The Jewel of the Mediterranean
Malta, officially the Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta’ Malta), is a small island nation in the central Mediterranean Sea. Known for its ancient temples, crystal-clear waters, and unique blend of European and Arab influences, Malta serves as a bridge between Africa and Europe — both geographically and culturally.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Key Timeline:
~5900 BCE: First Neolithic settlers arrive.
3600–2500 BCE: Megalithic temples built — older than Stonehenge or pyramids.
60 CE: St. Paul shipwrecks on Malta, spreading Christianity.
870 CE: Arab rule introduces irrigation and Maltese language roots.
1530: Knights of St. John establish Malta as their fortress base.
1798–1800: French occupation under Napoleon.
1800–1964: British rule — naval stronghold.
1964: Independence from the UK.
1974: Republic declared.
2004: Joined the European Union.
Malta’s story is one of survival, faith, and global crossroads.
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of Malta |
| Capital City | Valletta |
| President (2025) | Myriam Spiteri Debono |
| Prime Minister (2025) | Robert Abela |
| Government Type | Parliamentary Republic |
| Area | 316 sq. km |
| Population | ~550,000 (2025 est.) |
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
| Time Zone | UTC +1 |
| Dial Code | +356 |
| Top-Level Domain | .mt |
| National Motto | “Virtute et Constantia” (Strength and Consistency) |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Myriam Spiteri Debono |
| Prime Minister | Robert Abela |
| Legislature | House of Representatives (unicameral) |
| Judiciary | Constitutional Court, Court of Appeal |
| Administrative Divisions | 5 regions, 68 local councils |
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Islands: Malta (main island), Gozo, and Comino.
Major Cities: Valletta, Sliema, Mdina, Birkirkara, Victoria (Gozo).
Local Governance: Each locality has its own council.
Capital District: Valletta – one of Europe’s smallest capitals but a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Malta is administratively divided into regions, districts, and local councils:
1. Regions (Reġjuni) – Total: 5 (for administrative/statistical purposes)
Central Region
Gozo Region
Northern Region
South Eastern Region
Southern Region
2. Districts – Total: 6 (used mainly for electoral and statistical purposes)
Southern Harbour District
Northern Harbour District
South Eastern District
Western District
Northern District
Gozo and Comino District
3. Local Councils (Kunsilli Lokali) – Total: 68 (including 14 in Gozo)
These are the smallest administrative units and include urban and rural localities. Notable examples:
Valletta (Capital)
Sliema, St. Julian’s, Birkirkara, Mosta, Qormi
Rabat, Zabbar, Zejtun, Birżebbuġa
Victoria (Rabat) – main town of Gozo
Marsaxlokk, Mdina, Mellieħa, Nadur, Xagħra, Xewkija
Each local council is governed by an elected mayor and council, responsible for managing local services, infrastructure, and cultural initiatives.
Malta’s administrative model emphasizes local autonomy, regional identity, and efficient public service delivery across both mainland Malta and the sister island of Gozo.
Local Government Structure
Local councils manage municipal services, cultural events, and local development.
The country is highly centralized, but local bodies play a role in urban maintenance and citizen engagement.
Leadership & Governance
Malta is known for:
Strong alignment with EU law, digital identity systems, and blockchain regulation
Commitment to environmental protection, maritime jurisdiction, and press freedom reform
Hosting key international summits, religious diplomacy, and offshore finance institutions
Law Enforcement & Safety
Primary agency: Malta Police Force (est. 1814)
Other bodies: Armed Forces of Malta, Customs Department, Civil Protection Department
Malta is a safe and peaceful country, with low violent crime and a strong legal framework.
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: Central Mediterranean, south of Italy and north of Libya.
Landscape: Rocky coastline, harbors, cliffs, limestone valleys, and beaches.
Climate: Mediterranean – hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Natural Wonders: Blue Lagoon (Comino), Dingli Cliffs, Blue Grotto, Gozo countryside.
Malta’s position made it a strategic naval and trade hub for millennia.
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Languages | Maltese & English |
| Major Religion | Roman Catholic (~95%) |
| Cultural Influences | Arab, Italian, British, and Mediterranean |
| Traditional Music | Għana (folk singing) |
| Festivals | Village festas, Holy Week, Carnival of Valletta |
| Cuisine | Pastizzi, rabbit stew, ftira bread, olive oil, seafood dishes. |
Maltese culture beautifully blends Arab linguistic heritage with European spirituality.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| GDP (2025 est.) | ~$22 billion USD |
| Main Industries | Tourism, financial services, shipping, ICT, film production |
| Major Exports | Machinery, electronics, pharmaceuticals, seafood |
| Tourism | Over 2.5 million visitors annually |
| Special Focus | Maritime logistics and fintech innovation |
Malta is known as a digital and financial hub in the Mediterranean.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Top University | University of Malta (founded 1592) |
| Literacy Rate | ~99% |
| Education System | Free and compulsory till 16 |
| Healthcare | Universal and high-quality |
| Focus Fields | Maritime studies, medical tourism, blockchain technology |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airport | Malta International Airport (Luqa) |
| Ports | Valletta Grand Harbour, Marsaxlokk Freeport |
| Roadways | Dense and modern but compact network |
| Public Transport | Bus system, ferries between islands |
| Digital Infrastructure | Among Europe’s most advanced |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Top Destinations:
Valletta: St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Grand Harbour
Mdina: The Silent City
Gozo: Azure Window site, Ġgantija Temples
Comino: Blue Lagoon
Rabat: Catacombs of St. Paul
Mosta Dome: Iconic church with massive dome
Malta offers a mix of ancient history, crystal waters, and timeless spirituality.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| EU Member | Since 2004 |
| UN Member | Since 1964 |
| Commonwealth Member | Yes |
| Regional Focus | Mediterranean security, maritime cooperation, digital economy |
| Diplomatic Influence | Bridge between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East |
📝 Summary
Malta is a living museum of civilizations — from prehistoric temples to Islamic irrigation systems and British colonial heritage.
It stands as a symbol of peace, endurance, and Mediterranean charm.
📢 News & Articles
“Malta’s Islamic Past and the Legacy of Al-Andalus”
“Valletta – The Fortress City of the Mediterranean”
“Why Malta Is a Global Hub for Fintech and Film”
🎯 AFP Insight
AFP recognizes Malta as a vital link in the Mediterranean’s historical and cultural chain — a small nation with a global identity rooted in resilience and coexistence.
📬 Contact Us
Share your stories or photos from Malta’s islands — enrich AFP’s knowledge archive for global understanding.