Top 10 Facts About Malta


 

Malta is an underrated country that is currently rising in tourist popularity. Due to its close proximity to both Europe and Africa, this island is among one of the best tropical and warm paradises during the winter months. Known as the Republic of Malta, this island mass is considered part of southern Europe, floating all around 50 miles south of Sicily.

With a population of just over 515,000 people, Malta is not very busy or big — it is actually the tenth smallest country in the world according to the area! However, the citizens are packed in tightly, with the country being the fourth-most densely populated country in the world. This goes to show just how much people enjoy living on this tiny, neighborly, and energetic island. 

If you are considering heading to Malta for your next trip abroad — or for a little city break during the next weekend — consider reading these top ten facts before setting off on your plane or ship. 

The Greeks, Phoenicians, Carthaginians, and Romans all were involved 

Maymunah Roman Stone – By Matthew Axiak – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94159897

During the formation of Malta as an inhabited country in the modern world, numerous ethnic and cultural groups fought for this piece of land. Back in 1000 BC, Phoenician traders colonized the island to take hold of a trade stop along its route from the Mediterranean Sea to Cornwall in England. 

Once the Phoenicia colony fell in 332 BC, The Carthaginians took over the former stronghold. During this time, the Maltese people began producing and growing olives, a staple which would continue into the modern world. 

During the first Punic War, the Carthaginians were beaten by Marcus Atilius Regulus and made Malta a jurisdiction of the Silkiucy province. During 700 BC, the Greeks began to exude their influence on Malta, bringing their currency, alphabet, and culture to the island. 

Malta was a part of the Arab-Byzantine wars

Justinian 555 AD – By Tataryn – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19926428

The Arab-Byzantine wars were various wars between the Muslim Arab colonies and the Byzantine Empire. During this time, Malta was closely linked with Sicily and the Byzantine Empire. Since they sided with the Byzantine Empire, Muslim geographers and soldiers looted and pillaged the island. After they took over some of the settlements and excused their control, the Muslim Arabs introduced the Arab Agricultural Revolution, carried in fruits and cotton, and created the Maltese language. 

The Normans attacked Malta

Roger I of Sicily – By Anonymous – Stazzone, Massimiliano. Troina “Capitale Normanna” (html). stazzone.it. Massimiliano Stazzone. Retrieved on February 25th, 2019., Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76853845

After Malta was left alone by the Muslim Arab soldiers, the Normans attacked Malta in 1091. Roger I of Sicily, the Norman nobleman who was the first count of Sicily, established reign on the island of Malta. The Catholic Church was instituted as the main religion, a fief was established, and the island was dedicated to military importance and strongholds for the Kingdom of Sicily.

Malta was under the Crown of Aragon rule

Malta, Mdina, Kathedrale St. Paul – By Berthold Werner – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17444886

Once Christians came to Malta and the Muslims were forced out, or they were forced to convert their religion, the House of Barcelona began to rule Malta under the Crown of Aragon rule. From 1282 to 1409, the Crown of Aragon, a composite monarchy ruled by the Count of Barcelona, took charge of the island. 

During the period from 1409 to 1530, the local nobility was created, a feudal system was established, and the city of Mdina was given the title of Citta Notabile due to the local rebellion. However, in 1530, Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, gave the islands to the French due to military religious order. 

French control over Malta

The French Bonaparte – By Continentaleurope at English Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=47520460

After the reign was given to the French government, the French Revolutionary Wars took place in 1798. Napoleon Bonaparte captured the islands, formed the national administration, created twelve municipalities, and abolished all feudal rights.

However, the French forces who were left on the island became unpopular with the public due to the unfair treatment of those who did not convert to Catholicism, pillaging local churches, and strict religious policies. Due to the overall distrust and disease of the French, the French were forced to depart after a Maltese rebellion.

British Empire in Malta

Bomb damage Malta – By Russell, J E (Lt) – Royal Navy official photographer – This is photograph A 8701 from the collections of the Imperial War Museums (collection no. 4700-01), Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2354372

After the French left the island, the British Empire took over the beautiful piece of land. During World War II, Malta actually became a very important stronghold for the Allied forces in Europe. Since Malta was now a British colony, the island was used by the British to carry out attacks, set up strongholds, and utilized as a listening post. 

Independence finally!

Maglio Gardens – By VPDigital – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=94420923

Malta deserves its independence and free reign. They had been controlled and taken over by so many countries since its inception, that it needed peace on its own. And this time finally came in 1964. On September 21, 1964, Malta achieved its independence after negotiations with the United KIngdom and George Borg Olivier. 

Malta uses administrative divisions for government

The Parliament House in Valletta – By Joe Ambrogio – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=113915389

Malta has used local government systems since 1993 based on the local self-government declaration. The country is separated into different regions who each have their regional government that communicate with the national government to come to final decisions. 

Malta is an archipelago

Maltese Landscape – By Frank Vincentz – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=34711267

You may not know this, but Malta is considered an archipelago in the Mediterranean sea. An archipelago is an island chain or group that contains various islands. In this case, Malta has various islands on the Malta plateau and Gozo. in addition, there are numerous smaller islands making up the archipelago, such as Small Blue Lagoon Rocks, Sala Rock, Mistra Rocks, and much more! 

Malta is the perfect warm summer vacation spot

Mediterraneo – By Erik1980 – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2881079

Since Malta has a Mediterranean climate, this is the ideal spot to head for summer account or for winter getaways for some sun. featuring mild winters and hot summers, the average temperature is 73 degrees – all year round! Forget the parks and throw on a  swimsuit before heading to Malta – especially if you go in the summer when it varies between 82 to 93 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. 

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