from 1471 in 1997 to 766 in 2005; while the number of grooms under 25 decreased from 823 to 311. There is a constant trend that females are more likely than males to marry young. In 2005 there were 51 brides aged between 16 and 19, compared to 8 grooms.<ref name="NSO 20060711"/> |
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At the end of 2007, The population of the Maltese Islands stood at 410,290 and is expected to reach 424,028 by 2025. At the moment, females slightly outnumber males, making up 50.3 per cent of the population. The largest proportion of persons{{ndash}} 7.5 per cent{{ndash}} were aged 25-29, while there were 7.3 per cent falling into each of the 45-49 and 55-59 age brackets.<ref>[http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080712/local/population-in-malta-gozo-exceeds-410-000 Timesofmalta.com - Population in Malta, Gozo exceeds 410,000<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.timesofmalta.com</ref> |
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Both male and female same-sex sexual activity is legal in Malta, but same-sex couples and households headed by same-sex couples are not eligible for the same legal protections available to opposite-sex married couples, causing legal challenges not experienced by non-LGBT residents. The Malta Gay Rights Movement (MGRM), founded in 2001, is a socio-political non-governmental organisation which has as its central focus the rights of the Maltese [[LGBT rights in Malta|LGBT community]]. |
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At the end of 2007, the population of the Maltese Islands stood at 410,290 and is expected to reach 424,028 by 2025. At the moment, females slightly outnumber males, making up 50.3 per cent of the population. The largest proportion of persons{{ndash}} 7.5 per cent{{ndash}} were aged 25–29, while there were 7.3 per cent falling into each of the 45-49 and 55-59 age brackets.<ref>[http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20080712/local/population-in-malta-gozo-exceeds-410-000 Timesofmalta.com - Population in Malta, Gozo exceeds 410,000<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.timesofmalta.com</ref> |
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=== Languages === |
=== Languages === |
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{{main|Languages of Malta}} |
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The official languages of Malta are [[Maltese language|Maltese]] and [[English language|English]]. Maltese, which is constitutionally the [[national language]], is [[language family|genetically]] a [[Semitic language]], descended from [[Sicilian Arabic]] (from [[southern Italy]]), with [[relexification|substantial borrowing]] from [[Sicilian language|Sicilian]], [[Italian language|Italian]], a little [[French language|French]], and more recently, and increasingly, [[English language|English]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aboutmalta.com/grazio/study2.html|title=Evolution of the Maltese Language}}</ref> |
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:''See also: [[#Languages in education|Languages in education]] section (below)'' |
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The [[Maltese language]] ({{lang-mt|'''Il-Malti'''}}) is the [[national language]] of the [[Maltese people]]. The Constitution enshrines it as the country's official language, alongside [[English language|English]]. [[Italian language|Italian]] was the official language of Malta until 1934, when English and Maltese replaced it. |
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The Maltese language (Il-Malti) is the mother tongue language of the Maltese people. |
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Maltese is a [[Semitic language]] descended from [[Siculo-Arabic]] (from [[southern Italy]]). <ref>[http://www.macmillandictionary.com/MED-magazine/February2005/27-LI-Maltese.htm MED Magazine]{{Dead link|date=March 2009}}</ref> The [[Maltese alphabet]] consists of 30 letters based on the [[Latin alphabet]], including the [[diacritic]]ally altered letter ''[[ż]]'', ''[[ċ]]'' and ''[[ġ]]'', as well as the letters ''[[għ]]'', ''[[ħ]]'', and ''[[Ie (digraph)|ie]]''. |
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The [[Maltese alphabet]] consists of 30 letters based on the [[Latin alphabet]], but uses the [[diacritic]]ally altered letter ''[[ż]]'' (found in [[Polish language|Polish]]), ''[[ċ]]'' and ''[[ġ]]'' (comparable to [[Esperanto]] ''[[ĉ]]'' and ''[[ĝ]]''), as well as the letters ''[[għ]]'', ''[[ħ]]'', and ''[[Ie (digraph)|ie]]'', which are unique to Maltese. |
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Maltese has substantial borrowing from [[Sicilian language|Sicilian]], [[Italian language|Italian]], a little [[French language|French]], and more recently, and increasingly, [[English language|English]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.aboutmalta.com/grazio/study2.html|title=Evolution of the Maltese Language}}</ref> The language includes different dialects that can vary strongly from one town to another or from one island to the other. Consequently, it is possible that a person from one town might be unable to understand a person from another town.{{Citation needed|date=August 2009}} |
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[[Italian language|Italian]] was the official language of Malta until 1934, when it was replaced by English and Maltese, thus ending the Language Question. The language still maintains strong ties to the country, and is spoken by the majority of the population as a [[second language]] today. Italian television channels from Italy-based broadcasters, such as [[Mediaset]] and [[RAI]], reach Malta and remain popular.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1045691.stm Country profile: Malta] BBC News; [[2008-01-10]]; [[2008-02-21]]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_237.en.pdf |title=Europeans and languages |accessdate=2007-01-29 |year=2005 |month=September |format=PDF |publisher=European Commission |pages=p.4}}</ref><ref name=LinguisticView>Ignasi Badia i Capdevila; [http://www6.gencat.net/llengcat/noves/hm04primavera-estiu/a_badia2_3.htm A view of the linguistic situation in Malta]; NovesSl; 2004; retrieved on [[2008-02-24]]</ref> |
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The [[Eurobarometer]] states that 100% of the population speaks Maltese, 88% speaks English, 66% speaks Italian, and 17% speaks French,<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf</ref> rendering the country one of the most pan-linguistically fluent in the [[European Union]]. However, public opinion on what language they "preferred" to use was different, with 86% of the population having preference for Maltese, 12% for English, and 2% Italian.<ref name=LinguisticView/> |
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:''See also: [[#Languages in education|Languages in education]] section (below)'' |
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===Religion=== |
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The [[Eurobarometer]] states that 100% of the population speaks Maltese. Also, 88% of the population speaks English, 66% speaks Italian, and 17% speaks French.<ref>http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf</ref> This widespread knowledge of [[second language]]s makes Malta one of the most multi-lingual countries in the [[European Union]]. A study collecting public opinion on what language was "preferred" discovered that 86% of the population express a preference for Maltese, 12% for English, and 2% for Italian.<ref name=LinguisticView/> Still, Italian television channels from Italy-based broadcasters, such as [[Mediaset]] and [[RAI]], reach Malta and remain popular.<ref name=LinguisticView>Ignasi Badia i Capdevila; [http://www6.gencat.net/llengcat/noves/hm04primavera-estiu/a_badia2_3.htm A view of the linguistic situation in Malta]; NovesSl; 2004; retrieved on [[2008-02-24]]</ref><ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/europe/country_profiles/1045691.stm Country profile: Malta] BBC News; [[2008-01-10]]; [[2008-02-21]]</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_237.en.pdf |title=Europeans and languages |accessdate=2007-01-29 |year=2005 |month=September |format=PDF |publisher=European Commission |pages=4}}</ref> |
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{{main|Religion in Malta}} |
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{{Main|Religion in Malta}} |
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[[Image:St John's Co-Cathedral.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[St John's Co-Cathedral]]]] |
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The Constitution of Malta provides for freedom of religion but establishes [[Christianity in Malta|Roman Catholicism]] as the state religion. Freedom House and the World Factbook report that 98 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, making the nation one of the most Catholic countries in the world. |
The Constitution of Malta provides for freedom of religion but establishes [[Christianity in Malta|Roman Catholicism]] as the state religion. Freedom House and the World Factbook report that 98 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, making the nation one of the most Catholic countries in the world. |
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There are more than 360 churches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino, or one church for every 1,000 residents. The parish church (Maltese: ''"il-parroċċa"'', or ''"il-knisja parrokjali"'') is the architectural and geographic focal point of every Maltese town and village, and its main source of civic pride. This civic pride manifests itself in spectacular fashion during the local village '''festas''', which mark the day of the patron saint of each parish with marching bands, religious processions, special [[Holy Mass|Masses]], [[fireworks]] (especially [[fireworks#Maltese petards|petards]]), and other festivities. |
There are more than 360 churches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino, or one church for every 1,000 residents. The parish church (Maltese: ''"il-parroċċa"'', or ''"il-knisja parrokjali"'') is the architectural and geographic focal point of every Maltese town and village, and its main source of civic pride. This civic pride manifests itself in spectacular fashion during the local village '''festas''', which mark the feast day of the patron saint of each parish with marching bands, religious processions, special [[Holy Mass|Masses]], [[fireworks]] (especially [[fireworks#Maltese petards|petards]]), and other festivities. |
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[[File:Domen i Mosta.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Mosta Dome]] known as "Ir-Rotunda"]] |
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Making allowances for a possible break in the appointment of bishops to Malta during the period of Arab rule (869 to 1127 |
Making allowances for a possible break in the appointment of bishops to Malta during the period of Arab rule (869 to 1127 CE), the Maltese Church is frequently referred to today as the only extant [[Apostolic See]], other than [[Rome]] itself. According to tradition, and as recorded in the [[Acts of the Apostles]], the Church in Malta was founded by [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]] in 70 CE, following his shipwreck on these Islands. The earliest Christian place of worship in Malta is therefore said to be the cavern on the north-east of Malta, now known as St. Paul's Grotto, where St. Paul was reputedly imprisoned during his stay on Malta. There is evidence of Christian burials and rituals having taken place in the general vicinity of the Grotto, that date to the 3rd century CE. Further evidence of Christian practices and beliefs during the period of Roman persecution can be found in the many [[catacombs]] that lie beneath various parts of Malta, including St Paul’s Catacombs and St Agatha’s Catacombs in [[Rabat, Malta|Rabat]], just outside the walls of [[Mdina]]. The latter, in particular, were beautifully frescoed between 1200 and 1480, although they were defaced by marauding [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]] in the 1550s. There are also a number of cave churches, including the grotto at [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa|Mellieħa]], which is a Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady where, according to legend, [[St. Luke]] painted a picture of the [[The Madonna|Madonna]]. It has been a place of pilgrimage since [[medieval]] times. |
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[[Image:Domen i Mosta.jpg|thumb|240px|The [[Mosta Dome]] known as "Ir-Rotunda"]] |
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Further evidence of Christian practices and beliefs during the period of Roman persecution appears in the many [[catacombs]] that lie beneath various parts of Malta, including St Paul’s Catacombs and St Agatha’s Catacombs in [[Rabat, Malta|Rabat]], just outside the walls of [[Mdina]]. The latter, in particular, were beautifully frescoed between 1200 and 1480, although marauding [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]] defaced them in the 1550s. There are also a number of cave churches, including the grotto at [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Mellieħa|Mellieħa]], which is a Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady where, according to legend, [[St. Luke]] painted a picture of the [[The Madonna|Madonna]]. It has been a place of pilgrimage since [[medieval]] times. |
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The writings of classic Maltese historian, '''Gian. Francesco Abela''', are in large part responsible for the widely held belief that following their conversion to Christianity at the hand of [[Saul of Tarsus|St. Paul]], the Maltese retained their ancient [[Punic]] language and their Christian religion, despite the Arab invasion.<ref>G.F. Abela, ''Della Descrittione di Malta, (1647) Malta''.</ref> It is possible that Abela's writings assisted the [[Knights of Malta]] in their efforts to win the hearts and minds of the Maltese, by demonstrating that Malta had been ordained by God as a "bulwark of Christian, European civilization against the spread of Mediterranean Islam."<ref>A. Luttrell, ''The Making of Christian Malta: From the Early Middle Ages to 1530'', Aldershot, Hants.: Ashgate Varorium, 2002.</ref> Modern historians suggest that Christianity may have largely disappeared from Malta under the Arabs and did not resume its role as the religion of the majority of Maltese until Norman rule over Malta brought mass immigration to Malta from Italy in the 12th and 13th centuries. |
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[[Image:ZTN city center.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Żejtun]] city centre Parish church]] |
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The Acts of the [[Council of Chalcedon]] record that in 451 AD, a certain Acacius was Bishop of Malta (''Melitenus Episcopus''). It is also known that in 501 AD, a certain Constantinus, ''Episcopus Melitenensis'', was present at the [[Fifth General Council]]. In 588 AD, [[Pope Gregory I]] deposed Tucillus, ''Miletinae civitatis episcopus'', and the clergy and people of Malta elected his successor Trajan in 599 AD. The last recorded Bishop of Malta before the invasion of the Islands was a Greek by the name of Manas, who was subsequently incarcerated at [[Palermo]], Sicily.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/09574a.htm |title=''Catholic Encyclopedia'' |publisher=Newadvent.org |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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For centuries, leadership over the Church in Malta was generally provided by the [[Diocese of Palermo]], except under [[Charles of Anjou]], who caused Maltese bishops to be appointed, as did - on rare occasions - the Spanish and later, the Knights. This further enhanced Malta's cultural connections with [[Sicily]] and [[Italy]], and may have contributed to the entranchment, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, of [[Italian language|Italian]] as Malta's primary language of culture and learning. Since 1808 all bishops of Malta have been Maltese. |
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Classic Maltese historian, '''Gian. Francesco Abela''', states that following their conversion to Christianity at the hand of [[Saul of Tarsus|St. Paul]], the Maltese retained their Christian religion, despite the [[Fatimid]] invasion.<ref>G.F. Abela, ''Della Descrittione di Malta, (1647) Malta''.</ref> It is possible that Abela's writings assisted the [[Knights of Malta]] in their efforts to win the hearts and minds of the Maltese by describing Malta as a divinely ordained "bulwark of Christian, European civilization against the spread of Mediterranean Islam".<ref>A. Luttrell, ''The Making of Christian Malta: From the Early Middle Ages to 1530'', Aldershot, Hants.: Ashgate Varorium, 2002.</ref> The native Christian community that welcomed [[Roger I of Sicily]]<ref name="malticross"/> was further bolstered by immigration to Malta from Italy, in the 12th and 13th centuries. |
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As a result of the [[History of Malta#Norman period|Norman]] and [[History of Malta#Spanish period|Spanish]] periods, and the rule of the Knights, Malta became the devout [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] nation that it is today. It is worth noting that the Office of the [[Spanish Inquisition|Holy Inquisitor]] had a very long tenure in Malta following its establishment in 1530: the last Inquisitor departed from the Islands in 1798, after the Knights capitulated to the forces of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]]. |
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[[File:ZTN city center.jpg|thumb|left|250px|[[Żejtun]] city centre Parish church]] |
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For centuries, the Church in Malta was subordinate to the [[Diocese of Palermo]], except when it was under [[Charles of Anjou]], who appointed bishops for Malta, as did - on rare occasions - the Spanish and later, the Knights. Since 1808 all bishops of Malta have been Maltese. As a result of the [[History of Malta#Norman period|Norman]] and [[History of Malta#Spanish period|Spanish]] periods, and the rule of the Knights, Malta became the devout [[Roman Catholic|Catholic]] nation that it is today. It is worth noting that the Office of the [[Roman Inquisition|Inquisitor of Malta]] had a very long tenure on the island following its establishment in 1530: the last Inquisitor departed from the Islands in 1798, after the Knights capitulated to the forces of [[Napoleon Bonaparte]]. During the period of the [[Republic of Venice]], several Maltese families emigrated to [[Corfu]]. Their descendants account for about two-thirds of the community of some 4000 Catholics that now live on that island. |
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The patron saints |
The patron saints are [[Paul the Apostle|Saint Paul]], Saint Agata and Saint George. Although not declared officially as a patron saint, [[St George Preca|George Preca]] (San Ġorġ Preca) is greatly revered as the first canonised Maltese saint. He was canonised in 3 June 2007 by [[Pope Benedict XVI]]. A number of Maltese individuals are recognised as [[Blessed]], including [[Maria Adeodata Pisani]] and [[Nazju Falzon]], these having been beatified by [[Pope John Paul II]] in 2001. |
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Various [[Roman Catholic]] religious orders are |
Various [[Roman Catholic]] religious orders are found in Malta, such as the [[Jesuits]], [[Franciscans]], [[Dominicans]] and [[Little Sisters of the Poor]]. |
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Most congregants |
Most congregants at the local [[Protestantism|Protestant]] churches are not Maltese; many British retirees live in the country, and vacationers from many other nations compose the remainder of such congregations. There are approximately 500 [[Jehovah's Witnesses]]; [[The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints]] (Mormons), the [[Bible Baptist Church]], and the [[Fellowship of Evangelical Churches]] have about 60 affiliates. There are also some churches of other denominations, such as [[St. Andrew's Scots Church, Malta|St. Andrew's Scots Church]] in Valletta (a joint [[Presbyterian]] and [[Methodist Church of Great Britain|Methodist]] congregation) and [[St Paul's Anglican Cathedral]], as well as a [[Seventh-day Adventist Church|Seventh-day Adventist]] church in [[Birkirkara]]. |
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There is one [[Judaism|Jewish]] congregation and the Jewish population of Malta reached a peak in the Middle Ages under Norman rule. In 1479, Malta and [[Sicily]] came under [[Kingdom of Aragon|Aragonese]] rule and the [[Alhambra Decree]] of 1492 forced all Jews to leave the country with only a few belongings. Several dozen Maltese Jews may have [[Religious conversion|converted]] to Christianity in order to be able to remain in the country. |
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[[Zen Buddhism]] and the [[Bahá'í Faith]] |
[[Zen Buddhism]] and the [[Bahá'í Faith]] also have about 40 members. There is one [[Muslim]] mosque. A Muslim primary school was recently opened, the existence of which remains a point of some controversy. Of the estimated 3,000 [[Islam in Malta|Muslims in Malta]], approximately 2,250 are foreigners, approximately 600 are naturalized citizens, and approximately 150 are native-born Maltese.<ref>{{cite web |
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|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24422.htm |
|url=http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/irf/2003/24422.htm |
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|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2003{{ndash}} Malta |
|title=International Religious Freedom Report 2003{{ndash}} Malta |
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|publisher=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]], [[United States Department of State]]}}</ref> |
|publisher=[[Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor]], [[United States Department of State]]}}</ref> |
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===Migration=== |
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EU nationals require neither a [[visa (document)|visa]] nor a passport (an ID card or an expired passport are enough) to enter the country. Citizens of a number of third world countries are not required to apply for a visa and require only a valid passport when residing in Malta for up to three months. Visas for other nationalities are valid for one month. |
EU nationals require neither a [[visa (document)|visa]] nor a passport (an ID card or an expired passport are enough) to enter the country. Citizens of a number of third world countries are not required to apply for a visa and require only a valid passport when residing in Malta for up to three months. Visas for other nationalities are valid for one month. |
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<!--Add statistics on legal immigration and emigration-->The estimated net inflow (using data for 2002 to 2004) was of 1,913 persons yearly. Over the last 10 years, Malta accepted back a yearly average of 425 returning emigrants.<ref name="Demo2004">{{cite book |last=National Statistics Office|title=Demographic Review 2004 |publisher=National Statistics Office |year=2005 |location=Valletta |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1542 |isbn=99909-73-32-6 |page=59}}</ref> |
<!--Add statistics on legal immigration and emigration-->The estimated net inflow (using data for 2002 to 2004) was of 1,913 persons yearly. Over the last 10 years, Malta accepted back a yearly average of 425 returning emigrants.<ref name="Demo2004">{{cite book |last=National Statistics Office|title=Demographic Review 2004 |publisher=National Statistics Office |year=2005 |location=Valletta |url=http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1542 |isbn=99909-73-32-6 |page=59}}</ref> |
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During 2006, a total of 1,800 illegal immigrants reached Malta making the boat crossing from the North Africa coast. Most of them intended to reach mainland Europe and happened to come to Malta |
During 2006, a total of 1,800 illegal immigrants reached Malta making the boat crossing from the North Africa coast. Most of them intended to reach mainland Europe and happened to come to Malta by mistake.<ref>{{cite press release |title=Frendo holds talks with three European Union Commission Members |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |location=Valletta |date=30 January 2006 |url=http://www.foreign.gov.mt/showdoc.aspx?id=210&filesource=4&file=Press%20release%20EU%20Commissioners%20300106.pdf |format=PDF|accessdate=2006-07-06}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/4365030.stm|title=Immigrant frustration for Malta|date=21 October 2005|accessdate=2007-10-12|work=BBC News Europe}}</ref> In the first half of 2006, 967 irregular immigrants arrived in Malta{{ndash}} almost double the 473 who arrived in the same period in 2005.<ref name="Frendo03072006">{{cite press release |title=Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Michael Frendo to resident EU Ambassadors on irregular immigration in Malta |publisher=Ministry of Foreign Affairs |location=Valletta |date=3 July 2006 |url=http://www.foreign.gov.mt/showdoc.aspx?id=210&filesource=4&file=Illegal%20Immigration%20-%20Statement%20for%20EU%20Ambassadors%20030706.pdf |format=PDF|accessdate=2006-07-06}}</ref> Many immigrants have perished in the journey across the Mediterranean, with one notable incident being the [[May 2007 Malta migrant boat disaster]]. |
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Around 45% of immigrants landed in Malta have been granted [[refugee]] (5%) or protected humanitarian status (40%). A [[White Paper]] suggesting the grant of Maltese citizenship to refugees resident in Malta for over ten years was issued in 2005. Historically Malta gave refuge (and assisted in their resettlement) to eight hundred or so East African Asians who had been expelled from [[Uganda]] by [[Idi Amin]] and to just under a thousand [[Iraq]]is fleeing [[Saddam Hussein]]'s regime. |
Around 45% of immigrants landed in Malta have been granted [[refugee]] (5%) or protected humanitarian status (40%). A [[White Paper]] suggesting the grant of Maltese citizenship to refugees resident in Malta for over ten years was issued in 2005. Historically Malta gave refuge (and assisted in their resettlement) to eight hundred or so East African Asians who had been expelled from [[Uganda]] by [[Idi Amin]] and to just under a thousand [[Iraq]]is fleeing [[Saddam Hussein]]'s regime. |
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{{col-start}}{{col-break}} |
{{col-start}}{{col-break}} |
||
{| class="wikitable |
{| class="wikitable" |
||
|- |
|||
|+MALTESE MIGRATION PATTERNS (1946-1996)<ref>Source: [http://www.maltamigration.com/statistics/?s=4A624EE1-7D7101215028-ACE Malta Migration Museum Committee]</ref> |
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! SUMMARY OF MALTESE MIGRATION PATTERNS (1946-1996)<ref>Source: [http://www.maltamigration.com/statistics/?s=4A624EE1-7D7101215028-ACE Malta Migration Museum Committee]</ref> |
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|- |
|- |
||
! Country |
! Country |
||
Line 459: | Line 477: | ||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Australia''' |
| '''Australia''' |
||
| |
| 86,787 |
||
| |
| 17,847 |
||
| |
| 68,940 |
||
| |
| 21.56 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Canada''' |
| '''Canada''' |
||
| |
| 19,792 |
||
| |
| 4,798 |
||
| |
| 14,997 |
||
| |
| 24.24 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''UK''' |
| '''UK''' |
||
| |
| 31,489 |
||
| |
| 12,659 |
||
| |
| 18,830 |
||
| |
| 40.20 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''U.S.A.''' |
| '''U.S.A.''' |
||
| |
| 11,601 |
||
| |
| 2,580 |
||
| |
| 9,021 |
||
| |
| 22.24 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Other''' |
| '''Other''' |
||
| |
| 1,647 |
||
| |
| 907 |
||
| |
| 740 |
||
| |
| 55.07 |
||
|- |
|- |
||
| '''Total''' |
| '''Total''' |
||
| |
| 155,060 |
||
| |
| 39,087 |
||
| |
| 115,973 |
||
| |
| 25.21 |
||
|} |
|||
{{col-break}} |
|||
{| class="wikitable" |
|||
|- |
|||
! NUMBER OF MALTESE EMIGRANTS IN N. AFRICA<ref>Source: Mgr. Philip Calleja, ''Statistics and History of Maltese Migration Movements'', Study Session I of the Maltese Migrants' Convention (Malta), 1969.</ref> |
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|- |
|||
! Country |
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! Year - 1842 |
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! Year - 1865 |
|||
! Year - 1880s |
|||
|- |
|||
| '''Algeria''' ''([[Algiers]], Philipville and [[Bône]])'' |
|||
| 5,000 |
|||
| 10,000 |
|||
| 15,000 |
|||
|- |
|||
| '''Tunisia''' ''([[Tunis]])'' |
|||
| 3,000 |
|||
| 7,000 |
|||
| 11,000 |
|||
|- |
|||
| '''Egypt''' |
|||
| 2,000 |
|||
| 5,000 |
|||
| 7,000 |
|||
|} |
|} |
||
{{col-end}} |
{{col-end}} |
||
===Maltese Americans=== |
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[[Image:Britney Spears.jpg|thumb|right|140px|[[Britney Spears]], International celebrity with Maltese ancestry]] |
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The first immigrants from [[Malta]] in the United States arrived in [[New Orleans, Louisiana]]. Many Americans assumed Malta was part of Italy. In some cases "Born Malta, Italy" was put on tombstones of Maltese because of the confusion. After [[World War I]], Maltese immigration to the US increased. [[Detroit, Michigan]], with jobs in the expanding automobile industry, drew the largest share of immigrants.<ref name="Every Culture Page">[http://www.everyculture.com/multi/Le-Pa/Maltese-Americans.html Every Culture Page]</ref> |
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A significant percentage of early Maltese immigrants intended to stay only temporarily for work, but many settled in the US permanently. In addition to [[Detroit]], other industrial cities such as [[New York City]], [[Los Angeles]], and [[San Francisco, California]], attracted Maltese immigrants. A Maltese community thrives in [[San Pedro, California|San Pedro]] and [[Long Beach, California|Long Beach]]. As in their original country, the Maltese predominately practice Roman Catholicism as their religion.<ref name="Every Culture Page"/> |
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== Education == |
== Education == |
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{{See also|List of schools in Malta}} |
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[[ |
[[Image:St Aloysius' College (Malta).jpg|thumb|left|300px|A vintage photograph of [[St Aloysius' College (Malta)|St Aloysius' College]]]] |
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Primary schooling has been compulsory since 1946 |
Primary schooling has been compulsory since 1946, and secondary education was made compulsory in 1971 up to the age of sixteen. Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years. While the state provides education free of charge, the [[Roman Catholic Church|Church]] and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and [[Gozo]], such as [[St Aloysius' College (Malta)|St. Aloysius' College]] in [[Birkirkara]] and [[San Anton School]] in the valley of ''L-Imselliet'', close to the village of [[Mġarr]]. Most of the teachers' salary in Church schools is paid by the state.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aboutmalta.com/grazio/education.html|title=Education in Malta|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref>. As of 2008 there are two international schools, Verdala International School and QSI Malta. |
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Education in Malta is based on the [[Education in the United Kingdom|British model]]. [[Primary school]] lasts six years. At the age of 11 pupils sit for an examination to enter a [[secondary school]], either a [[church school]] (the Common Entrance Examination) or a [[state school]]. [[Pupil]]s sit for SEC [[O-level]] examinations at the age of 16, with passes obligatory in certain subjects such as [[mathematics]], [[English language|English]] and [[Maltese language|Maltese]]. Pupils may opt to continue studying at a [[sixth form college]] |
Education in Malta is based on the [[Education in the United Kingdom|British model]]. [[Primary school]] lasts six years. At the age of 11 pupils sit for an examination to enter a [[secondary school]], either a [[church school]] (the Common Entrance Examination) or a [[state school]]. [[Pupil]]s sit for SEC [[O-level]] examinations at the age of 16, with passes obligatory in certain subjects such as [[mathematics]], [[English language|English]] and [[Maltese language|Maltese]]. Pupils may opt to continue studying at a [[sixth form college]] like Junior College, St. Edward's College, [[St. Aloysius' College]] and [[De La Salle]] or else at another post-secondary institution such as [[MCAST]]. The sixth form course lasts for two years, at the end of which students sit for the Matriculation examination. Subject to their performance, students may then apply for an [[undergraduate]] [[academic degree|degree]] or [[diploma]]. |
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[[Tertiary]] education at diploma, undergraduate and [[postgraduate]] level is mainly provided by the [[University of Malta]] (U.o.M.). |
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The adult [[literacy rate]] is 92.8%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html#People|title=CIA Factbook|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
The adult [[literacy rate]] is 92.8%.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html#People|title=CIA Factbook|accessdate=2007-10-12}}</ref> |
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<!-- This section is linked to from the "Languages" section above. If changing the section title, update the link as well. --> |
<!-- This section is linked to from the "Languages" section above. If changing the section title, update the link as well. --> |
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===Languages in education=== |
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=== Languages in education === |
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<!-- The education system in Malta puts less emphasis on the [[Maltese language]] than other areas of the government do. --> |
<!-- The education system in Malta puts less emphasis on the [[Maltese language]] than other areas of the government do. --> |
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English and Maltese are both used to teach students at primary and secondary school level, and both languages are also compulsory subjects. [[Public school |
English and Maltese are both used to teach students at primary and secondary school level, and both languages are also compulsory subjects. [[Public school]]s tend to use both Maltese and English in a balanced manner. [[Private school]]s prefer to use English for teaching, as is also the case with most departments of the [[University of Malta]]; this has a limiting effect on the capacity and development of the Maltese language.<ref name=LinguisticView/> Most university courses are in English.<ref>[http://www.macmillandictionary.com/MED-magazine/February2005/27-LI-Maltese.htm MED Magazine<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.macmillandictionary.com</ref> |
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Of the total number of students studying a first foreign language at secondary level, 51% take |
Of the total number of students studying a first foreign language at secondary level, 51% take Italian whilst 38% take French. Other choices include German, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.<ref>[http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=580 Foreign Language Learning]; National Statistics Office - Malta; [[2004-09-01]]; retrieved on [[2008-02-25]]</ref><ref name=LinguisticView/> |
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== |
==Healthcare== |
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Malta has a long history of healthcare, and the first hospital recorded in the country was already functioning by 1372.[http://www.geocities.com/hotsprings/2615/medhist/hospital2.htm] |
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{{Main|Culture of Malta}} |
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The culture of Malta reflects the various cultures that have come into contact with the [[Maltese Islands]] throughout the centuries, including neighbouring [[Mediterranean]] cultures, and the cultures of the nations that ruled Malta for long periods of time prior to its [[History of Malta#Independence|independence]] in 1964. |
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Modern-day Malta has both a public healthcare system, known as the government healthcare service, and a private healthcare system. [http://www.sahha.gov.mt/pages.aspx?page=156][http://www.gov.mt/servicecluster.asp?s=4&l=2] |
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=== Music=== |
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[[File:Teatro Manoel facade.jpg|thumb|left|230px| [[Manoel Theatre]]]] |
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While Maltese music today is largely [[western music|western]], traditional Maltese music includes what is known as [[Għana (folk music)|għana]]. This consists of background [[folk guitar]] music, while a few people, generally men, take it in turns to argue a point in a [[singsong]] voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and it takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to [[debate]] effectively. |
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Malta was ranked number 5 in the [[World Health Organization]]'s ranking of the world's health systems,[http://www.photius.com/rankings/healthranks.html] well above the [[United States]] (at 37), [[Australia]] (at 32), and [[Canada]] (at 30). The [[United Kingdom]], the best of this group of larger comparator countries, was ranked at number 18, which is interesting in that the healthcare system in Malta closely resembles the British system, [http://www.stphilips.com.mt/StPhilips/hospital.asp] as healthcare is free at the point of delivery. Malta has a strong general practitioner-delivered primary care base, supplemented by secondary care and tertiary care provided by a number of public hospitals. The recently completed [[Mater Dei Hospital]] is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe (see [[List of hospitals in Malta]]). |
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=== Literature === |
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Documented Maltese literature is over 200 years old. However a recently unearthed love ballad testifies to literary activity in the local tongue from the Medieval period. Malta followed a Romantic literary tradition, culminating in the works of [[Dun Karm]], Malta's National Poet. Subsequent writers like [[Ruzar Briffa]] and Karmenu Vassallo tried to estrange themselves from the rigidity of formal themes and versification. |
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[[File:MMSA Checking Blood Pressure.JPG|thumb|right|240px|Maltese student checking blood pressure]] |
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It was late in the 1960s that Maltese literature experienced its most radical transformation amongst poets, prose writers and dramatists. Names of significant poets that stand out from the last quarter of the 20th century include [[Mario Azzopardi]], Victor Fenech, Oliver Friggieri, [[Joe Friggieri]], Charles Flores, Daniel Massa, Maria Ganado, Lillian Sciberras and Akille Mizzi. In prose, [[Frans Sammut]], Paul P. Borg and Joe J. Camilleri led the avantguard while in theatre the names that matter include [[Francis Ebejer]], [[Alfred Sant]], Doreen Micallef, Oreste Calleja, Joe Friggieri and Martin Gauci. |
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There is both a [[medical school]] and a [[dental school]] at the [[University of Malta]], as well as a [[nursing school]] [http://www.um.edu.mt/courses/bsc_nursing.pdf]. |
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Malta has three major private hospitals. These are [[St Philip's Hospital]], with a capacity of 75 beds, in Santa Venera, and [[St James Capua Hospital]] in Sliema, with 80 beds (the former Capua Palace Hospital) - St James Hospital also has other sites, including a 13 bed unit in Zabbar, as well as a partner hospital in [[Libya]]. There is also St Mark's Clinic, with a capacity of 5 beds, based in Msida and which offers private hospital services. |
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The next generation of writers widened the tracks further, especially in prose. Guze' Stagno, [[Karl Schembri]] and Clare Azzopardi are young writers fast establishing themselves while in poetry, significant names include Adrian Grima, [[Immanuel Mifsud]], Norbet Bugeja and Simone Inguanez. |
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In recent years, Malta has been trying to develop as a [[medical tourism]] destination. [http://www.independent.com.mt/news.asp?newsitemid=61027] However, up to 2008 no Maltese hospitals in either the public or the private sectors had undergone independent [[international healthcare accreditation]]. Malta is popular with British medical tourists [http://www.treatmentabroad.net/medical-tourism/news/november-2007/malta-popular-with-uk-medical-tourists][http://ageconcern.org.uk/AgeConcern/News_MoreInfo.asp?Articleid=18342883&titleID=Malta+'popular+with+UK+medical+tourists'+(05.11.07)], and logically this may point Maltese hospitals towards seeking UK-sourced accreditation, such as with the [[Trent Accreditation Scheme]], or possibly to seek dual accreditation with the American-orientated [[Joint Commission]] if they wish to compete with the Far East and Latin America for medical tourists from the [[United States]], as well as from the [[UK]]. A number of [[health tourism provider]]s are involved in developing [[medical tourism]] in Malta. |
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In literary criticism, [[Peter Serracino Inglott]], Oliver Friggieri and Charles Briffa introduced perceptive historical, philosophical and psycho-social themes into Maltese theory. |
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The Maltese Ministry of Health advises foreign residents to take out private medical insurance. [http://www.alloexpat.com/moving_to_malta_forum/healthcare-in-malta-t162.html] |
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Other writers, born in Malta or of Maltese descent, have established careers abroad. These included the novelist [[Trezza Azzopardi]], best-selling children's author [[Saviour Pirotta]] and comic-book artist/journalist [[Joe Sacco]]. |
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The [[Medical Association of Malta]] represents practitioners of the medical profession. [[MMSA]] is a separate body representing Maltese medical students, and is a member of [[EMSA]] and [[IFMSA]]. [[MIME]], the Maltese Institute for Medical Education, is an institute set up recently to provide CME to doctors in Malta as well as medical students. [[MADS]], the Malta Association of Dental Students, is a student association set up to promote the rights of Dental Surgery Students studying within the faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Malta. It is affiliated with [[IADS]], the International Association of Dental Students. |
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=== Art and architecture === |
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[[File:Vallettaupperbarraccagardens.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Lower Barrakka Gardens]] |
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==Architecture== |
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Malta has a long history of architecture, influenced by many different mediterranean cultures over its history, and most recently, British architecture. The first settlers on the island constructed [[Ġgantija]], one of the oldest manmade freestanding structure in the world. Malta is currently undergoing large scale building projects that includes constructions such as [[SmartCity Malta]], the [[M-Towers]], and [[Pendergardens]], while areas such as the [[Valletta Waterfront]] and [[Tigne Point]] are receiving renovation. |
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[[Image:Vallettaupperbarraccagardens.JPG|thumb|300px|left|Upper Barracca Gardens]] |
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The Neolithic temple builders [[39th century BC|3800]]-2500 BC endowed the numerous temples of Malta and Gozo with intricate bas relief designs, including spirals evocative of the tree of life and animal portraits, designs painted in red ochre, ceramics, and a vast collection of human form sculptures, particularly the Venus of Malta. These can be viewed at the temples themselves (most notably, the [[Hypogeum]] and Tarxien Temples), and at the National Museum of Archaeology in [[Valletta]]. |
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Malta has a long history of architecture, influenced by many different mediterranean cultures over its history, and most recently, British architecture. The first settlers on the island constructed [[Ġgantija]], the oldest manmade freestanding structure in the world. |
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Malta is currently undergoing a large scale mass building project, which include constructions such as [[SmartCity Malta]], the [[M-Towers]], and [[Pendergardens]], while areas like the [[Valletta Waterfront]] and [[Tigne Point]] are being rerenovated. The '''Neolithic temple builders''' [[39th century BC|3800]]-2500 BCE endowed the numerous temples of Malta and Gozo with intricate bas relief designs, including spirals evocative of the tree of life and animal portraits, designs painted in red ochre, ceramics, and a vast collection of human form sculptures, particularly the Venus of Malta. These can be viewed at the temples themselves (most notably, the [[Hypogeum]] and Tarxien Temples), and at the National Museum of Archaeology in [[Valletta]]. |
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The '''Roman period''' introduced highly decorative mosaic floors, marble colonnades and classical statuary, remnants of which are beautifully preserved and presented in the '''Roman Domus''', a country villa just outside the walls of [[Mdina]]. The '''early Christian''' frescoes that decorate the [[catacombs]] beneath Malta reveal a propensity for eastern, [[Byzantine]] tastes. These tastes continued to inform the endeavours of '''[[medieval]]''' Maltese artists, but they were increasingly influenced by the [[Romanesque art|Romanesque]] and [[Southern Gothic]] movements. Towards the end of the 15th century, Maltese artists, like their counterparts in neighbouring Sicily, came under the influence of the School of [[Antonello da Messina]], which introduced '''[[Renaissance]]''' ideals and concepts to the decorative arts in Malta.<ref>[http://www.hopeandoptimism.com/essay.htm D. Cutajar, "An Overview of the Art of Malta".]</ref> |
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The artistic heritage of Malta blossomed under the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of St. John]], who brought Italian and Flemish [[Mannerist]] painters to decorate their palaces and the churches of these islands, most notably, [[Matteo Perez d'Aleccio]], whose works appear in the [[Grandmaster's Palace|Magisterial Palace]] and in the [[St. John's Co-Cathedral|Conventual Church of St. John]], and Filippo Paladini, who was active in Malta from 1590 to 1595. For many years, Mannerism continued to inform the tastes and ideals of local Maltese artists.<ref>[http://www.hopeandoptimism.com/essay.htm D. Cutajar, "An Overview of the Art of Malta".]</ref> |
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[[Image:Mdinakatedral.jpg|thumb|300px|right|[[St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina]]]] |
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[[File:Siege of malta 3.jpg|right|thumb|left|220px|The Siege of Malta - Flight of the Turks, by Matteo Perez d'Aleccio]] |
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The Roman period introduced highly decorative mosaic floors, marble colonnades and classical statuary, remnants of which are beautifully preserved and presented in the Roman Domus, a country villa just outside the walls of [[Mdina]]. The early Christian frescoes that decorate the [[catacombs]] beneath Malta reveal a propensity for eastern, [[Byzantine]] tastes. These tastes continued to inform the endeavours of [[medieval]] Maltese artists, but they were increasingly influenced by the [[Romanesque art|Romanesque]] and [[Southern Gothic]] movements. Towards the end of the 15th century, Maltese artists, like their counterparts in neighbouring Sicily, came under the influence of the School of [[Antonello da Messina]], which introduced [[Renaissance]] ideals and concepts to the decorative arts in Malta.<ref name="hopeandoptimism1">{{cite web|url=http://www.hopeandoptimism.com/essay.htm |title=D. Cutajar, "An Overview of the Art of Malta" |publisher=Hopeandoptimism.com |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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The artistic heritage of Malta blossomed under the [[Knights Hospitaller|Knights of St. John]], who brought Italian and Flemish [[Mannerist]] painters to decorate their palaces and the churches of these islands, most notably, [[Matteo Perez d'Aleccio]], whose works appear in the [[Grandmaster's Palace|Magisterial Palace]] and in the [[St. John's Co-Cathedral|Conventual Church of St. John]] in Valetta, and Filippo Paladini, who was active in Malta from 1590 to 1595. For many years, Mannerism continued to inform the tastes and ideals of local Maltese artists.<ref name="hopeandoptimism1"/> |
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The arrival in Malta of [[Caravaggio]], who painted at least seven works during his 15-month stay on these islands, further revolutionized local art. Two of Caravaggio's most notable works, ''[[The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist (Caravaggio)|The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist]]'' and ''[[Saint Jerome Writing (Valletta)|Saint Jerome Writing]]'', are on display in the [[Oratory]] of the Conventual Church of St. John. His legacy is evident in the works of local artists Giulio Cassarino (1582-1637) and Stefano Erardi (1630-1716). However, the [[Baroque]] movement that followed was destined to have the most enduring impact on Maltese art and architecture. The glorious vault paintings of the celebrated Calabrese artist, [[Mattia Preti]] transformed the severe, Mannerist interior of the Conventual Church St. John into a Baroque masterpiece. Preti spent the last 40 years of his life in Malta, where he created many of his finest works, now on display in the Museum of Fine Arts in [[Valletta]]. During this period, local sculptor [[Melchiorre Cafà|Melchior Gafà]] (1639-1667) emerged as one of the top Baroque sculptors of the Roman School. |
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{{Infobox Painting| image_file=CaravaggioJeromeValletta.jpg |
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| title=Saint Jerome Writing |
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| artist=Caravaggio |
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| year=c. 1607-1608 |
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| type=Oil on canvas |
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| height=117 |
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| width=157 |
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|city=Valletta |
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| museum=St John's Co-Cathedral}} |
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The arrival in Malta of [[Caravaggio]], who painted at least seven works during his 15-month stay on these islands, further revolutionized local art. Two of Caravaggio's most notable works, ''The Beheading of St. John the Baptist'', and ''St. Jerome'' are on display in the [[Oratory]] of [[St. John's Co-Cathedral]], [[Valletta]]. His legacy is evident in the works of local artists Giulio Cassarino (1582-1637) and Stefano Erardi (1630-1716). However, the [[Baroque]] movement that followed was destined to have the most enduring impact on Maltese art and architecture. The severe, Mannerist interior of [[St. John's Co-Cathedral]] was transformed into a Baroque masterpiece by the glorious vault paintings of the celebrated Calabrese artist, [[Mattia Preti]]. Preti spent the last 40 years of his life in Malta, where he created many of his finest works, now on display in the Museum of Fine Arts, in [[Valletta]]. During this period, local sculptor [[Melchiorre Cafà|Melchior Gafà]] (1639-1667) emerged as one of the top Baroque sculptors of the Roman School. |
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Throughout the 18th century, [[Neapolitan]] and [[Rococo]] influences emerged in the works of [[Luca Giordano]] (1632-1705) and [[Francesco Solimena]] (1657-1747), and local artists Gio. Nicola Buhagiar (1698-1752) and Francesco Zahra (1710-1773). The Rococo movement was greatly enhanced by the relocation to Malta of Antoine de Favray (1706-1798), who assumed the position of court painter to Grand Master Pinto in 1744. [[Neo-classicism]] made some inroads among local Maltese artists in the late 18th century, but this trend was reversed in the early 19th century, as the local Church authorities - perhaps in an effort to strengthen Catholic resolve against the perceived threat of Protestantism during the early days of British rule in Malta - favoured and avidly promoted the religious themes embraced by the [[Nazarene movement]] of artists. [[Romanticism]], tempered by the naturalism introduced to Malta by [[Giuseppe Calì]], informed the "salon" artists of the early 20th century, including Edward and Robert Caruana Dingli. |
Throughout the 18th century, [[Neapolitan]] and [[Rococo]] influences emerged in the works of [[Luca Giordano]] (1632-1705) and [[Francesco Solimena]] (1657-1747), and local artists Gio. Nicola Buhagiar (1698-1752) and Francesco Zahra (1710-1773). The Rococo movement was greatly enhanced by the relocation to Malta of Antoine de Favray (1706-1798), who assumed the position of court painter to Grand Master Pinto in 1744. [[Neo-classicism]] made some inroads among local Maltese artists in the late 18th century, but this trend was reversed in the early 19th century, as the local Church authorities - perhaps in an effort to strengthen Catholic resolve against the perceived threat of Protestantism during the early days of British rule in Malta - favoured and avidly promoted the religious themes embraced by the [[Nazarene movement]] of artists. [[Romanticism]], tempered by the naturalism introduced to Malta by [[Giuseppe Calì]], informed the "salon" artists of the early 20th century, including Edward and Robert Caruana Dingli. |
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A National School of Art was established by Parliament in the 1920s, and during the reconstruction period that followed the [[World War II|Second World War]], the local art scene was greatly enhanced by the emergence of the "Modern Art Group", whose members included Josef Kalleya (1898-1998), George Preca (1909-1984), Anton Inglott (1915-1945), Emvin Cremona (1919-1986), Frank Portelli (b.1922), Antoine Camilleri (b.1922) and Esprit Barthet (b.1919). |
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== Culture == |
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Parliament established the National School of Art in the 1920s. During the reconstruction period that followed the [[World War II|Second World War]], the emergence of the "Modern Art Group", whose members included Josef Kalleya (1898-1998), George Preca (1909-1984), Anton Inglott (1915-1945), Emvin Cremona (1919-1986), Frank Portelli (b.1922), Antoine Camilleri (b.1922) and Esprit Barthet (b.1919) greatly enhanced the local art scene. |
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{{main|Culture of Malta}} |
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The culture of Malta is a reflection of various cultures that have come into contact with the [[Maltese Islands]] throughout the centuries, including neighbouring [[Mediterranean]] cultures, and the cultures of the nations that ruled Malta for long periods of time prior to its [[History of Malta#Independence|independence]] in 1964. |
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=== |
===Folklore=== |
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{{Main|Maltese cuisine}} |
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:This article refers exclusively to the traditional dishes of Malta and Gozo. |
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[[File:Malta Pastizzi.JPG|thumb|left|150px|''Pastizzi'', a typically Maltese snack]] |
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[[File:Malta ftira.JPG|thumb|right|175px|A variety of Maltese bread, called ''[[ftira]]'']] |
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Maltese cuisine is typically Mediterranean, based on fresh seasonal locally available produce and seafood. It is decidedly [[Mediterranean cuisine|Mediterranean in character]], the result of a long relationship between the [[Maltese people|Islanders]] and the many foreigners who dominated Malta over the centuries. While many dishes are native to the island, some popular Maltese recipes reflect [[Sicilian cuisine|Sicilian]] and [[Italian cuisine|Southern Italian]] as well as traces of [[Tunisian cuisine|Tunisian]], Spanish, Berber, French and British influences (such as ''qassatat''). Still, there are many unique, distinctive and popular local dishes such as ''ftira biż-żejt'', ''ġbejniet'', ''pastizzi'' and ''Ross il-Forn''. Maltese cuisine is still popular in households and restaurants in Malta. |
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==== Weddings ==== |
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Influences from outside Malta continue to arrive. Alongside the traditional cuisine of the island one can find an eclectic mix of dishes offered in various restaurants, drawn from Asia, North America etc. |
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[[wedding|Traditional Maltese weddings]] featured the bridal party walking in procession beneath an ornate canopy, from the home of the bride's family to the parish church, with singers trailing behind serenading the bride and groom. The Maltese word for this custom is '''il-ġilwa'''. This custom along with many others has long since disappeared from the Islands, in the face of modern practices. |
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[[Image:Maltesewedding.jpg|left|thumb|250px| Recreation of a traditional Maltese [[16th century]] wedding]] |
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New wives would wear the [[għonnella]], a traditional item of Maltese clothing. However, it is no longer worn in modern Malta. Today's couples are married in churches or chapels in the village or town of their choice. The nuptials are usually followed by a lavish wedding reception, often including several hundred guests. Occasionally, couples will try to incorporate elements of the traditional Maltese wedding in their celebration. A resurgent interest in the traditional wedding was evident in May 2007, when thousands of Maltese and tourists attended a traditional Maltese wedding in the style of the 16th century, in the Village of [[Żurrieq]]. This included ''il-ġilwa'', which led the bride and groom to a wedding ceremony that took place on the parvis of St. Andrew's Chapel. The reception that followed featured folklore music (''[[għana]]'') and dancing. |
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===Folk customs=== |
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{{Main|Maltese folklore}} |
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====Traditional life==== |
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Traditional Maltese proverbs reveal a cultural preoccupation with childbearing and fertility: "''iż-żwieġ mingħajr tarbija ma fihx tgawdija"'' (a childless marriage cannot be a happy one). |
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Traditional Maltese proverbs reveal a cultural preoccupation with childbearing and fertility: "''iż-żwieġ mingħajr tarbija ma fihx tgawdija"'' (a childless marriage cannot be a happy one). This is a belief that Malta shares with many other Mediterranean cultures, most notably, [[Israel]], [[Palestine]] and [[Morocco]]. In Maltese folktales, the local variant of the classic closing formula, "and they all lived happily ever after" is "''u għammru u tgħammru, u spiċċat''" (and they lived together, and they had children together, and the tale is finished).<ref>Pullicino, ''supra'', at 208-9.</ref> |
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Maltese folktales include various stories about mysterious creatures and supernatural goings on. These were most comprehensively compiled by the scholar (and pioneer in Maltese [[archeology]]) [[Manuel Magri|Manwel Magri]]<ref>"Patri Manwel Magri u l-Ipoġew", Lil Ħbiebna, Novembru 2003, pp. 195-197.</ref> in his core criticism "''Ħrejjef Missirijietna''" ("Stories from our Forefathers"). This collection of material inspired subsequent researchers and academics to gather traditional [[Folk tale|tales]], [[fable]]s and [[legend]]s from all over the Archipelago. |
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Magri's work also inspired a series of comic books (released by Klabb Kotba Maltin in 1984): the titles included ''Bin is-Sultan Jiźźewweġ x-Xebba tat-Tronġiet Mewwija'' and ''Ir-Rjieħ''. Many of these stories have been popularly re-written as [[Children's literature]] by authors writing in [[Maltese language|Maltese]], such as [[Trevor Żahra]]. While giants, witches and dragons feature in many of the stories, some contain entirely Maltese creatures like the [[Kaw kaw]], [[Il-Belliegħa]] and [[L-Imħalla]] amongst others. The traditional Maltese obsession with maintaining spiritual (or ritual) purity<ref>Zarb, T. Folklore of An Island, PEG Ltd, 1998</ref> means that many of these creatures have the role of guarding forbidden or restricted areas and attacking individuals who broke the strict codes of conduct that characterized the island's pre-industrial society. |
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===== Traditional life ===== |
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Traditional Maltese proverbs reveal a cultural preoccupation with childbearing and fertility: "''iż-żwieġ mingħajr tarbija ma fihx tgawdija"'' (a childless marriage cannot be a happy one). This is a belief that Malta shares with many other [[Mediterranean]] cultures. In Maltese folktales the local variant of the classic closing formula, "and they all lived happily ever after" is "''u għammru u tgħammru, u spiċċat''" (and they lived together, and they had children together, and the tale is finished).<ref>J. Cassar Pullicino, "A New Look at Old Customs", in Studies in Maltese Folklore, Malta University Press (1992)</ref> |
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Rural Malta shares in common with Mediterranean and traditional Jewish society a number of superstitions regarding fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy, including the avoidance of cemeteries during the months leading up to childbirth, and avoiding the preparation of certain foods during menses. Pregnant women are encouraged to satisfy their cravings for specific foods, out of fear that their unborn child will bear a representational birth mark (Maltese: ''xewqa'', literally "desire" or "craving"). Maltese and Sicilian women also share certain traditions that are believed to predict the sex of an unborn child, such as the cycle of the moon on the anticipated date of birth, whether the baby is carried "high" or "low" during pregnancy, and the movement of a wedding ring, dangled on a string above the abdomen (sideways denoting a girl, back and forth denoting a boy). |
Rural Malta shares in common with Mediterranean and traditional Jewish society a number of superstitions regarding fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy, including the avoidance of cemeteries during the months leading up to childbirth, and avoiding the preparation of certain foods during menses. Pregnant women are encouraged to satisfy their cravings for specific foods, out of fear that their unborn child will bear a representational birth mark (Maltese: ''xewqa'', literally "desire" or "craving"). Maltese and Sicilian women also share certain traditions that are believed to predict the sex of an unborn child, such as the cycle of the moon on the anticipated date of birth, whether the baby is carried "high" or "low" during pregnancy, and the movement of a wedding ring, dangled on a string above the abdomen (sideways denoting a girl, back and forth denoting a boy). |
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On a child's first birthday, in a tradition that still survives today, Maltese parents would organize a game known as ''il-quċċija'', where a variety of symbolic objects would be randomly placed around the seated child. These may include a hard-boiled egg, a [[Bible]], [[crucifix]] or [[rosary beads]], a book, and so on. Whichever object the child shows most interest in is said to reveal the child's path and fortunes in adulthood. |
On a child's first birthday, in a tradition that still survives today, Maltese parents would organize a game known as ''il-quċċija'', where a variety of symbolic objects would be randomly placed around the seated child. These may include a hard-boiled egg, a [[Bible]], [[crucifix]] or [[rosary beads]], a book, and so on. Whichever object the child shows most interest in is said to reveal the child's path and fortunes in adulthood. |
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Money refers to a rich future while a book expresses intelligence and a possible career as a teacher. Infants who select a pencil or pen will be writers. Choosing bibles or rosary beads refers to a clerical or monastic life. If the child chooses a hard-boiled egg, it will have a long life and many children. More recent additions include calculators (refers to accounting), thread (fashion) and wooden spoons (cooking and a great appetite). |
Money refers to a rich future while a book expresses intelligence and a possible career as a teacher. Infants who select a pencil or pen will be writers. Choosing bibles or rosary beads refers to a clerical or monastic life. If the child chooses a hard-boiled egg, it will have a long life and many of children. More recent additions include calculators (refers to accounting), thread (fashion) and wooden spoons (cooking and a great appetite). |
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==== Carnival ==== |
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[[Image:Carnivalhorse.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Maltese Carnival|Carnival parades]] line the streets of Malta's cities]] |
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[[wedding|Traditional Maltese weddings]] featured the bridal party walking in procession beneath an ornate canopy, from the home of the bride's family to the parish church, with singers trailing behind serenading the bride and groom. The Maltese word for this custom is '''il-ġilwa'''. This custom along with many others has long since disappeared from the Islands, in the face of modern practices. |
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'''[[Maltese Carnival]]''' (Maltese: ''il-karnival ta' Malta'') has had an important place on the cultural calendar for just under five centuries, introduced to the Islands by [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Piero de Ponte]] in 1535. It is held during the week leading up to [[Ash Wednesday]], and typically includes masked balls, fancy dress and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colourful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical [[float (parade)|floats]] presided over by King Carnival (Maltese: ''ir-Re tal-Karnival''), marching bands and costumed revellers. |
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[[File:Maltesewedding.jpg|left|thumb|250px| Recreation of a traditional Maltese [[16th century]] wedding]] |
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==== Fantastic creatures==== |
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New wives would wear the [[għonnella]], a traditional item of Maltese clothing. However, it is no longer worn in modern Malta. Today's couples are married in churches or chapels in the village or town of their choice. The nuptials are usually followed by a lavish wedding reception, often including several hundred guests. Occasionally, couples will try to incorporate elements of the traditional Maltese wedding in their celebration. A resurgent interest in the traditional wedding was evident in May 2007, when thousands of Maltese and tourists attended a traditional Maltese wedding in the style of the 16th century, in the Village of [[Żurrieq]]. This included ''il-ġilwa'', which led the bride and groom to a wedding ceremony that took place on the parvis of St. Andrew's Chapel. The reception that followed featured folklore music (''[[għana]]'') and dancing. |
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Maltese folktales include various stories about mysterious creatures and supernatural goings on. These were most comprehensively compiled by the scholar (and pioneer in Maltese [[archeology]]) [[Manuel Magri|Manwel Magri]]<ref>"Patri Manwel Magri u l-Ipoġew", Lil Ħbiebna, Novembru 2003, pp. 195-197.</ref> in his core criticism "''Ħrejjef Missirijietna''" ("Stories from our Forefathers"). This collection of material inspired subsequent researchers and academics to gather traditional [[Folk tale|tales]], [[fable]]s and [[legend]]s from all over the Archipelago. |
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Magri's work also inspired a series of comic books (released by Klabb Kotba Maltin in 1984): the titles included ''Bin is-Sultan Jiźźewweġ x-Xebba tat-Tronġiet Mewwija'' and ''Ir-Rjieħ''. Many of these stories have been popularly re-written as [[Children's literature]] by authors writing in [[Maltese language|Maltese]], such as [[Trevor Żahra]]. While giants, witches and dragons feature in many of the stories, some contain entirely Maltese creatures like the [[Kaw kaw]], [[Il-Belliegħa]] and [[L-Imħalla]] amongst others. The traditional Maltese obsession with maintaining spiritual (or ritual) purity<ref>Zarb, T. Folklore of An Island, PEG Ltd, 1998</ref> means that many of these creatures have the role of guarding forbidden or restricted areas and attacking individuals who broke the strict codes of conduct that characterized the island's pre-industrial society. |
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===== Festivals ===== |
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==== Mnarja ====<!-- This section is linked from [[June 29]] --> |
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Local [[festival]]s, similar to those in southern [[Italy]], are commonplace in Malta and Gozo, celebrating [[wedding]]s, [[Baptism|christenings]] and, most prominently, [[saints]]' days, honouring the patron saint of the local parish. On saints' days, the ''festa'' reaches its apex with a [[Mass (liturgy)|High Mass]] featuring a sermon on the life and achievements of the patron saint, after which a [[statue]] of the religious patron is taken around the local streets in solemn procession, with the faithful following in respectful [[prayer]]. The religious atmosphere quickly gives way to several days of revelry, band processions, [[fireworks]], and late night parties. Lija is one villages with a notable firework display. |
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Mnarja, or l-Imnarja (pronounced ''lim-nar-ya'') is one of the most important dates on the Maltese cultural calendar. Officially, it is a national festival dedicated to the feast of [[Saint]]s [[St. Peter|Peter]] and [[Saul of Tarsus|St. Paul]]. In fact its roots can be traced back to the pagan [[Roman Republic|Roman]] feast of ''Luminaria'' (literally, "the illumination"), when the early summer night of [[June 29]] was illuminated by torches and bonfires. A national feast since the rule of the [[Knights of Malta|Knights]], Mnarja is a traditional Maltese festival of food, religion and music. The festivities still commence today with the reading of the ''"bandu"'', an official governmental announcement, which has been read on this day in Malta since the 16th century. Originally, Mnarja was celebrated outside St. Paul's Grotto, in the north of Malta; however, by 1613 the focus of the festivities had shifted to the [[Cathedral]] of [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]], in [[Mdina]], and featured torchlight processions, the firing of 100 petards, horseraces, and races for men, boys and slaves. Modern Mnarja festivals take place in and around the woodlands of [[Buskett]], just outside the town of [[Rabat]]. |
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It is said that under the Knights, this was the one day in the year when the Maltese were allowed to hunt and eat [[hare|wild rabbit]], which was otherwise reserved for the hunting pleasures of the Knights. The close connection between Mnarja and rabbit stew (Maltese: ''"fenkata"'') remains strong today. In 1854 British governor [[William Reid]] launched an agricultural show at Buskett which is still being held today. The farmers' exhibition is still a seminal part of the Mnarja festivities today. |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:Carnivalhorse.jpg|right|thumb|200px|[[Maltese Carnival|Carnival parades]] line the streets of Malta's cities]] --> |
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'''[[Maltese Carnival|Carnival]]''' (Maltese: ''il-karnival ta' Malta'') has had an important place on the cultural calendar after [[Grand Master (order)|Grand Master]] [[Piero de Ponte]] introduced it to the Islands in 1535. It is held during the week leading up to [[Ash Wednesday]], and typically includes masked balls, fancy dress and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colourful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical [[float (parade)|floats]] presided over by King Carnival (Maltese: ''ir-Re tal-Karnival''), marching bands and costumed revellers. |
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Mnarja today is one of the few occasions when participants may hear traditional Maltese "[[għana]]". Traditionally, grooms would promise to take their newly- or recently-wed brides to Mnarja during the first of year of marriage and, for luck, many of the brides would attend in their full wedding gown and veil, although this custom has long since disappeared from the Islands. |
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==== Holy Week ==== |
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'''[[Holy Week in Malta|Holy Week]]''' (Maltese: ''il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa'') starts on [[Palm Sunday]] (''Ħadd il-Palm'') and ends on [[Easter Sunday]] (''Ħadd il-Għid''). Numerous religious traditions, most of them inherited from one generation to the next, are part of the [[Easter|paschal]] celebrations in the Maltese Islands, honouring the death and resurrection of [[Jesus]]. |
'''[[Holy Week in Malta|Holy Week]]''' (Maltese: ''il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa'') starts on [[Palm Sunday]] (''Ħadd il-Palm'') and ends on [[Easter Sunday]] (''Ħadd il-Għid''). Numerous religious traditions, most of them inherited from one generation to the next, are part of the [[Easter|paschal]] celebrations in the Maltese Islands, honouring the death and resurrection of [[Jesus]]. |
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===Cuisine=== |
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<!-- This section is linked from [[June 29]] --> |
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{{main|Maltese cuisine}} |
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'''Mnarja''', or l-Imnarja (pronounced ''lim-nar-ya'') is one of the most important dates on the Maltese cultural calendar. Officially, it is a national festival dedicated to the feast of [[Saint]]s [[St. Peter|Peter]] and [[Saul of Tarsus|St. Paul]]. In fact, one can trace its roots back to the pagan [[Roman Republic|Roman]] feast of ''Luminaria'' (literally, "the illumination"), when torches and bonfires lit up the early summer night of [[June 29]]. |
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[[Image:Malta ftira.JPG|thumb|right|A variety of Maltese bread, called ''ftira'']] |
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[[File:Malta grilled klamari 2.JPG|thumb|left|Grilled Calamari]] |
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Maltese cuisine is typically Mediterranean, based on fresh seasonal locally available produce and seafood, with some influence from Italian cuisine, particularly Sicily and the south. There are many unique and distinctive local dishes and the cuisine also embodies the gastronomic legacies of Malta's past, including not only Italian or Tunisian, but Spanish, Berber, and more recently British and French influence. |
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Maltese cuisine is still popular in households and restaurants in Malta, but influences from outside Malta's shores continue, though nowadays they come through travel and TV rather than foreign domination. Alongside Malta's traditional cuisine with its strong Southern Mediterranean character, there is today an eclectic mix of dishes drawn from other cuisines, not only Italian but also Asian, North American and Mexican for example. This article on Maltese cuisine however refers exclusively to the traditional dishes of Malta and Gozo, still widely prepared and enjoyed on the islands of Malta and Gozo. |
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A national feast since the rule of the [[Knights of Malta|Knights]], Mnarja is a traditional Maltese festival of food, religion and music. The festivities still commence today with the reading of the ''"bandu"'', an official governmental announcement, which has been read on this day in Malta since the 16th century. Originally, Mnarja was celebrated outside St. Paul's Grotto, in the north of Malta. However, by 1613 the focus of the festivities had shifted to the [[Cathedral]] of [[Paul of Tarsus|St. Paul]], in [[Mdina]], and featured torchlight processions, the firing of 100 petards, horseraces, and races for men, boys and slaves. Modern Mnarja festivals take place in and around the woodlands of [[Buskett]], just outside the town of [[Rabat]]. |
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In conclusion, the Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the [[Maltese people|Islanders]] and the many foreigners who dominated Malta over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta a disctinctive cuisine that is decidedly [[Mediterranean cuisine|Mediterranean in character]]. While many dishes are native to the island, some popular Maltese recipes show [[Sicilian cuisine|Sicilian]], [[Italian cuisine|Southern Italian]] or [[Turkish cuisine|Turkish]] culinary influences. Popular local dishes include ''ftira biż-żejt'', ''ġbejniet'', ''pastizzi'' and ''Ross il-Forn''. |
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It is said that under the Knights, this was the one day in the year when the Maltese were allowed to hunt and eat [[hare|wild rabbit]], which was otherwise reserved for the hunting pleasures of the Knights. The close connection between Mnarja and rabbit stew (Maltese: ''"fenkata"'') remains strong today. |
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In 1854 British governor [[William Reid]] launched an agricultural show at Buskett which is still being held today. The farmers' exhibition is still a seminal part of the Mnarja festivities today. |
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Mnarja today is one of the few occasions when participants may hear traditional Maltese "[[għana]]". Traditionally, grooms would promise to take their brides to Mnarja during the first of year of marriage. For luck, many of the brides would attend in their wedding gown and veil, although this custom has long since disappeared from the Islands. |
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=== Sports === |
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<!-- Image with inadequate rationale removed: [[File:JustinHaber.jpg|thumb|right|[[Justin Haber]], current G.K of [[Sheffield United F.C|Sheffield Utd]]]] --> |
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Malta has its own national [[Association football|football]] stadium, [[Ta' Qali Stadium]]. It is generally noted that the population tends to be split half and half with regards to supporting Italy or England in sports games, due to the cultural affinities of the island.<ref>{{cite news |
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|author= |
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|title=Maltese mad keen on England |
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|date=2000-06-01 |
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|work=[[BBC News]] |
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/england/773547.stm |
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|accessdate=2008-08-05 |
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}}</ref> |
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The [[Malta national football team|Maltese national football team]] won several matches over big opponents that reached the final phases in [[FIFA World Cup|World Cups]] like [[Belgium national football team|Belgians]] and [[Hungary National football team|Hungarians]] and the [[Greece national football team|Greeks]]. |
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Malta also hosts a [[snooker]] round, the [[Malta Cup]], which as of 2008 became a non-ranking event.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} |
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In 2008 Malta's [[Tony Drago]] was a member of a victorious European [[Mosconi Cup]] team, which was played in Portomaso, Malta.{{Citation needed|date=January 2009}} |
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Boxer [[Jeff Fenech]] is of Maltese descent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youngvictorboxing.com.au/jeff_fenech2.htm |title=Jeff Fenech |publisher=Youngvictorboxing.com.au |date= |accessdate=2009-03-31}}</ref> |
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There are over 1200 [[rock climbing]] routes in Malta. The island offers a mixture of both [[trad climbing]] and [[sport climbing]] and also offers a good variety of [[bouldering]] and [[deep water soloing]] . The geography and small size of the island makes the climbing easily accessible. The sport is currently not that popular with the Maltese community however the participation levels are growing. |
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In the last decade the aviation sport of Microlight Flying has been introduced on the island by the Island Microlight Club.<ref>[http://www.islandmicrolightclub.com Island Microlight Club Malta - spread your wings and fly!<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.islandmicrolightclub.com</ref> In under ten years there are a total number of twenty two microlight aircraft that operate out of the [[Malta International Airport]]. |
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Boċċi is the Maltese version of the Italian game of [[Bocce]], French [[Pétanque]] and British [[Bowls]]. Other than certain differences in rules and the ground on which the game is played, one of the most obvious differences between Maltese Boċċi and foreign equivalents is the shape of the bowls themselves which tend to be cylindrical rather than spherical in shape. Many small clubs (usually called "Bocci Klabbs" or "Klabbs tal-Bocci") can be found in many Maltese localities and are usually well-frequented (particularly by elderly men) and are quite active on the local and European level. |
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==Communications== |
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=== Print === |
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{{further|[[List of newspapers in Malta]]}} |
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The most widely read and financially the strongest [[newspapers]] are published by Allied Newspapers Ltd., mainly the [[The Times (Malta)|The Times]] (27%) and [[The Times (Malta)|The Sunday Times]] (51.6%). Due to [[bilingualism]] half of the [[newspapers]] are published in [[English language|English]] and the other half in [[Maltese language|Maltese]]. The Sunday newspaper It-Torċa (The Torch) published by the Union Press, a subsidiary of the [[General Workers' Union (Malta)|GWU]], is the paper with the biggest circulation in the Maltese language. Its sister paper, [[L-Orizzont]], is the Maltese daily with biggest circulation. Newspapers are definitively losing out to [[radio]] and [[television]] (and [[radio]] is losing to [[television]]) as preferred source of [[news]]. There is a high number of daily or weekly newspapers, there is one paper for every 28,000 people. [[Advertising]], [[sales]] and [[subsidies]] are the three main methods of financing [[newspapers]] and [[magazines]]. However, most of the papers and [[magazines]] tied to [[institutions]] are subsidised by the same [[institutions]], they depend on [[advertising]] or subsidies from their owners.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> |
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=== Media === |
=== Media === |
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{{further|[[List of radio stations in Malta|Radio stations in Malta]]}} |
{{further|[[List of radio stations in Malta|Radio stations in Malta]]}} |
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There is |
There is not as great a presence of the [[institutions]] – [[Christian Church|church]], [[political parties]], [[trade unions]] - in the [[print media]] as in the broadcasting media; moreover they are absent from the ownership of the [[newspapers]] published in [[English language|English]]. Trade Unions are not represented in the broadcasting media, but are in the print media, and only the [[General Workers' Union (Malta)|General Workers Union]] owns a newspaper. The [[Malta Workers' Union|UHM]], the second biggest [[Trade Union|union]], has no newspaper, TV, or radio stations.<ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.ejc.net/media_landscape/article/malta/ Media Landscape - Malta - European Journalism Centre<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.ejc.net</ref> |
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=== Broadcasting === |
==== Broadcasting ==== |
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{{further|[[Television in Malta]]|[[Digital television in Malta]]}} |
{{further|[[Television in Malta]]|[[Digital television in Malta]]}} |
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<!-- Deleted image removed: [[Image:PBS Building Malta.jpg|thumbnail|left|PBS Building|{{deletable image-caption|1=Tuesday, 30 December 2008}}]] --> |
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[[Image:Public Broadcasting Authority Emblem (Malta).jpg|thumbnail|right|Public Broadcasting Authority Emblem]] |
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There are 7 major nationwide television channels in Malta: [[TVM (Malta)|TVM]], [[One Television]], [[NET Television (Malta)|NET Television]], [[Smash Television]], Favourite Channel, ITV, and Education22 - currently transmitted by analogue terrestrial, free-to-air signals. The state and [[List of political parties in Malta|political parties]] subsidise most of the fundings of these television stations. The [[Public Broadcasting Services]] is the state-owned station and is a member of the [[EBU]]. Media Link Communications Ltd and [[One Productions Ltd]] are affiliated with the [[Nationalist Party (Malta)|Nationalist Party]] and [[Labour Party (Malta)|Labour Party]] respectively. Smash Communications Ltd is privately owned. The Broadcasting Authority supervises all local broadcasting stations and ensures their compliance with [[legal]] and licence obligations as well as the preservation of due impartiality; in respect of matters of [[political]] or [[Industry|industrial]] controversy or relating to current public policy; while fairly apportioning broadcasting facilities and time between persons belong to different political parties. The Broadcasting Authority ensures that local broadcasting services consist of public, private and community broadcasts that offer varied and comprehensive programming to cater for all interests and tastes. |
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There are 5 major nationwide television channels in Malta: [[TVM (Malta)|TVM]], [[One Television]], [[NET Television (Malta)|NET Television]], [[Smash Television]] and Family TV - currently transmitted by analogue terrestrial, free-to-air signals. The [[state]] and [[political parties]] subsidies most of the fundings of these television stations. The [[Public Broadcasting Services]] is the state-owned station and is a member of the [[EBU]]. Media Link Communications Ltd and [[One Productions Ltd]] are affiliated with the [[Nationalist Party (Malta)|Nationalist Party]] and [[Labour Party (Malta)|Labour Party]] respectively. Smash Communications Ltd is privately owned. The Broadcasting Authority supervises all local broadcasting stations and ensures their compliance with [[legal]] and licence obligations as well as the preservation of due impartiality; in respect of matters of [[political]] or [[Industry|industrial]] controversy or relating to current public policy; while fairly apportioning broadcasting facilities and time between persons belong to different political parties. The Broadcasting Authority ensures that local broadcasting services consist of public, private and community broadcasts that offer varied and comprehensive programming to cater for all interests and tastes. |
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The only commercial TV station attracts an audience of 2%. Cable, terrestrial and satellite reception are all available, though the cable service is the most diffused. Cable subscriptions reached almost 124,000 in February 2006 reaching about 80% of Maltese households, and a small but increasing number of households are owning satellite dishes to receive other European TV networks such as the [[BBC]] from [[Great Britain]] and [[RAI]] from [[Italy]]. |
The only commercial TV station attracts an audience of 2%. Cable, terrestrial and satellite reception are all available, though the cable service is the most diffused. Cable subscriptions reached almost 124,000 in February 2006 reaching about 80% of Maltese households, and a small but increasing number of households are owning satellite dishes to receive other European TV networks such as the [[BBC]] from [[Great Britain]] and [[RAI]] from [[Italy]]. |
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==== Print ==== |
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== Transportation Infrastructure == |
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{{further|[[List of newspapers in Malta]]}} |
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=== Highways === |
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[[Image:TimesMTheader.png|thumb|right|The Times]] |
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Traffic in Malta [[Driving on the left or right|drives on the left]], as in the [[United Kingdom|UK]]. Car ownership in Malta is exceedingly high, given the very small size of the islands; it is the fourth highest in the European Union. The number of registered cars in 1990 amounted to 182,254, giving an automobile density of {{convert|582|/km2|/sqmi|abbr=on}}.<ref>Sammut & Savona-Ventura, "Petrol Lead in a Small Island Environment", ''International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine'' 9 (1996) at 33-40.</ref> |
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The most widely read and financially the strongest [[newspapers]] are published by Allied Newspapers Ltd., mainly the [[The Times (Malta)|The Times]] (27%) and [[The Times (Malta)|The Sunday Times]] (51.6%). Due to [[bilingualism]] half of the [[newspapers]] are published in [[English language|English]] and the other half in [[Maltese language|Maltese]]. The Sunday newspaper It-Torċa (The Torch) published by the Union Press, a subsidiary of the [[General Workers' Union (Malta)|GWU]], is the paper with the biggest circulation in the Maltese language. Its sister paper, [[L-Orizzont]], is the Maltese daily with biggest circulation. Newspapers are definitively losing out to [[radio]] and [[television]] (and [[radio]] is losing to [[television]]) as preferred source of [[news]]. There is a high number of daily or weekly newspapers, there is one paper for every 28,000 people. [[Advertising]], [[sales]] and [[subsidies]] are the three main methods of financing [[newspapers]] and [[magazines]]. However, most of the papers and [[magazines]] tied to [[institutions]] are subsidised by the same [[institutions]], they depend on [[advertising]] or subsidies from their owners.<ref name="autogenerated1" /> |
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===Music=== |
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Malta has {{convert|2254|km|mi}} of road, {{convert|1972|km|mi|abbr=on}} (87.5%) of which are paved and {{convert|282|km|mi|abbr=on}} are unpaved (December 2003).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nationmaster.com/country/mt-malta/tra-transportation|title=''NationMaster'' - Transportation statistics|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Teatro Manoel facade.jpg|thumb|left|230px| [[Manoel Theatre]]]] |
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While Maltese music today is largely [[western music|western]], traditional Maltese music includes what is known as [[Għana (folk music)|għana]]. This consists of background [[folk guitar]] music, while a few people, generally men, take it in turns to argue a point in a [[singsong]] voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and it takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to [[debate]] effectively. |
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===Literature=== |
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Maltese literature is more than 200 years old, although a love ballad unearthed relatively recently, testifies that literary activity in the local tongue, albeit very scarce, was already practiced in medieval times. Malta followed for a very long time the romantic literary tradition, reaching its height in the works of [[Dun Karm]], a poet with a splendid command of his craft who was also a priest and who was eventually declared as National Poet. |
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[[File:Map of Malta 2.png|thumb|210px|Principal highways]] |
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[[File:FBY749.jpg|left|thumb|A traditional [[Malta bus|Maltese bus]] in [[Sliema]]]] |
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{{See also|Malta bus}} |
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[[Bus]]es are the primary method of public transport for the islands, which offer a relatively cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. The vast majority of buses on Malta depart from a large circular terminus in [[Valletta]]. |
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Writers like [[Ruzar Briffa]] and Karmenu Vassallo tried to estrange themselves from the rigid grip of formal themes and versification but it was in the late nineteen sixties that Maltese literature experienced its most radical transformation with poets, prose writers and dramatists launching themeselves on an exploratory direction with no precedents. Angst, an identity crisis, protest, rebellion and social commitment informed the best literary and theatre pieces of the time. Names of significant poets that stand out from the last quarter of the 20th century include [[Mario Azzopardi]], Victor Fenech, Oliver Friggieri, [[Joe Friggieri]], Charles Flores, Daniel Massa, Maria Ganado, Lillian Sciberras and Akille Mizzi. In prose, [[Frans Sammut]], Paul P. Borg and Joe J. Camilleri led the avantguard while in theatre the names that matter include [[Francis Ebejer]], [[Alfred Sant]], Doreen Micallef and Oreste Calleja. |
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The island has had buses since 1905. Due to their appearance, Malta's classic buses have become tourist attractions in their own right and appear on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism, as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. However, these old buses are slowly being replaced by a more modern fleet, albeit still customised in the tradition of the older buses. |
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The next generation of writers widened the tracks further, especially in prose. Guze' Stagno, [[Karl Schembri]] and Clare Azzopardi are young writers fast establishing themselves while in poetry, significant names include Adrian Grima, [[Immanuel Mifsud]], Norbet Bugeja and Simone Inguanez. |
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The buses used to be colour coded, according to the their routes, before being painted green. Now the buses in Malta are all dark yellow, with a band of orange, while those on the sister island of [[Gozo]] are grey, with a red band. |
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In literary criticism, [[Peter Serracino Inglott]], Oliver Friggieri and Charles Briffa introduced perceptive historical, philosophical and psycho-social implications of acute power. |
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There are approximately 500 buses in public transit service in Malta. The drivers themselves own most of the buses, but operate to a unified timetable set by the transport authority. Malta buses carry approximately 31 million passengers per year.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.businesstoday.com.mt/2006/11/22/l4.html|title=Transportation statistics|work=Business Today|author=Debono, James|date=[[2006-11-22]]|accessdate=2007-02-19}}</ref> On any one day, half the bus fleet works on the public transport network (called 'route buses'), while the other half provides private tours and school transportation. |
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===Sports=== |
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Between 1883 and 1931, Malta had a railway line that connected [[Valletta]] to the army barracks at [[Mtarfa]] via [[Mdina]] and a number of towns and villages. The railway fell into disuse and eventually closed altogether, following the introduction of electric trams and buses. At the height of the bombing of Malta during [[World War II]], [[Benito Mussolini|Mussolini]] announced that his forces had destroyed the railway system. But by the time war broke out, the railway had been mothballed for more than nine years. |
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[[Image:JustinHaber.jpg|thumb|right|[[Justin Haber]], current G.K of [[Sheffield United F.C|Sheffield Utd]]]] |
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=== New public transport network === |
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Malta has its own national football stadium, [[Ta' Qali Stadium]]. It is generally noted that the population tends to be split half and half with regards to supporting Italy or England in sports games, due to the cultural affinities of the island.<ref>{{cite news |
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A new public transport network is being proposed for the islands of Malta and Gozo that will include a day service from 6am to 11pm and a night service from 11pm to 6am. The proposed network would provide three types of services. The fast Crossline services would operate at a frequency of 30 minutes. These would connect with Mainline services, which would operate at a frequency of between 10 and 30 minutes. At regional and local levels the Feederlines would serve villages and neighbouring areas at a frequency of 30 minutes. Apart from the interchange at Valletta, which would be upgraded, the proposal includes other major interchanges in the network at [[Mater Dei]], [[Luxol]] in [[Swieqi]], [[Paola]], [[Marsa]], [[Malta International Airport]] and [[Msida]]. Public transport information would be made available in various media including real time, mobile and online. Enhanced bus stop and interchange facilities would provide shelter, security, information, comfort and convenience. <ref>{{cite web|url=https://secure2.gov.mt/mitc/page.aspx?pageid=156&lid=1|title=Malta public transport reform|work=MITC|author=MITC, James|date=[[2008-12-06]]|accessdate=2008-12-06}}</ref> |
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|author= |
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|title=Maltese mad keen on England |
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|date=2000-06-01 |
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|work=[[BBC News]] |
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|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/euro2000/teams/england/773547.stm |
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|accessdate=2008-08-05 |
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}}</ref> |
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Malta also hosts a snooker round, the [[Malta Cup]], which as of 2008 became a non-ranking event.{{fact|date=January 2009}} |
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=== Ports and harbours === |
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[[File:Valletta-Harbour.jpg|left|thumb|300px|[[Valletta]] Harbour]] |
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[[File:Gozo Ferry Disembarking.jpg|right|thumb|A ferry departs at [[Ċirkewwa]] harbour from [[Mġarr]], [[Gozo]]]] |
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Malta has three large natural harbours on its main island. |
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In 2008 Malta's [[Tony Drago]] was a member of a victorious European [[Mosconi Cup]] team, which was played in Portomaso, Malta.{{fact|date=January 2009}} |
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[http://www.maltastreetmap.com Map of Malta and Gozo] |
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*The [[Grand Harbour]], located at the eastern side of the capital city of [[Valletta]], has been a harbour since [[Roman Empire|Roman]] times. It has several extensive [[docks (maritime)|docks]] and [[Wharf|wharves]], as well as a cruise liner terminal. A terminal at the Grand Harbour serves [[ferries]] that connect Malta to [[Pozzallo]] & [[Catania]] in [[Sicily]]. |
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*[[Marsamxett Harbour]], located on the western side of Valletta, accommodates a number of yacht marinas. |
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*[[Marsaxlokk Harbour]], at [[Marsaxlokk]] on the south-eastern side of Malta, is the site of the [[Malta Freeport]], the islands' main cargo terminal. |
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The [[Malta national football team|Maltese national football team]] won several matches over big opponents that reached the final phases in [[World Cup|World Cups]] like [[Denmark national football team|Denmark]]; the Maltese won over the [[Denmark national football team|Danish]], [[Belgium national football team|Belgians]] and [[Hungary National football team|Hungarians]] and the [[Greece national football team|Greeks]]. |
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There are also two man-made harbours that serve a passenger and car ferry service that connects [[Ċirkewwa|Ċirkewwa Harbour]] on Malta and [[Mġarr|Mġarr Harbour]] on [[Gozo]]. The ferry makes numerous runs each day. |
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Boxer [[Jeff Fenech]] is Maltese by his parents' side [http://www.youngvictorboxing.com.au/jeff_fenech2.htm]. |
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=== Airports and heliports === |
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[[File:Malta International Airport2.jpg|right|thumb|[[Malta International Airport]]]] |
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===Special activities=== |
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[[Malta International Airport]] is the only airport serving the Maltese Islands. It is built on the land formerly occupied by the [[Royal Air Force|RAF]] [[RAF Luqa|Luqa]] air base. A heliport is also located there, but the scheduled service to Gozo ceased in 2006. Since June 2007, [[Harbour Air Malta]] has operated a thrice-daily floatplane service between the sea terminal in Grand Harbour and Mgarr Harbour in Gozo. |
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Boċċi is the Maltese version of the Italian game of [[Bocce]], French [[Pétanque]] and British [[Bowls]]. Other than certain differences in rules and the ground on which the game is played, one of the most obvious differences between Maltese Boċċi and foreign equivalents is the shape of the bowls themselves which tend to be cylindrical rather than spherical in shape. Many small clubs (usually called "Bocci Klabbs" or "Klabbs tal-Bocci") can be found in many Maltese localities and are usually well-frequented (particularly by elderly men) and are quite active on the local and European level. |
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In the last decade the aviation sport of Microlight Flying has been introduced on the island by the Island Microlight Club.<ref>[http://www.islandmicrolightclub.com Island Microlight Club Malta - spread your wings and fly!<!-- bot-generated title -->] at www.islandmicrolightclub.com</ref> In under ten years there are a total number of twenty two microlight aircraft that operate out of the [[Malta International Airport]]. |
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Two further airfields at [[Ta'Qali]] and [[Ħal Far]] airfields operated during World War II and into the 1960s but are now closed. Today, [[Ta'Qali]] houses a national park, [[Ta'Qali Stadium|stadium]], the Crafts Village visitor attraction and the [[Malta Aviation Museum]]. This museum preserves several aircraft, including [[Hurricane]] and [[Spitfire]] fighters that defended the island in [[World War II]]. |
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[[File:Air.malta.a320-200.9h-aep.arp.jpg|left|thumb|An [[Air Malta]] flight]] |
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===Other=== |
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The national airline is [[Air Malta]], which is based in at Malta International Airport, and which operates services to 36 destinations in Europe and North Africa. The owners of Air Malta are Maltese government (98%) and private investors (2%). Air Malta employs 1,547 staff and a 25% shareholding in [[Medavia]]. |
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Air Malta has concluded over 191 interline ticketing agreements with other IATA airlines. It also has a codeshare agreement with Qantas covering the following routes: Sydney-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta, Sydney-Bangkok-Heathrow-Malta and Melbourne-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta. In September 2007, Air Malta made two agreements with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways by which Air Malta wet-leased two Airbus aircraft to Etihad Airways for the winter period starting September 1, 2007, and provided operational support on another Airbus A320, aircraft which it leased to Etihad Airways. |
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== Military == |
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{{Main|Armed Forces of Malta}} |
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The objectives of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are to maintain a military organisation with the primary aim of defending the Islands' integrity according to the defence roles as set by Government in an efficient and cost effective manner. This is achieved by emphasising the maintenance of Malta's territorial waters and airspace integrity. |
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The AFM also engages in combating terrorism, fighting against illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations. Malta's Search and Rescue area extends from east of Tunisia to west of Crete covering an area of around 250,000 km<sup>2</sup>. |
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As a military organisation, the AFM provides backup support to the [[Malta Police Force]] (MPF) and other government departments/agencies in situations as required in an organised, disciplined manner in the event of national emergencies (such as natural disasters) or internal security and bomb disposal. |
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On another level, the AFM establishes and/or consolidates [[bilateralism|bilateral co-operation]] with other countries to reach higher operational effectiveness related to AFM roles. |
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=== Other === |
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{{columns |width=200px |
{{columns |width=200px |
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|col1 = |
|col1 = |
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*[[ |
*[[Public holidays in Malta]] |
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*[[Ganutell]] |
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*[[List of Maltese people]] |
*[[List of Maltese people]] |
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*[[Maltese people]] |
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|col2 = |
|col2 = |
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*[[Maltese Italians]] |
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*[[Maltese language]] |
*[[Maltese language]] |
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*[[Maltese nobility]] |
*[[Maltese nobility]] |
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*[[Maltese Italians]] |
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|col3 = |
|col3 = |
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*[[Maltese |
*[[Endemic Maltese wildlife]] |
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*[[Public holidays in Malta]] |
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*[[The Scout Association of Malta]] |
*[[The Scout Association of Malta]] |
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}} |
}} |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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{{portal|Malta| |
{{portal|Malta|Coat_of_arms_of_Malta.svg}} |
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* [[BirdLife Malta]] |
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{{portal|Commonwealth realms|Flag of the Commonwealth of Nations.svg}} |
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* [[Monasteries in Malta]] |
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{{Main|Outline of Malta}} |
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*[[ |
* [[History of Malta#British rule|British Malta]] |
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*[[History of Malta#British rule|British Malta]] |
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*[[Index of Malta-related articles]] |
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*[[Malta Conference]] |
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*[[Monasteries in Malta]] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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Line 749: | Line 732: | ||
; Government |
; Government |
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*[http://www.gov.mt Gov.mt]{{ndash}} Maltese Government official site |
*[http://www.gov.mt Gov.mt]{{ndash}} Maltese Government official site |
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*[http://victorcauchi.fortunecity.com/EuCmp/lex/lexindex.htm Laws of Malta]{{ndash}} A summary of principal laws and glossary of terms. |
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*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-m/malta.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] |
*[https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/world-leaders-1/world-leaders-m/malta.html Chief of State and Cabinet Members] |
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*[http://www.afm.gov.mt The Maltese Armed Forces official website] |
*[http://www.afm.gov.mt The Maltese Armed Forces official website] |
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*[http://www.mepa.org.mt Malta Environment and Planning Authority's] [[GIS]] [http://www.mepa.org.mt/planning/index.htm?MapServer.htm&1 Map Server] which includes place names and street's layout and names |
*[http://www.mepa.org.mt Malta Environment and Planning Authority's] [[GIS]] [http://www.mepa.org.mt/planning/index.htm?MapServer.htm&1 Map Server] which includes place names and street's layout and names |
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*[http://uk.geocities.com/hashanayobel/lex/lexindex.htm Laws of Malta]{{ndash}} A summary of principal laws and glossary of terms. |
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; General information |
; General information |
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*{{CIA World Factbook link|mt|Malta}} |
*{{CIA World Factbook link|mt|Malta}} |
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Line 764: | Line 746: | ||
*[http://www.visitmalta.com Official Maltese Tourism website] |
*[http://www.visitmalta.com Official Maltese Tourism website] |
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*{{wikitravel}} |
*{{wikitravel}} |
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; Other |
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*[http://www.guidetomalta.net Guide to Malta]{{ndash}} Malta Travel Guide |
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*[http://malta.greatestdivesites.com Diving Malta]{{ndash}} All the dive sites in Malta |
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*[http://www.maltagenealogy.com The Nobility of Malta and Maltagenealogy.com] |
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*[http://www.emporis.com/en/wm/co/?id=malta Malta] on Emporis.com |
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*[http://www.101malta.com 101 Things to do in malta] an offbeat guide to what to do in Malta and Gozo |
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*[http://www.englishmaltesedictionary.com english maltese dictionary] |
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*[http://malta.cc/ Malta] Everything about Malta |
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; Economy |
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*[http://www.taxarticles.info/2009/06/the-tax-system-in-malta-maltas-taxes-at-a-glance/ The Tax System in Malta – Malta’s Taxes At a Glance] |
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== Notes and citations == |
== Notes and citations == |
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Line 773: | Line 761: | ||
== References == |
== References == |
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*{{cite web | title= |
* {{cite web | title=Photos of Gozo sister island of Malta |work=Photos of Gozo |url=http://www.gozo.us |accessdate=2006-11-17}} |
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*{{cite web | title=Photos |
* {{cite web | title=Photos of Malta |work=Photos of Malta |url=http://www.pvv.org/~bct/malta/ |accessdate=2008-05-26}} |
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*{{cite web | title= |
* {{cite web | title=Malta |work=[[CIA World Factbook]] |url=https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html |accessdate=2006-09-06}} |
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*{{cite web | title= |
* {{cite web | title=Gov.mt |work=Government of Malta |url=http://www.gov.mt|accessdate=2005-11-01}} |
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*{{cite web | title= |
* {{cite web | title=Malta |work=MSN Encarta |url=http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761555566/Malta.html |accessdate=2005-11-01}} |
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*{{cite |
* {{cite web | title=1942: Malta gets George Cross for bravery |work=BBC "On this day" |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/15/newsid_3530000/3530301.stm | accessdate=2006-06-22}} |
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* {{cite book |first=H. Bowen |last=Jones |coauthors=''et al'' | title=Malta Background for Development |publisher=Dhurham College |year=1962 |id={{OCLC|204863}}}} |
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*{{cite news | title=1942: Malta gets George Cross for bravery |work=BBC "On this day" |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/onthisday/hi/dates/stories/april/15/newsid_3530000/3530301.stm | accessdate=2006-06-22}} |
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*{{cite book | |
* {{cite book |author=Carolyn Bain | title=Malta |publisher=Lonely Planet Publication |year=2004 |isbn=1-74059-178-X}} |
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* {{cite book |last=United Nations Development Programme | title=Human Development Report 2005 - International cooperation at a crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an unequal world |year=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |url=http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2005/ |isbn=0-19-522146-X}} |
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*{{cite book |author=Carolyn Bain | title=Malta |publisher=Lonely Planet Publication |year=2004 |isbn=1-74059-178-X}} |
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*{{cite book |author=Paul Williams | title=Malta | publisher=Pen and Sword Books | year=2009 |isbn=9781848840126 [http://www.pen-and-sword.co.uk/?product_id=1860 Malta - Island Under Seige]}} |
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*{{cite book |last=United Nations Development Programme | title=Human Development Report 2005 - International cooperation at a crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an unequal world |year=2006 |publisher=Oxford University Press |url=http://hdr.undp.org/reports/global/2005/ |isbn=0-19-522146-X}} |
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<!--* For the migration section: http://www.alternattiva.org.mt/filebank/documents/Fiona%20TEXEIRE-%20At%20the%20Gate%20of%20Fortress%20Europe.pdf [gotta shorten this thing, somehow]--> |
<!--* For the migration section: http://www.alternattiva.org.mt/filebank/documents/Fiona%20TEXEIRE-%20At%20the%20Gate%20of%20Fortress%20Europe.pdf [gotta shorten this thing, somehow]--> |
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*[http://www.omertaa.org/volumes/volume20071/index/index.html Omertaa, Journal for Applied Anthropology]{{ndash}} Volume 2007/1, Thematic Issue on Malta |
*[http://www.omertaa.org/volumes/volume20071/index/index.html Omertaa, Journal for Applied Anthropology]{{ndash}} Volume 2007/1, Thematic Issue on Malta |
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*[http://www.lapasserelle.com/lm/pagespeciales/anglicistes/malta2006/Malta-The_George_Cross_Island/indexmalta.html Malta-The George Cross Island] |
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{{Navbox |
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{{Malta topics}} |
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|name = Malta topics |
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|state = {{{state|collapsed}}} |
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|title = {{flagcountry|Malta}} [[List of Malta-related topics|topics]] |
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|groupstyle = padding:0.2em 1.0em; line-height:1.1em; <!--reduces wide gap between wrapped groupname lines--> |
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|liststyle = padding:0.4em 0; line-height:1.4em; <!--otherwise lists can appear to form continuous whole--> |
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|group1 = [[History of Malta|History]] |
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|list1 = {{nowrap begin}} [[Timeline of Maltese history|Timeline]]{{·w}} [[Megalithic Temples of Malta]] {{·w}} [[Monarchs of Malta|Monarchs]]{{·w}} [[Kingdom of Sicily]]{{·w}} [[Knights Hospitaller]]{{·w}} [[Siege of Malta (1565)|The Great Siege]]{{·w}} [[Malta exiles|Exiles]]{{·w}} [[Siege of Malta (World War II)|Siege during World War II]] ([[SS Ohio|SS ''Ohio'']]){{·w}} [[Award of the George Cross to Malta|Award of the George Cross]] {{nowrap end}} |
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</div> |
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|group2 = [[Politics of Malta|Politics]] |
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|list2 = {{nowrap begin}} [[Constitution of Malta|Constitution]]{{·w}} [[President of Malta|President]]{{·w}} [[House of Representatives of Malta|House of Representatives]]{{·w}} [[List of political parties in Malta|Political parties]] <sup>([[Nationalist Party (Malta)|Nationalist]] {{·w}} [[Malta Labour Party|Labour]] {{·w}} [[Democratic Alternative (Malta)|Green party]] {{·w}} [[Imperium Europa]] {{·w}} [[National Action (Malta)|National Action]])</sup> {{·w}} [[Foreign relations of Malta|Foreign relations]] {{·w}} [[Elections in Malta|Elections]]{{·w}} [[Local councils of Malta|Local councils]]{{·w}} [[Armed Forces of Malta|Armed Forces]] {{nowrap end}} |
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|group3 = [[Geography of Malta|Geography]] |
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|list3 = {{nowrap begin}} [[:Category:Caves of Malta|Caves]]{{·w}} [[List of cities in Malta|Cities]]{{·w}} [[:Category:Fortifications of Malta|Fortifications]]{{·w}} [[:Category:Islands of Malta|Islands]]{{·w}} [[:Category:Maps of Malta|Maps]] {{nowrap end}} |
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|group4 = [[Economy of Malta|Economy]] |
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|list4 = {{nowrap begin}} [[Maltese lira|Lira]] <sup>([[Coins of the Maltese lira|coins]])</sup> {{·w}} [[Euro]] <sup>([[Maltese euro coins|coins]])</sup> {{·w}} [[List of Maltese companies|Companies]]{{·w}} [[Central Bank of Malta|Central Bank]]{{·w}} [[:Category:Retailing in Malta|Retailing]]{{·w}} [[:Category:Trade unions of Malta|Trade unions]] {{nowrap end}} |
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|group5 = [[Culture of Malta|Culture]] |
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|list5 = {{nowrap begin}} [[Maltese cuisine|Cuisine]] {{·w}} [[Music of Malta|Music]]{{·w}} [[Religion in Malta|Religion]] <sup>([[Archbishop of Malta|Archbishop]])</sup>{{·w}} [[Freemasonry in Malta|Freemasonry]] {{nowrap end}} |
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|group6 = [[Maltese people|People]] |
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|list6 = [[Demographics of Malta|Demographics]] {{·w}} [[Pro-Italian Maltese|Pro-Italians]] {{·w}} [[Pro-British Maltese|Pro-British]] {{·w}} [[List of Maltese people|List of people]]<br> |
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''Populations abroad'': [[Maltese American|America]] {{·w}} [[Maltese Australian|Australia]] {{·w}} [[Maltese Brazilian|Brazil]] {{·w}} [[Maltese in the United Kingdom|UK]] |
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|group7 = [[Languages of Malta|Languages]] |
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|list7 = [[Maltese language|Maltese]] {{·w}} [[English language|English]] {{·w}} [[Italian language|Italian]] <sup>([[Sicilian language|Sicilian]])</sup>{{·w}} [[Maltese literature|Literature]] |
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|group8 = [[Flags and symbols of Malta|Symbols]] |
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|list8 = [[Flag of Malta|National flag]] {{·w}} [[Coat of Arms of Malta|Coat of arms]] {{·w}} [[Maltese Cross]] {{·w}} [[Holidays in Malta|Holidays]] |
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|group9 =<br>[[:Category:Education in Malta|Education]],<br>and [[:Category:Health in Malta|Healthcare]] |
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|list9 = {{nowrap begin}} [[List of universities in Malta|Universities]] <sup>([[Student Associations at the University of Malta|Student Associations]])</sup> {{·w}} [[List of hospitals in Malta|Hospitals]] {{nowrap end}} |
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|group10 = [[Communications in Malta|Communications]] |
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|list10 = [[Transportation in Malta|Transportation]] {{·w}} [[Malta bus|Bus]] {{·w}} [[Malta International Airport|Air]] <sup>([[Air Malta|Airline]])</sup> {{·w}} [[Grand Harbour|Sea]] |
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|below = '''[[Portal:Malta|Portal]]''' |
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Revision as of 13:40, 9 September 2009
Republic of Malta Repubblika ta' Malta | |
---|---|
Anthem: L-Innu Malti ("The Maltese Anthem") | |
![]() | |
Capital | Valletta (de facto) |
Largest city | Birkirkara |
Official languages | Maltese, English |
Religion | Roman Catholicism |
Demonym(s) | Maltese |
Government | Parliamentary Republic |
Edward Fenech Adami | |
Lawrence Gonzi | |
George Abela | |
Independence | |
• from the United Kingdom | September 21, 1964 |
• Republic | December 13, 1974 |
Area | |
• Total | 316 km2 (122 sq mi) (185th) |
• Water (%) | 0.001 |
Population | |
• 2007 estimate | 419,285 (174th) |
• 2005 census | 404,5001 |
• Density | 1,282/km2 (3,320.4/sq mi) (7th) |
GDP (PPP) | 2008 estimate |
• Total | $9.894 billion[1] (137th) |
• Per capita | $23,908 [1] (IMF) (37th) |
GDP (nominal) | 2008 estimate |
• Total | $8.584 billion[1] (118th) |
• Per capita | $20.744 [1] (IMF) (28th) |
HDI (2006) | ![]() Error: Invalid HDI value (36th) |
Currency | Euro (€)2Banks (EUR) |
Time zone | UTC+1 (CET) |
• Summer (DST) | UTC+2 (CEST) |
Driving side | left |
Calling code | 356 |
ISO 3166 code | MT |
Internet TLD | .mt 3 |
1 Total population includes foreign residents. Maltese residents population estimate at end 2004 was 389,769. All official population data provided by the NSO.[2] 2Before 2008: Maltese lira 3 Also .eu, shared with other European Union member states. |
Malta , officially the Republic of Malta (Maltese: Repubblika ta' Malta), is a small and densely populated European microstate,[3][4][5] comprising an archipelago of seven islands, making it an island nation. Situated in Southern Europe, Template:Km to mi off the coast of Sicily (Italy), it is located in the Mediterranean Sea, giving the country a warm, Mediterranean climate, while a further Template:Km to mi to the island's west is Tunisia and about Template:Km to mi south is Libya.[6][7] Valletta is in practice the nation's capital city.
Throughout much of its history, Malta has been considered a crucial strategic location due in large part its position in the Mediterranean Sea.[8] It was held by several ancient cultures including Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Sicilians, and others. The island is commonly associated with the Knights Hospitaller who ruled it. This, along with the historic Biblical shipwreck of St. Paul on the island, ingrained the strong Roman Catholic legacy which is still the official and most practiced religion in Malta today.
The country's official languages are Maltese and English, although there are strong historical ties to the Italian language on the islands. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and is currently a member of the European Union which it joined in 2004, in addition to being part of the Commonwealth of Nations and the United Nations.
Etymology
The origin of the term "Malta" is uncertain, though the modern day variation is from the Maltese language. The more common etymology is that it comes from the Greek word μέλι (meli) ('honey'). The Greeks called the island Μελίτη (Melite) meaning "honey" or "honey-sweet" possibly due to Malta's unique production of honey; Malta has had an endemic species of bee which lives on the island, giving it the common nickname the "land of honey".[9] Not only was there Greek influence on the island as early as 700 BCE,[10] but the island was later dominated by the Greek-speaking Byzantine Empire from 395 to 870.[10] Another etymology given is the Phoenician word Maleth meaning "a haven,"[11] in reference to Malta's many bays and coves.
History
Ancient civilizations
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6d/Hagar_Quim_II.jpg/220px-Hagar_Quim_II.jpg)
]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/37/Malta_16_Mnajdra.jpg/220px-Malta_16_Mnajdra.jpg)
The Maltese islands were first settled in 5200 BC by stone age farmers who had arrived from the nearby, much larger island of Sicily, possibly the Sicani who were the only known tribe to be inhabiting the island at this time.[12][13] The Sicani are generally regarded to be related to the Iberians.[14]. They grew cereals and raised domestic livestock and, in keeping with many other ancient Mediterranean cultures, worshipped a mother goddess, represented in Malta by statuettes of unusually large proportions. Pottery from the earliest period of Maltese civilization (known as the Għar Dalam phase) is similar to that found in Agrigento, Sicily. These people were either supplanted by, or gave rise to a mysterious culture of megalithic temple builders, whose surviving monuments on Malta and Gozo are now believed to be the oldest standing stone structures in the world.[15][16][17] The temples date from 4000–2500 BCE, and typically consist of a complex trefoil (cloverleaf) design.
Little is known about the temple builders of Malta and Gozo; however, there is some evidence that their rituals included animal sacrifice. This culture disappeared from the Maltese Islands around 2500 BCE. The reasons for the disappearance are shrouded in mystery, although historians and archeologists have speculated that the temple builders fell victim to famine and disease. War is unlikely to have been the cause of their disappearance, since archeological digs on Malta have yielded little or no evidence of weapons.
The Maltese Islands were depopulated for several decades, until the arrival of a new influx of Bronze Age immigrants, a culture that is known to have cremated its dead, and introduced smaller megalithic structures called dolmens to Malta.[18]
During 3500 BC, these people built some of the oldest free-standing structures and some of the oldest religious structures in the world, in the form of the megalithic Ġgantija temples on Gozo,[19] other early temples include those at Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra.[20] The extinction of the dwarf hippos and dwarf elephants has been linked to the earliest arrival of humans on Malta.[21] Around 700 BC, there was Ancient Greek culture on Malta, especially around the area of Valletta.[10] A century later the natives were joined on the island by Phoenician traders,[10] who used the islands as an outpost for their trade route explorations from the east Mediterranean Sea across to Cornwall.[22]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/0a/Roman_Malta.jpg/180px-Roman_Malta.jpg)
After the fall of Phoenicia, the area came under the control of people from a former Phoenician colony in 400 BC: the Carthaginians.[23] During this time Malta was mainly used as a place to cultivate olives, carobs and produce textiles.[23] During 218 BC in the Punic Wars tensions arose and the Maltese people rebelled against the rule of Carthage, turning over control of their garrison to Roman Republic consul Sempronius.[24] During the Syracusan revolt Malta remained loyal to Rome and was rewarded accordingly with the title Foederata Civitas; a designation which meant a level of autonomy within the juristiction of Sicilia province while being allied to Rome.[24] The island known then as Melita had its capital located in the centre, this carried the same name, though today it is known as Mdina.[24]
In 117 BC the Maltese Islands were thriving as part of the Roman Empire and were promoted to the level of Municipium under Hadrian.[24] During 60 AD in the north of the island at Saint Paul's Bay, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ named Saint Paul was shipwrecked on the shores.[24] Tradition holds he stayed in Malta for three months introducing Christianity and performing various miracles.[24] This is documented in the Bible in the Acts of the Apostles.[24] When the Roman Empire split into the east and west divisions in the 4th century, Malta fell under the control of the Greek speaking Byzantine Empire which was ruled from Constantinople.[25] Although Malta was under Byzantine rule for four centuries, not a lot is known about this period. There is evidence that Germanic tribes the Goths and the Vandals briefly took control of the islands before the Byzantines launched a counter attack and retook Malta, keeping a military presence there.[25]
Middle Ages
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ea/Roger_I_of_Sicily.jpg/145px-Roger_I_of_Sicily.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f9/Flag_of_the_Kingdom_of_Sicily.svg/150px-Flag_of_the_Kingdom_of_Sicily.svg.png)
Malta was involved in the Byzantine-Arab Wars, and the conquest of Malta is closely linked with that of Sicily due to admiral Euphemius betraying his fellow Byzantines and asking the Aghlabid dynasty to invade the area.[26] As part of the Emirate of Sicily rule switched to the Fatimids in 909.[27] The Arabs introduced new irrigation, some fruits and cotton, as well as from the island of Sicily the Siculo-Arabic language which would eventually become Maltese.[28] The native Christians were allowed freedom of religion but had to pay an extra tax to their rulers.[27] After the Normans from the Duchy of Normandy had relieved Sicily, they did the same on the Maltese Islands by 1091.[24] Roger I of Sicily was according to Maltese tradition warmly welcomed by the native Christians.[24] The Maltese offered to fight for him and Roger reportedly tore off a portion of his flag, half-red, half-white presenting it to the Maltese to fight under; the basis of the flag of Malta.[24]
The Norman period was productive; Malta became part of the newly formed Kingdom of Sicily which also covered the island of Sicily and the southern half of the Italian Peninsula.[24] The Catholic Church was re-instated as the state religion, with Malta under the See of Palermo and much Norman architecture sprung up around Malta.[24] Tancred of Sicily the last Norman monarch made Malta and Gozo a feudal lordship or fief within the kingdom with a Count of Malta instated. As the islands were much desired due to their strategic importance, during this time the men of Malta were militarised to fend off capture attempts; the early counts were skilled Genoese corsairs.[24] The kingdom passed on to the Hohenstaufens from 1194 until 1266. It was under Frederick I that any remaining Muslims were expelled from Malta in 1224[29] and the entire Christian male population of Celano in Abruzzo was exported to Malta.[24]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/JPDV.jpg/220px-JPDV.jpg)
For a brief period the kingdom passed onto the Capetian House of Anjou, however high taxes made the dynasty unpopular in Malta, due to Charles of Anjou's war against the Republic of Genoa the island of Gozo was sacked in 1275.[24] Following this there was a large revolt on Sicily known as the Sicilian Vespers, this saw the Peninsula part of the kingdom separating into the Kingdom of Naples; the Kingdom of Sicily including Malta instead fell under the rule of the Aragonese.[30] The kingdom was ruled by relatives of the kings of Aragon until 1409 and then as part of the Crown of Aragon.[30] Early on in the Aragonese reign, the Count of Malta title was given to sons of the monarchy; it was also during this time that much of the Maltese nobility sprung up. By 1397 however the Count title was back to a feudal basis with two families fighting over it causing the Maltese distress, thus the king confiscated it. This was a familiar theme when the title was reinstated a few years later, the Maltese led by the nobility rose up against Count Gonsalvo Monroy.[24] However, the Maltese voiced that they were loyal to the Sicilian Crown, which impressed Alfonso IV greatly who did not punish the people for their rebellion but instead promised never to grant it to a third party, incorporating it back into the crown. The city of Mdina was nicknamed Città Notabile as a result.[24]
Knights of Malta and Napoleon
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/47/Mdinakathedraal.jpg/150px-Mdinakathedraal.jpg)
In 1530 Charles I of Spain gave the islands to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem in perpetual lease. The Crown of Aragon had owned the islands as part of its Mediterranean empire for some time. These knights, a military religious order now known as the "Knights of Malta", had been driven out of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire in 1522. They withstood a full-blown siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565, at the time the greatest naval power in the Mediterranean sea. After this they decided to increase the fortifications, particularly in the inner-harbour area, where the new city of Valletta, named after Grand Master Jean de la Valette, was built.
Their reign ended when Malta was captured by Napoleon en route to his expedition of Egypt during the French Revolutionary Wars in 1798. As a ruse, Napoleon asked for safe harbour to resupply his ships, and then turned his guns against his hosts once safely inside Valletta. Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim capitulated, and Napoleon stayed in Malta for a few days, during which time he systematically looted the movable assets of the Order, and established an administration controlled by his nominees. He then sailed for Egypt, leaving a substantial garrison in Malta.
The occupying French forces were unpopular, however, due particularly to their negative attitude towards religion. Their financial and religious reforms did not go down well with the citizens. The Maltese rebelled against them, and the French were forced behind the fortifications.
Great Britain, along with the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, sent ammunition and aid to the rebels, and Britain also sent her navy, which instigated a blockade of the islands. The isolated French forces, under General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois, surrendered in 1800, and the island became a British Dominion, being presented by several Maltese leaders to Sir Alexander Ball. The Maltese people created a Declaration of Rights where they demanded to come "under the protection and sovereignty of the King of the free people, His Majesty the King of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland." The Declaration also stated that "his Majesty has no right to cede these Islands to any power...if he chooses to withdraw his protection, and abandon his sovereignty, the right of electing another sovereign, or of the governing of these Islands, belongs to us, the inhabitants and aborigines alone, and without control."[31]
British rule and World War II
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/BombDamageMalta.jpg/200px-BombDamageMalta.jpg)
In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became a part of the British Empire, and was used as a shipping way-station and fleet headquarters. Malta's position half-way between Gibraltar and the Suez Canal proved to be its main asset during these years, and it was considered to be an important stop on the way to India.
In the early 1930s, the British Mediterranean Fleet, which was at the time the main contributor for the commerce on the island, was moved to Alexandria as an economic measure. Malta played an important role during World War II, owing to its proximity to Axis shipping lanes. The bravery of the Maltese people in their long struggle against enemy attack moved HM King George VI to award the George Cross to Malta on a collective basis on April 15 1942 "to bear witness to a heroism and devotion that will long be famous in history". Some historians argue that the award caused Britain to incur disproportionate losses in defending Malta, as British credibility would have suffered if Malta was surrendered, as Singapore had been.[32] A replica of the George Cross now appears in the upper hoist corner of the Flag of Malta. The collective award remained unique until April 1999, when the Royal Ulster Constabulary became the second– and, to date, the only other– recipient of the collective George Cross.
Independence
After the war, and after the Labour Party's unsuccessful attempt at "Integration with Britain", Malta was granted independence on September 21, 1964 (Independence Day). Under its 1964 constitution, Malta initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Malta, with a Governor-General exercising executive authority on her behalf. On December 13, 1974 (Republic Day) it became a republic within the British Commonwealth, with the President as head of state. A defence agreement signed soon after independence (and re-negotiated in 1972) expired on March 31, 1979 (Freedom Day) when the British military forces were withdrawn and the Union Flag was lowered for the last time by Admiral Sir John Hamilton GBE, Commander in Chief of the Eastern Mediterranean fleet. Malta adopted an official policy of neutrality in 1980 and was a member of the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries until 2004. In 1989 Malta was the venue of an important summit between US President Bush and Soviet leader Gorbachev, their first face-to-face encounter, which signaled the end of the Cold War.
Malta joined the European Union on May 1, 2004.[33] Following the European Council of 21 June to 22 June 2007 it joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2008.[34]
Politics and government
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Edward_Fenech_Adami.jpg/170px-Edward_Fenech_Adami.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/Courthouse_Valletta.jpg/290px-Courthouse_Valletta.jpg)
Malta is a republic,[35] whose parliamentary system and public administration is closely modeled on the Westminster system. The unicameral House of Representatives, (Maltese: Il-Kamra tad- Deputati), is elected by direct universal suffrage through single transferable vote every five years, unless the House is dissolved earlier by the President on advice of the Prime Minister. The House of Representatives is made up of sixty-five Members of Parliament. However, where a party wins an absolute majority of votes, but does not have a majority of seats, that party is given additional seats to ensure a parliamentary majority. The Constitution of Malta provides that the President appoint as Prime Minister the member of the House who is best able to command a (governing) majority in the House.
The President of the Republic is elected every five years by the House of Representatives. The role of the president as head of state is largely ceremonial. The main political parties are the Nationalist Party, which is a Christian democratic party, and the Labour Party, with Dr. Joseph Muscat as its leader, which is a social democratic party. The Nationalist Party is currently (2008) at the helm of the government, the Prime Minister being Dr. Lawrence Gonzi. The Labour Party is in opposition. There are a number of smaller political parties in Malta that presently have no parliamentary representation.
Until World War II Maltese politics was dominated by the language question fought out by pro-Italian and pro-British parties.[36] Post-War politics dealt with constitutional questions on the relations with Britain (first with Integration then Independence) and, eventually, relations with the European Union.
Administrative divisions
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b3/Malta_location_map.svg/260px-Malta_location_map.svg.png)
Malta is divided into 68 elected local councils, with each council responsible for the administration of cities or regions of varying sizes. Administrative responsibility is distributed between the local councils and the central government in Valletta. The Local Councils Act, 1993 (Act XV of 1993) was published on June 30, 1993, subdividing Malta into 54 local councils in Malta and 14 in Gozo. The inhabitants who are registered elect the Council every three years, as voters in the Local Councils' Electoral Register. Elections are held by means of the system of proportional representation using the single transferable vote. The mayor is the head of the Local Council and the representative of the Council for all effects under the Act. The Executive Secretary, who is appointed by the Council, is the executive, administrative, and financial head of the Council. All decisions are taken collectively with the other members of the Council. Local councils are responsible for the general upkeep and embellishment of the locality, local wardens, and refuse collection, and carry out general administrative duties for the central government such as collection of government rents and funds, and answering government-related public inquiries.
Local councils
Since 1993 Malta has been subdivided into sixty-eight local councils. These form the most basic form of local government. There are no intermediate levels between local government and national government.
Geography
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/bc/Satelite_image_of_Malta.jpg/260px-Satelite_image_of_Malta.jpg)
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea (in its eastern basin), some 93 km south of the Italian island of Sicily across the Malta Channel; east of Tunisia and north of Libya in Africa. Only the three largest islands Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. The smaller islands, such as Filfla, Cominotto and the Islands of St. Paul are uninhabited. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The archipelago itself lies on the edge of the African tectonic plate, as it borders with the Eurasian plate[37]. The islands of the archipelago were formed from the high points of a land bridge between Sicily and North Africa which became isolated as sea levels rose after the last Ice Age [38]. The modern-day landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The highest point is at Ta' Dmejrek on Malta Island at 253 metres (830 ft) near Dingli. Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. However, some watercourses are found around the island that have fresh water running all year round. Such places are Baħrija, l-Intaħleb and San Martin. Running water in Gozo is found at Lunzjata Valley.
Malta implemented the Schengen Agreement on December 21, 2007.[39] Customs and border controls remained at airports until March 2008.
Contrary to popular belief, the south of Malta is not Europe's most southern point; that distinction belongs to the Greek island of Gavdos.
Phytogeographically, Malta belongs to the Liguro-Tyrrhenian province of the Mediterranean Region within the Boreal Kingdom. According to the WWF, the territory of Malta belongs to the ecoregion of "Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub".[40]
Islands
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/13/View_from_Kenuna_garden.jpg/280px-View_from_Kenuna_garden.jpg)
The main islands, and the only inhabited ones of the country are Malta Island, Comino and Gozo. Other islands that form part of the archipelago include: Cominotto (Kemmunett, uninhabited), Filfla (uninhabited), Fungus Rock (Il-Ġebla tal-Ġeneral, uninhabited), Manoel Island (which is joined to the town of Gżira, on the mainland by a bridge), and the Islands of St. Paul (uninhabited). The Maltese Islands have been an independent republic since 1974. The centre of government, commerce and culture is the capital city of Valletta, on the eastern coast of Malta.
Maltese Islands are as the following:
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Climate
The climate is Mediterranean (Köppen climate classification Csa), with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. There is no real thermal dormant season for plants, although plant growth can be checked briefly by abnormal cold in winter (patches of ground frost may occur in inland locales), and summer heat and aridity may cause vegetation to wilt. Effectively there are only two seasons, which makes the islands attractive for tourists, especially during the drier months. However, strong winds can make Malta feel cold during the springtime.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/c/ce/Valletta-view-from-senglea.jpg/500px-Valletta-view-from-senglea.jpg)
Water supply poses a problem on Malta, as the summer is both rainless and the time of greatest water use, and the winter rainfall often falls as heavy showers running off to the sea rather than soaking into the ground. Malta depends on underground reserves of fresh water, drawn through a system of water tunnels called the Ta' Kandja galleries, which average about 97 m. below surface and extend like the spokes of a wheel. In the galleries in Malta's porous limestone, fresh water lies in a lens upon brine. More than half the potable water of Malta is produced by desalination, which creates further issues of fossil fuel use and pollution.[41]
The lowest temperature ever recorded at Valletta was on February 19, 1895, with 1.2 °C (34.2 °F), and the highest temperature was 43.8 °C (110.8 °F) recorded in August 1999 at Luqa International Airport. An unofficial lowest temperature of −1.7 °C (28.9 °F) was recorded on February 1, 1962 in the Ta' Qali airfield with snow on the ground.
Snow is virtually unheard of, with very few and brief snow flurries recorded in February 1895, January 1905 and January 31st, 1962. No accumulation has been reported on the coast at least since 1800, but on the last day of January 1962 snow briefly covered some parts of the interior of the main island. The following night the only frost in the history of Malta was recorded in the Ta' Qali airfield.
Month | Year | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Avg high °C (°F) | 21 (71) | 15 (59) | 15 (59) | 16 (61) | 18 (65) | 22 (72) | 27 (80) | 32 (86) | 32 (86) | 28 (82) | 24 (75) | 19 (67) | 16 (61) |
Avg low temperature °C (°F) | 15 (60) | 9 (49) | 9 (49) | 10 (51) | 12 (54) | 15 (59) | 19 (66) | 22 (71) | 22 (72) | 20 (69) | 18 (64) | 14 (57) | 11 (52) |
Source: Weatherbase |
Economy
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/85/Euro_accession.svg/250px-Euro_accession.svg.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5d/AIDAcara_Valetta.jpg/250px-AIDAcara_Valetta.jpg)
Until 1800 Malta had very few industries except the cotton, tobacco and shipyards industry. The dockyard was later used by the British for military purposes. At times of war Malta's economy prospered due to its strategic location. This could be seen during the Crimean War of 1854. This benefited those who had a military role, as well as the craftsmen.
In 1869 the opening of the Suez Canal benefited Malta's economy greatly, as there was a massive increase in the shipping which entered the port. Entrepôt trade saw many ships stopping at Malta's docks for refuelling, which brought great benefits to the population. Towards the end of the 19th century the economy began declining, and by the 1940s Malta's economy was in serious crisis. This was partially due to the longer range of newer merchant ships which required less frequent refuelling stops.
Presently, Malta’s major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade (serving as a freight trans-shipment point), manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles) and tourism. Tourism infrastructure has increased dramatically over the years and a number of good-quality hotels are present on the island, although overdevelopment and the destruction of traditional housing is of growing concern. An increasing number of Maltese now travel abroad on holiday.[42] Although they are still a net importer of tourism, the ratio of inbound tourists to outbound tourists is decreasing. Film production is a growing contributor to the Maltese economy, with several big-budget foreign films shooting in Malta each year. The country has increased the exports of many other types of services such as banking and finance.
The government is investing heavily in the country's provision of education. As all education is free, Malta is currently producing a pool of qualified persons which heavily contribute to the country's growing economy.
Malta has recently privatised some state-controlled firms and liberalised markets in order to prepare for membership in the European Union, which it joined on May 1, 2004. For example, the government announced on January 8, 2007 that it is selling its 40% stake in Maltapost, in order to complete a privatisation process which has been ongoing for the past five years. Malta and Tunisia are currently discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for petroleum exploration.
The Maltese government entered ERM II on May 4, 2005, and adopted the euro as the country's currency on January 1, 2008.[43] Maltese euro coins feature the Maltese Cross on €2 and €1 coins, the Maltese Coat of Arms on the €0.50, €0.20 and €0.10 coins, and the Mnajdra Temples on the €0.05, €0.02 and €0.01 coins.[44]
Numismatics
In Malta the euro was introduced in 2008. Three different designs were selected for the Maltese coins. In this short period, Malta also produced collectors' coins, with face value ranging from 10 to 50 euro. These coins are a legacy of an old national practice of minting of silver and gold commemorative coins. Unlike normal issues, these coins are not legal tender in all the eurozone. For instance, a €10 Maltese commemorative coin cannot be used in any other country.
Infrastructures
Highways
Traffic in Malta drives on the left, as in the UK. Car ownership in Malta is exceedingly high, given the very small size of the islands: fourth highest in the European Union. The number of registered cars in 1990 amounted to 182,254, giving an automobile density of 582 per km².[45]
Malta has 2,254 kilometres of road, 1,972 km (87.5%) of which are paved and 282 km are unpaved (December 2003).[46]
Buses
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/88/Map_of_Malta_2.png/210px-Map_of_Malta_2.png)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/FBY749.jpg/220px-FBY749.jpg)
Buses are the primary method of public transport for the islands, which offer a cheap and frequent service to many parts of Malta and Gozo. The vast majority of buses on Malta depart from a large circular terminus in Valletta.
Buses have been used on the island since 1905. These classic buses have become tourist attractions in their own right, due to their uniqueness, and are depicted on many Maltese advertisements to promote tourism as well as on gifts and merchandise for tourists. However, these old buses are slowly being replaced by a more modern fleet, albeit still customised in the tradition of the older buses.
The buses used to be colour coded, according to the their routes, before being painted green. Now the buses in Malta are all dark yellow, with a band of orange, while those on the sister island of Gozo are grey, with a red band.
There are approximately 500 buses in public transit service in Malta, most of them privately owned by the bus drivers themselves, and operated to a unified timetable set by the transport authority. Malta buses carry approximately 31 million passengers per year.[47] On any one day, half the bus fleet works on the public transport network (called 'route buses'), while the other half are used for private tours and school transportation.
Railway
For a brief period between 1883 and 1931, Malta had a railway line that connected the capital city of Valletta to the army barracks at Mtarfa via Mdina and a number of towns and villages.
The railway fell into disuse, and was eventually closed altogether, following the introduction of electric trams and buses. At the height of the bombing of Malta during World War II, Mussolini announced that his forces had destroyed the railway system. But by the time war broke out, the railway had been mothballed for more than nine years.
New public transport network
A new public transport network is being proposed for the islands of Malta and Gozo which will include a day service from 6am to 11pm and a night service from 11pm to 6am. The proposed network is divided into three types of services. The fast Crossline services would operate at a frequency of 30 minutes. These connect with Mainline services which would operate at a frequency of between 10 and 30 minutes. At regional and local levels the Feederlines would serve villages and neighbouring areas at a frequency of 30 minutes. Apart from the interchange at Valletta, which would be upgraded, it is being proposed that there would be other major interchanges in the network at Mater Dei, Luxol in Swieqi, Paola, Marsa, the Airport and Msida. Public transport information would be made available in various media including real time, mobile and online and enhanced bus stop and interchange facilities would be introduced providing shelter, security, information, comfort and convenience. [48]
Ports and harbours
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ed/Gozo_Ferry_Disembarking.jpg/220px-Gozo_Ferry_Disembarking.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Valletta-Harbour.jpg/300px-Valletta-Harbour.jpg)
Malta has three large natural harbours on its main island. There are also two man-made harbours that connect the islands of Malta and Gozo.
- The Grand Harbour, located at the eastern side of the capital city of Valletta. The Grand Harbour, which has been used as a harbour since Roman times, has several extensive docks and wharves, as well as a cruise liner terminal.
- Marsamxett Harbour, located on the western side of Valletta, accommodate a number of yacht marinas.
- Marsaxlokk Harbour is sited at Marsaxlokk on the south-eastern side of Malta, and is the location of the Malta Freeport, the islands' main cargo terminal.
A seaplane service operated by HarbourAir Malta flies daily scheduled flights between the Grand Harbour in Valletta and Mġarr harbour in Gozo.
Ferry services
A frequent daily passenger and car ferry service runs between the islands of Malta and Gozo between Ċirkewwa Harbour and Mġarr Harbour.
There is also a ferry terminal at the Grand Harbour that connects Malta to Pozzallo & Catania in Sicily.
Airports and heliports
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fb/DeHavilland_Single_Otter_Harbour_Air.jpg/220px-DeHavilland_Single_Otter_Harbour_Air.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3a/Malta_International_Airport2.jpg/220px-Malta_International_Airport2.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/fd/Air.malta.a320-200.9h-aep.arp.jpg/220px-Air.malta.a320-200.9h-aep.arp.jpg)
Malta International Airport is the only airport serving the Maltese Islands. It is built on the land formerly occupied by the RAF Luqa air base. A heliport is also located there, but the scheduled service to Gozo ceased in 2006. Since June 2007, a three-times daily floatplane service, operated by Harbour Air Malta, has linked the sea terminal in Grand Harbour to Mgarr harbour in Gozo.
In the past there were two further airfields which were in operation during World War II, and into the 1960s, located at Ta'Qali and Ħal Far. They have now since been closed, the land on the former has now been converted into a national park, stadium and the Crafts Village visitor attraction. The Malta Aviation museum is also situated here, preserving several aircraft including Hurricane and Spitfire fighters which defended the island in World War II.
The national airline is Air Malta, based in Luqa. It operates services to 36 destinations in Europe and North Africa. The airline's hub and base is at Malta International Airport, Malta.Air Malta has concluded over 191 interline ticketing agreements with other IATA airlines. It also has a codeshare agreement with Qantas covering the following routes: Sydney-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta, Sydney-Bangkok-Heathrow-Malta and Melbourne-Singapore-Heathrow-Malta.
According to the Association of European Airlines quarterly review of May 2006 Air Malta is the airline that loses the least amount of passenger baggage. The amount of baggage lost in the first quarter of 2006 was 4.1 bags missing per 1000 passengers.
In September 2007, Air Malta made two agreements with Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways by which Air Malta wet-leased two Airbus aircraft to Etihad Airways for the winter period starting September 1st, 2007, and provided operational support on another Airbus A320, aircraft leased by Etihad Airways.
Air Malta is owned by the Maltese government (98%) and private investors (2%). Air Malta also has a 25% shareholding in Medavia. The airline employs 1,547 staff.
Military
The objectives of the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) are to maintain a military organisation with the primary aim of defending the Islands' integrity according to the defence roles as set by Government in an efficient and cost effective manner. This is achieved by emphasising the maintenance of Malta's territorial waters and airspace integrity.
The AFM also engages in combating terrorism, fighting against illicit drug trafficking, conducting anti-illegal immigrant and anti-illegal fishing operations, operating Search and Rescue (SAR) services, and physical/electronic security/surveillance of sensitive locations. Malta's Search and Rescue area extends from east of Tunisia to west of Crete covering an area of around 250,000 km².
As a military organisation, the AFM provides backup support to the Malta Police Force (MPF) and other government departments/agencies in situations as required in an organised, disciplined manner in the event of national emergencies (such as natural disasters) or internal security and bomb disposal.
On another level, the AFM establishes and/or consolidates bilateral co-operation with other countries to reach higher operational effectiveness related to AFM roles.
Demographics
Population
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3b/Valletta.jpg/230px-Valletta.jpg)
A census of population and housing is held every ten years. The last census was held over three years in November 2005 and managed to enumerate an estimated 96% of the population. A preliminary report was issued in April 2006, and results were weighted to an estimate for 100% of the population.
Native Maltese people make up the majority of the island. However there are minorities, the largest of which are British people, many of whom retired to Malta. The resident population of Malta, which includes foreigners residing in Malta for at least a year, as of November 27, 2005 was estimated at 404,039 of whom 200,715 (49.7%) were males and 203,324 (50.3%) were females. Of these, 17.1 per cent were aged 14 and under, 68.2 per cent were within the 15–64 age bracket whilst the remaining 13.7 per cent were 65 years and over. Malta's population density of 1,282 per square kilometer (3,322/sq mi) is by far the highest in the EU, and one of the highest in the world. The only census year showing a fall in population was that of 1967, with a 1.7% total decrease, attributable to a substantial number of Maltese residents who emigrated.[49] The Maltese-resident population for 2004 was estimated to make up 97.0% of the total resident population.[50] Through all the censuses since 1842 there was always a slightly higher female-to-male ratio. Closest to reaching equality were 1901 and 1911 censuses. The highest female-to-male ratio was reached in 1957 (1088:1000), and since the ratio has been constantly dropping. The 2005 census showed a 1013:1000 female-to-male ratio. Population growth has slowed down, from +9.5% between the 1985 and 1995 censuses, to +6.9% between the 1995 and 2005 censuses (a yearly average of +0.7%). The birth rate stood at 3860 (a decrease of 21.8% from the 1995 census) and the death rate stood at 3025. Thus, there was a natural population increase of 835 (compared to +888 for 2004, of which over a hundred were foreign residents).[51]
The population's age composition is similar to the age structure prevalent in the EU. Since 1967 there was observed a trend indicating an aging population, and is expected to continue in the foreseeable future. Malta's old-age-dependency-ratio rose from 17.2% in 1995 to 19.8% in 2005, reasonably lower than the EU's 24.9% average. In fact, 31.5% of the Maltese population is aged under 25 (compared to the EU's 29.1%); but the 50-64 age group constitutes 20.3% of the population, significantly higher than the EU's 17.9%. In conclusion, Malta's old-age-dependency-ratio is expected to continue rising steadily in the coming years.
Maltese legislation recognizes both civil and canonical (ecclesiastical) marriages. Annulments by the Ecclesiastes and civil courts are unrelated and are not necessarily granted. There is no divorce legislation and abortion in Malta is illegal. A person must be 18 to marry.[52] The number of brides aged under 25 decreased from 1471 in 1997 to 766 in 2005; while the number of grooms under 25 decreased from 823 to 311. There is a constant trend that females are more likely than males to marry young. In 2005 there were 51 brides aged between 16 and 19, compared to 8 grooms.[51]
At the end of 2007, The population of the Maltese Islands stood at 410,290 and is expected to reach 424,028 by 2025. At the moment, females slightly outnumber males, making up 50.3 per cent of the population. The largest proportion of persons– 7.5 per cent– were aged 25-29, while there were 7.3 per cent falling into each of the 45-49 and 55-59 age brackets.[53]
Languages
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese, which is constitutionally the national language, is genetically a Semitic language, descended from Sicilian Arabic (from southern Italy), with substantial borrowing from Sicilian, Italian, a little French, and more recently, and increasingly, English.[54]
The Maltese language (Il-Malti) is the mother tongue language of the Maltese people.
The Maltese alphabet consists of 30 letters based on the Latin alphabet, but uses the diacritically altered letter ż (found in Polish), ċ and ġ (comparable to Esperanto ĉ and ĝ), as well as the letters għ, ħ, and ie, which are unique to Maltese.
Italian was the official language of Malta until 1934, when it was replaced by English and Maltese, thus ending the Language Question. The language still maintains strong ties to the country, and is spoken by the majority of the population as a second language today. Italian television channels from Italy-based broadcasters, such as Mediaset and RAI, reach Malta and remain popular.[55][56][57]
The Eurobarometer states that 100% of the population speaks Maltese, 88% speaks English, 66% speaks Italian, and 17% speaks French,[58] rendering the country one of the most pan-linguistically fluent in the European Union. However, public opinion on what language they "preferred" to use was different, with 86% of the population having preference for Maltese, 12% for English, and 2% Italian.[57]
- See also: Languages in education section (below)
Religion
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/00/St_John%27s_Co-Cathedral.jpg/250px-St_John%27s_Co-Cathedral.jpg)
The Constitution of Malta provides for freedom of religion but establishes Roman Catholicism as the state religion. Freedom House and the World Factbook report that 98 percent of the population is Roman Catholic, making the nation one of the most Catholic countries in the world.
There are more than 360 churches in Malta, Gozo, and Comino, or one church for every 1,000 residents. The parish church (Maltese: "il-parroċċa", or "il-knisja parrokjali") is the architectural and geographic focal point of every Maltese town and village, and its main source of civic pride. This civic pride manifests itself in spectacular fashion during the local village festas, which mark the feast day of the patron saint of each parish with marching bands, religious processions, special Masses, fireworks (especially petards), and other festivities.
Making allowances for a possible break in the appointment of bishops to Malta during the period of Arab rule (869 to 1127 CE), the Maltese Church is frequently referred to today as the only extant Apostolic See, other than Rome itself. According to tradition, and as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, the Church in Malta was founded by St. Paul in 70 CE, following his shipwreck on these Islands. The earliest Christian place of worship in Malta is therefore said to be the cavern on the north-east of Malta, now known as St. Paul's Grotto, where St. Paul was reputedly imprisoned during his stay on Malta. There is evidence of Christian burials and rituals having taken place in the general vicinity of the Grotto, that date to the 3rd century CE. Further evidence of Christian practices and beliefs during the period of Roman persecution can be found in the many catacombs that lie beneath various parts of Malta, including St Paul’s Catacombs and St Agatha’s Catacombs in Rabat, just outside the walls of Mdina. The latter, in particular, were beautifully frescoed between 1200 and 1480, although they were defaced by marauding Turks in the 1550s. There are also a number of cave churches, including the grotto at Mellieħa, which is a Shrine of the Nativity of Our Lady where, according to legend, St. Luke painted a picture of the Madonna. It has been a place of pilgrimage since medieval times.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2f/Domen_i_Mosta.jpg/240px-Domen_i_Mosta.jpg)
The writings of classic Maltese historian, Gian. Francesco Abela, are in large part responsible for the widely held belief that following their conversion to Christianity at the hand of St. Paul, the Maltese retained their ancient Punic language and their Christian religion, despite the Arab invasion.[59] It is possible that Abela's writings assisted the Knights of Malta in their efforts to win the hearts and minds of the Maltese, by demonstrating that Malta had been ordained by God as a "bulwark of Christian, European civilization against the spread of Mediterranean Islam."[60] Modern historians suggest that Christianity may have largely disappeared from Malta under the Arabs and did not resume its role as the religion of the majority of Maltese until Norman rule over Malta brought mass immigration to Malta from Italy in the 12th and 13th centuries.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/0/07/ZTN_city_center.jpg/250px-ZTN_city_center.jpg)
For centuries, leadership over the Church in Malta was generally provided by the Diocese of Palermo, except under Charles of Anjou, who caused Maltese bishops to be appointed, as did - on rare occasions - the Spanish and later, the Knights. This further enhanced Malta's cultural connections with Sicily and Italy, and may have contributed to the entranchment, from the 15th century to the early 20th century, of Italian as Malta's primary language of culture and learning. Since 1808 all bishops of Malta have been Maltese.
As a result of the Norman and Spanish periods, and the rule of the Knights, Malta became the devout Catholic nation that it is today. It is worth noting that the Office of the Holy Inquisitor had a very long tenure in Malta following its establishment in 1530: the last Inquisitor departed from the Islands in 1798, after the Knights capitulated to the forces of Napoleon Bonaparte.
The patron saints are Saint Paul, Saint Agata and Saint George. Although not declared officially as a patron saint, George Preca (San Ġorġ Preca) is greatly revered as the first canonised Maltese saint. He was canonised in 3 June 2007 by Pope Benedict XVI. A number of Maltese individuals are recognised as Blessed, including Maria Adeodata Pisani and Nazju Falzon, these having been beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2001.
Various Roman Catholic religious orders are found in Malta, such as the Jesuits, Franciscans, Dominicans and Little Sisters of the Poor.
Most congregants at the local Protestant churches are not Maltese; many British retirees live in the country, and vacationers from many other nations compose the remainder of such congregations. There are approximately 500 Jehovah's Witnesses; The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Bible Baptist Church, and the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches have about 60 affiliates. There are also some churches of other denominations, such as St. Andrew's Scots Church in Valletta (a joint Presbyterian and Methodist congregation) and St Paul's Anglican Cathedral, as well as a Seventh-day Adventist church in Birkirkara.
There is one Jewish congregation and the Jewish population of Malta reached a peak in the Middle Ages under Norman rule. In 1479, Malta and Sicily came under Aragonese rule and the Alhambra Decree of 1492 forced all Jews to leave the country with only a few belongings. Several dozen Maltese Jews may have converted to Christianity in order to be able to remain in the country.
Zen Buddhism and the Bahá'í Faith also have about 40 members. There is one Muslim mosque. A Muslim primary school was recently opened, the existence of which remains a point of some controversy. Of the estimated 3,000 Muslims in Malta, approximately 2,250 are foreigners, approximately 600 are naturalized citizens, and approximately 150 are native-born Maltese.[61]
Migration
EU nationals require neither a visa nor a passport (an ID card or an expired passport are enough) to enter the country. Citizens of a number of third world countries are not required to apply for a visa and require only a valid passport when residing in Malta for up to three months. Visas for other nationalities are valid for one month.
Immigrants, even those with EU citizenship, are required to apply for a work permit. This exception to EU law was agreed upon before accession to safeguard the Maltese labour market.
The estimated net inflow (using data for 2002 to 2004) was of 1,913 persons yearly. Over the last 10 years, Malta accepted back a yearly average of 425 returning emigrants.[50]
During 2006, a total of 1,800 illegal immigrants reached Malta making the boat crossing from the North Africa coast. Most of them intended to reach mainland Europe and happened to come to Malta by mistake.[62][63] In the first half of 2006, 967 irregular immigrants arrived in Malta– almost double the 473 who arrived in the same period in 2005.[64] Many immigrants have perished in the journey across the Mediterranean, with one notable incident being the May 2007 Malta migrant boat disaster.
Around 45% of immigrants landed in Malta have been granted refugee (5%) or protected humanitarian status (40%). A White Paper suggesting the grant of Maltese citizenship to refugees resident in Malta for over ten years was issued in 2005. Historically Malta gave refuge (and assisted in their resettlement) to eight hundred or so East African Asians who had been expelled from Uganda by Idi Amin and to just under a thousand Iraqis fleeing Saddam Hussein's regime.
Detention costs for the first half of 2006 alone cost € 746,385.[65]
In 2005, Malta sought EU aid in relation to reception of irregular immigrants, repatriation of those denied refugee status, resettlement of refugees into EU countries, and maritime security.[66] In December 2005, the European Council adopted The Global Approach to Migration: Priority Actions focusing on Africa and the Mediterranean; but the deployment of said actions has been limited to the western Mediterranean, thus putting further pressure on the central Mediterranean route for irregular immigration of which Malta forms a part.
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Maltese Americans
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/84/Britney_Spears.jpg/140px-Britney_Spears.jpg)
The first immigrants from Malta in the United States arrived in New Orleans, Louisiana. Many Americans assumed Malta was part of Italy. In some cases "Born Malta, Italy" was put on tombstones of Maltese because of the confusion. After World War I, Maltese immigration to the US increased. Detroit, Michigan, with jobs in the expanding automobile industry, drew the largest share of immigrants.[69]
A significant percentage of early Maltese immigrants intended to stay only temporarily for work, but many settled in the US permanently. In addition to Detroit, other industrial cities such as New York City, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, California, attracted Maltese immigrants. A Maltese community thrives in San Pedro and Long Beach. As in their original country, the Maltese predominately practice Roman Catholicism as their religion.[69]
Education
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/St_Aloysius_wikipedia_association.jpg/300px-St_Aloysius_wikipedia_association.jpg)
Primary schooling has been compulsory since 1946, and secondary education was made compulsory in 1971 up to the age of sixteen. Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16 years. While the state provides education free of charge, the Church and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and Gozo, such as St. Aloysius' College in Birkirkara and San Anton School in the valley of L-Imselliet, close to the village of Mġarr. Most of the teachers' salary in Church schools is paid by the state.[70]. As of 2008 there are two international schools, Verdala International School and QSI Malta.
Education in Malta is based on the British model. Primary school lasts six years. At the age of 11 pupils sit for an examination to enter a secondary school, either a church school (the Common Entrance Examination) or a state school. Pupils sit for SEC O-level examinations at the age of 16, with passes obligatory in certain subjects such as mathematics, English and Maltese. Pupils may opt to continue studying at a sixth form college like Junior College, St. Edward's College, St. Aloysius' College and De La Salle or else at another post-secondary institution such as MCAST. The sixth form course lasts for two years, at the end of which students sit for the Matriculation examination. Subject to their performance, students may then apply for an undergraduate degree or diploma.
Tertiary education at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate level is mainly provided by the University of Malta (U.o.M.).
The adult literacy rate is 92.8%.[71]
Languages in education
English and Maltese are both used to teach students at primary and secondary school level, and both languages are also compulsory subjects. Public schools tend to use both Maltese and English in a balanced manner. Private schools prefer to use English for teaching, as is also the case with most departments of the University of Malta; this has a limiting effect on the capacity and development of the Maltese language.[57] Most university courses are in English.[72]
Of the total number of students studying a first foreign language at secondary level, 51% take Italian whilst 38% take French. Other choices include German, Russian, Spanish, and Arabic.[73][57]
Healthcare
Malta has a long history of healthcare, and the first hospital recorded in the country was already functioning by 1372.[4]
Modern-day Malta has both a public healthcare system, known as the government healthcare service, and a private healthcare system. [5][6]
Malta was ranked number 5 in the World Health Organization's ranking of the world's health systems,[7] well above the United States (at 37), Australia (at 32), and Canada (at 30). The United Kingdom, the best of this group of larger comparator countries, was ranked at number 18, which is interesting in that the healthcare system in Malta closely resembles the British system, [8] as healthcare is free at the point of delivery. Malta has a strong general practitioner-delivered primary care base, supplemented by secondary care and tertiary care provided by a number of public hospitals. The recently completed Mater Dei Hospital is one of the largest medical buildings in Europe (see List of hospitals in Malta).
There is both a medical school and a dental school at the University of Malta, as well as a nursing school [9].
Malta has three major private hospitals. These are St Philip's Hospital, with a capacity of 75 beds, in Santa Venera, and St James Capua Hospital in Sliema, with 80 beds (the former Capua Palace Hospital) - St James Hospital also has other sites, including a 13 bed unit in Zabbar, as well as a partner hospital in Libya. There is also St Mark's Clinic, with a capacity of 5 beds, based in Msida and which offers private hospital services.
In recent years, Malta has been trying to develop as a medical tourism destination. [10] However, up to 2008 no Maltese hospitals in either the public or the private sectors had undergone independent international healthcare accreditation. Malta is popular with British medical tourists [11][12], and logically this may point Maltese hospitals towards seeking UK-sourced accreditation, such as with the Trent Accreditation Scheme, or possibly to seek dual accreditation with the American-orientated Joint Commission if they wish to compete with the Far East and Latin America for medical tourists from the United States, as well as from the UK. A number of health tourism providers are involved in developing medical tourism in Malta.
The Maltese Ministry of Health advises foreign residents to take out private medical insurance. [13]
The Medical Association of Malta represents practitioners of the medical profession. MMSA is a separate body representing Maltese medical students, and is a member of EMSA and IFMSA. MIME, the Maltese Institute for Medical Education, is an institute set up recently to provide CME to doctors in Malta as well as medical students. MADS, the Malta Association of Dental Students, is a student association set up to promote the rights of Dental Surgery Students studying within the faculty of Dental Surgery of the University of Malta. It is affiliated with IADS, the International Association of Dental Students.
Architecture
Malta has a long history of architecture, influenced by many different mediterranean cultures over its history, and most recently, British architecture. The first settlers on the island constructed Ġgantija, the oldest manmade freestanding structure in the world. Malta is currently undergoing a large scale mass building project, which include constructions such as SmartCity Malta, the M-Towers, and Pendergardens, while areas like the Valletta Waterfront and Tigne Point are being rerenovated. The Neolithic temple builders 3800-2500 BCE endowed the numerous temples of Malta and Gozo with intricate bas relief designs, including spirals evocative of the tree of life and animal portraits, designs painted in red ochre, ceramics, and a vast collection of human form sculptures, particularly the Venus of Malta. These can be viewed at the temples themselves (most notably, the Hypogeum and Tarxien Temples), and at the National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta. The Roman period introduced highly decorative mosaic floors, marble colonnades and classical statuary, remnants of which are beautifully preserved and presented in the Roman Domus, a country villa just outside the walls of Mdina. The early Christian frescoes that decorate the catacombs beneath Malta reveal a propensity for eastern, Byzantine tastes. These tastes continued to inform the endeavours of medieval Maltese artists, but they were increasingly influenced by the Romanesque and Southern Gothic movements. Towards the end of the 15th century, Maltese artists, like their counterparts in neighbouring Sicily, came under the influence of the School of Antonello da Messina, which introduced Renaissance ideals and concepts to the decorative arts in Malta.[74] The artistic heritage of Malta blossomed under the Knights of St. John, who brought Italian and Flemish Mannerist painters to decorate their palaces and the churches of these islands, most notably, Matteo Perez d'Aleccio, whose works appear in the Magisterial Palace and in the Conventual Church of St. John, and Filippo Paladini, who was active in Malta from 1590 to 1595. For many years, Mannerism continued to inform the tastes and ideals of local Maltese artists.[75]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Mdinakatedral.jpg/300px-Mdinakatedral.jpg)
The arrival in Malta of Caravaggio, who painted at least seven works during his 15-month stay on these islands, further revolutionized local art. Two of Caravaggio's most notable works, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, and St. Jerome are on display in the Oratory of St. John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta. His legacy is evident in the works of local artists Giulio Cassarino (1582-1637) and Stefano Erardi (1630-1716). However, the Baroque movement that followed was destined to have the most enduring impact on Maltese art and architecture. The severe, Mannerist interior of St. John's Co-Cathedral was transformed into a Baroque masterpiece by the glorious vault paintings of the celebrated Calabrese artist, Mattia Preti. Preti spent the last 40 years of his life in Malta, where he created many of his finest works, now on display in the Museum of Fine Arts, in Valletta. During this period, local sculptor Melchior Gafà (1639-1667) emerged as one of the top Baroque sculptors of the Roman School. Throughout the 18th century, Neapolitan and Rococo influences emerged in the works of Luca Giordano (1632-1705) and Francesco Solimena (1657-1747), and local artists Gio. Nicola Buhagiar (1698-1752) and Francesco Zahra (1710-1773). The Rococo movement was greatly enhanced by the relocation to Malta of Antoine de Favray (1706-1798), who assumed the position of court painter to Grand Master Pinto in 1744. Neo-classicism made some inroads among local Maltese artists in the late 18th century, but this trend was reversed in the early 19th century, as the local Church authorities - perhaps in an effort to strengthen Catholic resolve against the perceived threat of Protestantism during the early days of British rule in Malta - favoured and avidly promoted the religious themes embraced by the Nazarene movement of artists. Romanticism, tempered by the naturalism introduced to Malta by Giuseppe Calì, informed the "salon" artists of the early 20th century, including Edward and Robert Caruana Dingli. A National School of Art was established by Parliament in the 1920s, and during the reconstruction period that followed the Second World War, the local art scene was greatly enhanced by the emergence of the "Modern Art Group", whose members included Josef Kalleya (1898-1998), George Preca (1909-1984), Anton Inglott (1915-1945), Emvin Cremona (1919-1986), Frank Portelli (b.1922), Antoine Camilleri (b.1922) and Esprit Barthet (b.1919).
Culture
The culture of Malta is a reflection of various cultures that have come into contact with the Maltese Islands throughout the centuries, including neighbouring Mediterranean cultures, and the cultures of the nations that ruled Malta for long periods of time prior to its independence in 1964.
Folklore
Weddings
Traditional Maltese weddings featured the bridal party walking in procession beneath an ornate canopy, from the home of the bride's family to the parish church, with singers trailing behind serenading the bride and groom. The Maltese word for this custom is il-ġilwa. This custom along with many others has long since disappeared from the Islands, in the face of modern practices.
New wives would wear the għonnella, a traditional item of Maltese clothing. However, it is no longer worn in modern Malta. Today's couples are married in churches or chapels in the village or town of their choice. The nuptials are usually followed by a lavish wedding reception, often including several hundred guests. Occasionally, couples will try to incorporate elements of the traditional Maltese wedding in their celebration. A resurgent interest in the traditional wedding was evident in May 2007, when thousands of Maltese and tourists attended a traditional Maltese wedding in the style of the 16th century, in the Village of Żurrieq. This included il-ġilwa, which led the bride and groom to a wedding ceremony that took place on the parvis of St. Andrew's Chapel. The reception that followed featured folklore music (għana) and dancing.
Traditional life
Traditional Maltese proverbs reveal a cultural preoccupation with childbearing and fertility: "iż-żwieġ mingħajr tarbija ma fihx tgawdija" (a childless marriage cannot be a happy one). This is a belief that Malta shares with many other Mediterranean cultures, most notably, Israel, Palestine and Morocco. In Maltese folktales, the local variant of the classic closing formula, "and they all lived happily ever after" is "u għammru u tgħammru, u spiċċat" (and they lived together, and they had children together, and the tale is finished).[76]
Rural Malta shares in common with Mediterranean and traditional Jewish society a number of superstitions regarding fertility, menstruation, and pregnancy, including the avoidance of cemeteries during the months leading up to childbirth, and avoiding the preparation of certain foods during menses. Pregnant women are encouraged to satisfy their cravings for specific foods, out of fear that their unborn child will bear a representational birth mark (Maltese: xewqa, literally "desire" or "craving"). Maltese and Sicilian women also share certain traditions that are believed to predict the sex of an unborn child, such as the cycle of the moon on the anticipated date of birth, whether the baby is carried "high" or "low" during pregnancy, and the movement of a wedding ring, dangled on a string above the abdomen (sideways denoting a girl, back and forth denoting a boy).
Traditionally, Maltese newborns were baptised as promptly as possible, partly out of fear of limbo should the child die in infancy, and partly because according to Maltese (and Sicilian) folklore an unbaptised child is not yet a Christian, but "still a Turk". Traditional Maltese delicacies served at a baptismal feast include biskuttini tal-magħmudija (almond macaroons covered in white or pink icing), it-torta tal-marmorata (a spicy, heart-shaped tart of chocolate-flavoured almond paste), and a liqueur known as rożolin, made with rose petals, violets and almonds.
On a child's first birthday, in a tradition that still survives today, Maltese parents would organize a game known as il-quċċija, where a variety of symbolic objects would be randomly placed around the seated child. These may include a hard-boiled egg, a Bible, crucifix or rosary beads, a book, and so on. Whichever object the child shows most interest in is said to reveal the child's path and fortunes in adulthood.
Money refers to a rich future while a book expresses intelligence and a possible career as a teacher. Infants who select a pencil or pen will be writers. Choosing bibles or rosary beads refers to a clerical or monastic life. If the child chooses a hard-boiled egg, it will have a long life and many of children. More recent additions include calculators (refers to accounting), thread (fashion) and wooden spoons (cooking and a great appetite).
Carnival
Maltese Carnival (Maltese: il-karnival ta' Malta) has had an important place on the cultural calendar for just under five centuries, introduced to the Islands by Grand Master Piero de Ponte in 1535. It is held during the week leading up to Ash Wednesday, and typically includes masked balls, fancy dress and grotesque mask competitions, lavish late-night parties, a colourful, ticker-tape parade of allegorical floats presided over by King Carnival (Maltese: ir-Re tal-Karnival), marching bands and costumed revellers.
Fantastic creatures
Maltese folktales include various stories about mysterious creatures and supernatural goings on. These were most comprehensively compiled by the scholar (and pioneer in Maltese archeology) Manwel Magri[77] in his core criticism "Ħrejjef Missirijietna" ("Stories from our Forefathers"). This collection of material inspired subsequent researchers and academics to gather traditional tales, fables and legends from all over the Archipelago.
Magri's work also inspired a series of comic books (released by Klabb Kotba Maltin in 1984): the titles included Bin is-Sultan Jiźźewweġ x-Xebba tat-Tronġiet Mewwija and Ir-Rjieħ. Many of these stories have been popularly re-written as Children's literature by authors writing in Maltese, such as Trevor Żahra. While giants, witches and dragons feature in many of the stories, some contain entirely Maltese creatures like the Kaw kaw, Il-Belliegħa and L-Imħalla amongst others. The traditional Maltese obsession with maintaining spiritual (or ritual) purity[78] means that many of these creatures have the role of guarding forbidden or restricted areas and attacking individuals who broke the strict codes of conduct that characterized the island's pre-industrial society.
Mnarja
Mnarja, or l-Imnarja (pronounced lim-nar-ya) is one of the most important dates on the Maltese cultural calendar. Officially, it is a national festival dedicated to the feast of Saints Peter and St. Paul. In fact its roots can be traced back to the pagan Roman feast of Luminaria (literally, "the illumination"), when the early summer night of June 29 was illuminated by torches and bonfires. A national feast since the rule of the Knights, Mnarja is a traditional Maltese festival of food, religion and music. The festivities still commence today with the reading of the "bandu", an official governmental announcement, which has been read on this day in Malta since the 16th century. Originally, Mnarja was celebrated outside St. Paul's Grotto, in the north of Malta; however, by 1613 the focus of the festivities had shifted to the Cathedral of St. Paul, in Mdina, and featured torchlight processions, the firing of 100 petards, horseraces, and races for men, boys and slaves. Modern Mnarja festivals take place in and around the woodlands of Buskett, just outside the town of Rabat.
It is said that under the Knights, this was the one day in the year when the Maltese were allowed to hunt and eat wild rabbit, which was otherwise reserved for the hunting pleasures of the Knights. The close connection between Mnarja and rabbit stew (Maltese: "fenkata") remains strong today. In 1854 British governor William Reid launched an agricultural show at Buskett which is still being held today. The farmers' exhibition is still a seminal part of the Mnarja festivities today.
Mnarja today is one of the few occasions when participants may hear traditional Maltese "għana". Traditionally, grooms would promise to take their newly- or recently-wed brides to Mnarja during the first of year of marriage and, for luck, many of the brides would attend in their full wedding gown and veil, although this custom has long since disappeared from the Islands.
Holy Week
Holy Week (Maltese: il-Ġimgħa Mqaddsa) starts on Palm Sunday (Ħadd il-Palm) and ends on Easter Sunday (Ħadd il-Għid). Numerous religious traditions, most of them inherited from one generation to the next, are part of the paschal celebrations in the Maltese Islands, honouring the death and resurrection of Jesus.
Cuisine
Maltese cuisine is typically Mediterranean, based on fresh seasonal locally available produce and seafood, with some influence from Italian cuisine, particularly Sicily and the south. There are many unique and distinctive local dishes and the cuisine also embodies the gastronomic legacies of Malta's past, including not only Italian or Tunisian, but Spanish, Berber, and more recently British and French influence.
Maltese cuisine is still popular in households and restaurants in Malta, but influences from outside Malta's shores continue, though nowadays they come through travel and TV rather than foreign domination. Alongside Malta's traditional cuisine with its strong Southern Mediterranean character, there is today an eclectic mix of dishes drawn from other cuisines, not only Italian but also Asian, North American and Mexican for example. This article on Maltese cuisine however refers exclusively to the traditional dishes of Malta and Gozo, still widely prepared and enjoyed on the islands of Malta and Gozo.
In conclusion, the Maltese cuisine is the result of a long relationship between the Islanders and the many foreigners who dominated Malta over the centuries. This marriage of tastes has given Malta a disctinctive cuisine that is decidedly Mediterranean in character. While many dishes are native to the island, some popular Maltese recipes show Sicilian, Southern Italian or Turkish culinary influences. Popular local dishes include ftira biż-żejt, ġbejniet, pastizzi and Ross il-Forn.
Media
There is not as great a presence of the institutions – church, political parties, trade unions - in the print media as in the broadcasting media; moreover they are absent from the ownership of the newspapers published in English. Trade Unions are not represented in the broadcasting media, but are in the print media, and only the General Workers Union owns a newspaper. The UHM, the second biggest union, has no newspaper, TV, or radio stations.[1]
Broadcasting
There are 5 major nationwide television channels in Malta: TVM, One Television, NET Television, Smash Television and Family TV - currently transmitted by analogue terrestrial, free-to-air signals. The state and political parties subsidies most of the fundings of these television stations. The Public Broadcasting Services is the state-owned station and is a member of the EBU. Media Link Communications Ltd and One Productions Ltd are affiliated with the Nationalist Party and Labour Party respectively. Smash Communications Ltd is privately owned. The Broadcasting Authority supervises all local broadcasting stations and ensures their compliance with legal and licence obligations as well as the preservation of due impartiality; in respect of matters of political or industrial controversy or relating to current public policy; while fairly apportioning broadcasting facilities and time between persons belong to different political parties. The Broadcasting Authority ensures that local broadcasting services consist of public, private and community broadcasts that offer varied and comprehensive programming to cater for all interests and tastes.
The only commercial TV station attracts an audience of 2%. Cable, terrestrial and satellite reception are all available, though the cable service is the most diffused. Cable subscriptions reached almost 124,000 in February 2006 reaching about 80% of Maltese households, and a small but increasing number of households are owning satellite dishes to receive other European TV networks such as the BBC from Great Britain and RAI from Italy.
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/7/72/TimesMTheader.png/220px-TimesMTheader.png)
The most widely read and financially the strongest newspapers are published by Allied Newspapers Ltd., mainly the The Times (27%) and The Sunday Times (51.6%). Due to bilingualism half of the newspapers are published in English and the other half in Maltese. The Sunday newspaper It-Torċa (The Torch) published by the Union Press, a subsidiary of the GWU, is the paper with the biggest circulation in the Maltese language. Its sister paper, L-Orizzont, is the Maltese daily with biggest circulation. Newspapers are definitively losing out to radio and television (and radio is losing to television) as preferred source of news. There is a high number of daily or weekly newspapers, there is one paper for every 28,000 people. Advertising, sales and subsidies are the three main methods of financing newspapers and magazines. However, most of the papers and magazines tied to institutions are subsidised by the same institutions, they depend on advertising or subsidies from their owners.[1]
Music
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/4f/Teatro_Manoel_facade.jpg/230px-Teatro_Manoel_facade.jpg)
While Maltese music today is largely western, traditional Maltese music includes what is known as għana. This consists of background folk guitar music, while a few people, generally men, take it in turns to argue a point in a singsong voice. The aim of the lyrics, which are improvised, are to create a friendly yet challenging atmosphere, and it takes a number of years of practice to be able to combine the required artistic qualities with the ability to debate effectively.
Literature
Maltese literature is more than 200 years old, although a love ballad unearthed relatively recently, testifies that literary activity in the local tongue, albeit very scarce, was already practiced in medieval times. Malta followed for a very long time the romantic literary tradition, reaching its height in the works of Dun Karm, a poet with a splendid command of his craft who was also a priest and who was eventually declared as National Poet.
Writers like Ruzar Briffa and Karmenu Vassallo tried to estrange themselves from the rigid grip of formal themes and versification but it was in the late nineteen sixties that Maltese literature experienced its most radical transformation with poets, prose writers and dramatists launching themeselves on an exploratory direction with no precedents. Angst, an identity crisis, protest, rebellion and social commitment informed the best literary and theatre pieces of the time. Names of significant poets that stand out from the last quarter of the 20th century include Mario Azzopardi, Victor Fenech, Oliver Friggieri, Joe Friggieri, Charles Flores, Daniel Massa, Maria Ganado, Lillian Sciberras and Akille Mizzi. In prose, Frans Sammut, Paul P. Borg and Joe J. Camilleri led the avantguard while in theatre the names that matter include Francis Ebejer, Alfred Sant, Doreen Micallef and Oreste Calleja.
The next generation of writers widened the tracks further, especially in prose. Guze' Stagno, Karl Schembri and Clare Azzopardi are young writers fast establishing themselves while in poetry, significant names include Adrian Grima, Immanuel Mifsud, Norbet Bugeja and Simone Inguanez.
In literary criticism, Peter Serracino Inglott, Oliver Friggieri and Charles Briffa introduced perceptive historical, philosophical and psycho-social implications of acute power.
Sports
Malta has its own national football stadium, Ta' Qali Stadium. It is generally noted that the population tends to be split half and half with regards to supporting Italy or England in sports games, due to the cultural affinities of the island.[79]
Malta also hosts a snooker round, the Malta Cup, which as of 2008 became a non-ranking event.[citation needed]
In 2008 Malta's Tony Drago was a member of a victorious European Mosconi Cup team, which was played in Portomaso, Malta.[citation needed]
The Maltese national football team won several matches over big opponents that reached the final phases in World Cups like Denmark; the Maltese won over the Danish, Belgians and Hungarians and the Greeks.
Boxer Jeff Fenech is Maltese by his parents' side [14].
Special activities
Boċċi is the Maltese version of the Italian game of Bocce, French Pétanque and British Bowls. Other than certain differences in rules and the ground on which the game is played, one of the most obvious differences between Maltese Boċċi and foreign equivalents is the shape of the bowls themselves which tend to be cylindrical rather than spherical in shape. Many small clubs (usually called "Bocci Klabbs" or "Klabbs tal-Bocci") can be found in many Maltese localities and are usually well-frequented (particularly by elderly men) and are quite active on the local and European level.
In the last decade the aviation sport of Microlight Flying has been introduced on the island by the Island Microlight Club.[80] In under ten years there are a total number of twenty two microlight aircraft that operate out of the Malta International Airport.
Other
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Columns | "div col" | Yes | Yes | {{div col}} | – | {{div col end}} |
"columns-list" | No | Yes | {{columns-list}} (wraps div col) | – | – | |
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See also
External links
- Government
- Gov.mt– Maltese Government official site
- Chief of State and Cabinet Members
- The Maltese Armed Forces official website
- Malta Environment and Planning Authority's GIS Map Server which includes place names and street's layout and names
- Laws of Malta– A summary of principal laws and glossary of terms.
- General information
- "Malta". The World Factbook (2024 ed.). Central Intelligence Agency.
- Malta from UCB Libraries GovPubs
- Malta at Curlie
Wikimedia Atlas of Malta
- News media
- Travel
- Other
- Guide to Malta– Malta Travel Guide
- Diving Malta– All the dive sites in Malta
- The Nobility of Malta and Maltagenealogy.com
- Malta on Emporis.com
- 101 Things to do in malta an offbeat guide to what to do in Malta and Gozo
- english maltese dictionary
- Malta Everything about Malta
Notes and citations
- ^ a b c d e f "Report for Selected Countries and Subjects". Cite error: The named reference "autogenerated1" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page).
- ^ http://www.nso.gov.mt/statdoc/document_file.aspx?id=1653
- ^ [1]
- ^ [2]
- ^ [3]
- ^ CIA Factbook - Geographic location
- ^ The Maltese Islands, Department of Information - Malta.
- ^ "Situation". A History of Malta. 6 February 2008.
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(help) - ^ "Controversy over unique Maltese bee population". Malta Today. February 6 2008.
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(help) - ^ a b c d "Notable dates in Malta's history". Department of Information - Maltese Government. February 6 2008.
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(help) Cite error: The named reference "ndmh" was defined multiple times with different content (see the help page). - ^ Pickles, Tim. Malta 1565: Last Battle of the Crusades. Osprey Publishing. ISBN 978-1855326033.
- ^ "Gozo". IslandofGozo.org. 7 October 2007.
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(help) - ^ "Brief History of Malta". LocalHistories.org. 7 October 2007.
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(help) - ^ Anthon, Charles. A Classical Dictionary: Containing an Account of the Principal Proper Names. New York Public Library.
- ^ Old Temples Study Foundation (OTSF)
- ^ Aberystwyth, The University of Wales
- ^ David Trump et al., Malta Before History (2004: Miranda Publishers)
- ^ Daniel Cilia, "Malta Before Common Era", in The Megalithic Temples of Malta. Accessed January 28, 2007.
- ^ Old Temples Study Foundation (OTSF)
- ^ Sheehan, Sean. Malta. Marshall Cavendish. ISBN 0761409939.
- ^ Palaeolithic Man in the Maltese Islands, A. Mifsud, C. Savona-Ventura, S. Mifsud
- ^ Owen, Charles. The Maltese Islands. Praeger.
- ^ a b Terterov, Marat. Doing Business with Malta. GMB Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1905050631.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Castillo, Dennis Angelo. The Maltese Cross: A Strategic History of Malta. Greenwood Publishing Group. ISBN 0313323291.
- ^ a b Borg, Victor Paul. The Rough Guide to Malta & Gozo. Rough Guides. ISBN 1858286808.
- ^ "Brief history of Sicily" (PDF). Archaeology.Stanford.edu. 7 October 2007.
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(help) - ^ a b Bain, Carolyn. Malta & Gozo. Lonely Planet. ISBN 174059178X.
- ^ Wilson, Andrew. Corpus Linguistics Around the World. Rodopi. ISBN 9042018364.
- ^ "Time-Line". AboutMalta.com. 7 October 2007.
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(help) - ^ a b "History of Sicily". KnowItal.com. 7 October 2007.
{{cite news}}
: Check date values in:|date=
(help) - ^ Holland, James (2003). Fortress Malta: An Island Under Siege, 1940-1943. Miramax Books. ISBN 1-4013-5186-7.
- ^ "The Siege of Malta in World War Two". Retrieved 2007-04-15.
- ^ "The History of the European Union - 2000-today". Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "Cyprus and Malta set to join eurozone in 2008". 16 May 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "Chapter 1 / The Republic of Malta / Maltese Constitution". Constitution of Malta Act, 1964. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ Maltavoyager.com - History - The Independence at www.maltavoyager.com
- ^ Commission for the Geological Map of the World. "Geodynamic Map of the Mediterranean". Retrieved 2008-11-28.
- ^ "Island Landscape Dynamics: Examples from the Mediterranean". Retrieved 2008-12-13.
- ^ European Commission. "Europe and you in 2007, Passport-free travel extended". Retrieved 2007-12-21.
- ^ "Mediterranean Forests, Woodlands and Scrub - A Global Ecoregion". Panda.org. Retrieved 2008-11-28.
- ^ BBC News "Briney future for vulnerable Malta" 4 April 2007
- ^ "More Maltese travel abroad". The Malta Independent. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "Cyprus and Malta to adopt euros". BBC News Business. 10 July 2007. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "Maltese Cross on the Euro coins". Malta Media. June 12, 2006. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ Sammut & Savona-Ventura, "Petrol Lead in a Small Island Environment", International Journal of Risk & Safety in Medicine 9 (1996) at 33-40.
- ^ "NationMaster - Transportation statistics". Retrieved 2007-02-19.
- ^ Debono, James (2006-11-22). "Transportation statistics". Business Today. Retrieved 2007-02-19.
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(help) - ^ MITC, James (2008-12-06). "Malta public transport reform". MITC. Retrieved 2008-12-06.
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(help) - ^ Census of Population and Housing 2005: Preliminary Report. Valletta: National Statistics Office. 2005. ISBN-13 978-99909-73-38-9.
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: External link in
(help)|authorlink=
- ^ a b National Statistics Office (2005). Demographic Review 2004. Valletta: National Statistics Office. p. 59. ISBN 99909-73-32-6.
- ^ a b "World Population Day - 2006: Special Observances" (Press release). Valletta: National Statistics Office. 10 July 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-12.
- ^ Montana Marriage License Information, Laws, Requirements at www.weddingvendors.com
- ^ Timesofmalta.com - Population in Malta, Gozo exceeds 410,000 at www.timesofmalta.com
- ^ "Evolution of the Maltese Language".
- ^ Country profile: Malta BBC News; 2008-01-10; 2008-02-21
- ^ "Europeans and languages" (PDF). European Commission. 2005. pp. p.4. Retrieved 2007-01-29.
{{cite web}}
:|pages=
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ignored (help) - ^ a b c d Ignasi Badia i Capdevila; A view of the linguistic situation in Malta; NovesSl; 2004; retrieved on 2008-02-24
- ^ http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/ebs/ebs_243_en.pdf
- ^ G.F. Abela, Della Descrittione di Malta, (1647) Malta.
- ^ A. Luttrell, The Making of Christian Malta: From the Early Middle Ages to 1530, Aldershot, Hants.: Ashgate Varorium, 2002.
- ^ "International Religious Freedom Report 2003– Malta". Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor, United States Department of State. Retrieved 2008-01-09.
- ^ "Frendo holds talks with three European Union Commission Members" (PDF) (Press release). Valletta: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 30 January 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-06.
- ^ "Immigrant frustration for Malta". BBC News Europe. 21 October 2005. Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "Statement by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Michael Frendo to resident EU Ambassadors on irregular immigration in Malta" (PDF) (Press release). Valletta: Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 3 July 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-06.
- ^ "Immigrants refused entry into Malta". The Sunday Times. 16 July 2006. Retrieved 2006-07-17.
- ^ Frendo, Michael (5 July 2005). "Illegal Immigration in Malta" (PDF). EU Foreign Ministers Council. Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Retrieved 2006-07-06.
{{cite conference}}
: Unknown parameter|booktitle=
ignored (|book-title=
suggested) (help) - ^ Source: Malta Migration Museum Committee
- ^ Source: Mgr. Philip Calleja, Statistics and History of Maltese Migration Movements, Study Session I of the Maltese Migrants' Convention (Malta), 1969.
- ^ a b Every Culture Page
- ^ "Education in Malta". Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ "CIA Factbook". Retrieved 2007-10-12.
- ^ MED Magazine at www.macmillandictionary.com
- ^ Foreign Language Learning; National Statistics Office - Malta; 2004-09-01; retrieved on 2008-02-25
- ^ D. Cutajar, "An Overview of the Art of Malta".
- ^ D. Cutajar, "An Overview of the Art of Malta".
- ^ Pullicino, supra, at 208-9.
- ^ "Patri Manwel Magri u l-Ipoġew", Lil Ħbiebna, Novembru 2003, pp. 195-197.
- ^ Zarb, T. Folklore of An Island, PEG Ltd, 1998
- ^ "Maltese mad keen on England". BBC News. 2000-06-01. Retrieved 2008-08-05.
- ^ Island Microlight Club Malta - spread your wings and fly! at www.islandmicrolightclub.com
References
- "Photos of Gozo sister island of Malta". Photos of Gozo. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
- "Photos of Malta". Photos of Malta. Retrieved 2008-05-26.
- "Malta". CIA World Factbook. Retrieved 2006-09-06.
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- "Malta". MSN Encarta. Retrieved 2005-11-01.
- "1942: Malta gets George Cross for bravery". BBC "On this day". Retrieved 2006-06-22.
- Jones, H. Bowen (1962). Malta Background for Development. Dhurham College. OCLC 204863.
{{cite book}}
: Unknown parameter|coauthors=
ignored (|author=
suggested) (help) - Carolyn Bain (2004). Malta. Lonely Planet Publication. ISBN 1-74059-178-X.
- United Nations Development Programme (2006). Human Development Report 2005 - International cooperation at a crossroads: Aid, trade and security in an unequal world. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-522146-X.
- Omertaa, Journal for Applied Anthropology– Volume 2007/1, Thematic Issue on Malta
- Malta-The George Cross Island