Malta

Mediterranean Crossroads of History, Faith, and Innovation

Malta is a Southern European island country located in the central Mediterranean, between Sicily and North Africa. Despite its small size, it has a strategic geopolitical role, a rich cultural heritage, and a thriving economy driven by tourism, finance, and digital innovation.

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Formation and Historical Background

• Inhabited since prehistoric times; home to some of the world’s oldest free-standing temples.

• Ruled by Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Normans, and the Knights of St. John.

• Became part of the British Empire in 1814.

• Gained independence in 1964, declared a republic in 1974, and joined the EU in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008.

• A deeply Catholic nation, Malta balances tradition with digital-era advancement.

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Administrative Information

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Religious Affiliation (Estimated, 2025)

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Government and Leadership

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Administrative Divisions (Regions & Local Councils)

Malta is administratively divided into regions, districts, and local councils:

1. Regions (Reġjuni) – Total: 5 (for administrative/statistical purposes)

1. Central Region

2. Gozo Region

3. Northern Region

4. South Eastern Region

5. Southern Region

2. Districts – Total: 6 (used mainly for electoral and statistical purposes)

1. Southern Harbour District

2. Northern Harbour District

3. South Eastern District

4. Western District

5. Northern District

6. 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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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Economy & Industry

• Core sectors:

  • Tourism and hospitality

  • iGaming and blockchain

  • Financial services

  • Maritime and shipping

  • Film industry (attractive location for international productions)

• GDP (2024): Approx. USD 20.1 billion

• Malta boasts one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU, with a focus on digital transformation and green economy

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Education & Institutions

• Education is free and compulsory up to age 16

• Official instruction in both Maltese and English

• Leading institutions:

  • University of Malta (est. 1592)

  • Malta College of Arts, Science & Technology (MCAST)

  • Institute of Tourism Studies

• Education emphasizes language fluency, STEM, and global competitiveness

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Healthcare

• Public healthcare system is universal and free

• Supported by private clinics and health tourism

• Major hospitals:

  • Mater Dei Hospital (main public hospital)

  • Gozo General Hospital

Malta ranks high in healthcare quality, access, and life expectancy among EU countries.

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Transport & Connectivity

• No railways, but strong bus network, ferry routes, and growing cycling infrastructure

• Air travel:

  • Malta International Airport (Luqa) connects to Europe, Africa, and the Middle East

• Maritime ports:

  • Valletta Freeport, Grand Harbour – key cargo and cruise centers

Malta continues investing in smart mobility, electrification, and sustainable urban transport.

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Tourism & Attractions

Historical & Cultural Sites:

• Mdina (Silent City), Valletta (UNESCO), Three Cities, Fort St. Elmo

• Megalithic Temples of Malta – among the oldest in the world

• St. John’s Co-Cathedral, Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni

Natural Beauty:

• Blue Lagoon (Comino), Azure Window (Gozo, remains), Mellieħa Bay, Dingli Cliffs

Festivals & Lifestyle:

• Carnival, Isle of MTV, Religious feasts (Festas)

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Culture & Lifestyle

• Languages: Maltese (Afro-Semitic origin), English, Italian widely spoken

• Cuisine: Rabbit stew (fenek), pastizzi, ftira, fresh seafood, Mediterranean herbs

• Religion and community play central roles in daily life

• Fusion of Arab, Italian, British, and local traditions

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Summary

Malta is a historic island nation with modern ambition—blending its ancient temples and seafaring legacy with digital finance, eco-tourism, and European integration. As a gateway between continents and civilizations, Malta continues to lead in innovation, diplomacy, and Mediterranean excellence.