Malta's position in the central Mediterranean has made it an important strategic base and subject to invasion throughout the centuries. A multitude of civilisations have occupied the island throughout its ancient history, notably the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans and Christians, Turks, Arabs and British.
One of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean, it has a number of megalithic temples dating back to the third millennium BC. However, it was not until the 12th century that Malta witnessed a great expansion of trade and a flowering of the arts and sciences, before ushering in a period of confusion with the Aragonnese, Venetians, Genoese, Papacy, kings of France and Arabs all, at various times, attempting to gain control of Malta.
Political stability did not return until the 16th century, when Malta, together with Sicily, became part of the vast empire of Charles V, who in 1530, recognised the strategic value of the islands for Christendom and granted them to the Knights of St John.
For the next 250 years Malta was a bulwark against Turkish ambitions in Europe. Napoleon briefly held Malta but a British-backed rebellion forced him to retreat and the British ruled for the next 181 years. The most famous episode in Malta's recent history was the heroic defence of the island during WWII, for which the nation was awarded the George Cross.
Since achieving independence in 1964, Malta has been stable with domestic issues dominating its internal politics. Malta became a republic in 1974 and a member of the European Union in 2004. It adopted the euro in 2008, and has flourished since, both politically and commercially, with vast sums of money being invested in infrastructure and roads. Malta rejoined NATO’s Partnership for Peace in 2009 and remains committed to its neutral status.
95% Roman Catholic, with the remaining 5% divided between Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodists and Muslim.
Social conventions:The usual European courtesies are expected, but the visitor should also bear in mind the tremendous importance of Roman Catholicism; if visiting a church, for instance, modest dress covering the shoulders and legs will be expected. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in all public buildings, including cinemas, restaurants and bars.
Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages. Italian is also widely spoken.
