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Malta

Malta

Capital:Valletta
Population:535,064
Currency:Euros (EUR)
Language:Maltese (official), English (official)
Marsaxlokk harbour, Malta

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Quick Look Factsheet

A multi-page overview of Malta.

Malta Factsheet

Customs and Culture

Cultural Attributes

The Maltese are known for their hospitality, and generosity. The family is of great importance, and children stay in close contact with the grand-parents. Networking oils the wheels of social interaction and resource-sharing. Due to the size of the islands, privacy is rare. The warm climate ensures that people go out to the piazza to socialize.

Marsaxlokk harbour, Malta

Island of Honey, Harbor of History

Get More Customs and Culture

5 more cultural topics for members

Social Customs & Etiquette · Diet · Family · Dating Customs · Recreation

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Holidays

  • Independence Day

    9/21

    Independence Day

Dates of Interest

  • September 21st

How do people greet each other in Malta?

Formal greetings begin and end with a handshake, and religious and professional titles are used. How people greet depends on gender, familiarity, social status and age.

Do

  • Use religious and professional titles when addressing people
  • Begin and end formal greetings with a handshake

Good to know

  • People from rural areas may pat one another on the back, shoulder or arm as a friendly gesture

What are dining customs like in Malta?

The Maltese eat continental style, with the fork in the left hand and knife in the right, keeping hands above the table. Dinner is the main meal, usually eaten between 6 and 8 PM, while breakfast and lunch are light.

Do

  • Keep your hands above the table while eating
  • Place utensils parallel on the plate when finished
  • Wait until others have finished eating

Good to know

  • Fresh bread accompanies every meal and pasta may be served as entrée or main
  • Fish dishes like aljotta (fish chowder) are common
  • Try Maltese sandwiches and pastizzi at tea shops, cafes and clubs
  • Summer picnics near the sea are common

What social etiquette should I know in Malta?

The Maltese are hospitable and generous, and socializing in the piazza is a favorite activity. Networking is important, and privacy is rare given the small size of the islands.

Do

  • Arrange a visit in advance before dropping by

Don’t

  • Don't expect anonymity or much privacy on the islands
  • Don't assume alternative lifestyles are easily tolerated

Good to know

  • Strong village rivalries can spark heated exchanges over politics, soccer or village saints

How should I dress in Malta?

The Maltese follow European fashions, and style and quality of clothing signal social status. People pay attention to grooming and avoid looking sloppy or untidy, even informally.

Do

  • Dress neatly and avoid looking untidy, even in informal settings
  • Follow dress codes in service, business, professional and even blue-collar sectors

Good to know

  • Older people wear traditional clothing; men often wear a cap and women dark-colored skirts

What is family life like in Malta?

Family is of great importance, with children staying in close contact with grandparents and often living at home until they marry. The man is head of the family, though women often control the household budget.

Good to know

  • Parents often help children acquire a car or house
  • Young people seldom live on their own before marriage

What do people do for recreation in Malta?

Soccer is the most popular sport in Malta.

Last updated: 2026-07-12 · Sources: CountryReports

Photos of Malta

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Travel and Tourism

Travel Alert Status
Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions
Currency
Euro (EUR)
Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Climate
The climate is subtropical in the summer, temperate the rest of the year, with occasional fog and rare frosts. Temperatures range from 35°F in winter to 95°F in summer, with brief periods above 100°F in August and early September. The driest months are May and July. Annual rainfall averages 19-22 inches, but fluctuates to less than 10 inches. The rains are heaviest from November to January and ease off slightly in February and March. Summer is hot and humid, with almost cloudless skies. The "scirocco," a warm humid southeast wind, occurs in spring and from mid-September to mid-October. The "gregale," a cold wind from the east and northeast in the winter, occasionally reaches gale forces of 70 miles per hour. Winter is chilly and damp with occasional heavy downpours, but also with many fine sunny days.
Airports
1
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Recipes

Featured Dish

Imqaret (Date-filled Snack)

Dessert

Browse all 6 recipes

History

Historical Eras

  1. Prehistoric & Phoenician

    5000 BCE – 218 BCE

    Malta's earliest inhabitants erected the Ggantija and Hagar Qim temple complexes around 3600–2500 BCE, predating the monuments of Sumer and Egypt and marking the island as a major centre of earth-mother worship. The Phoenicians subsequently established trading ports, followed by Carthaginian settlers who integrated Malta into Mediterranean commerce. This era laid the linguistic and cultural substratum that would shape Maltese identity for millennia.

  2. Roman & Byzantine

    218 BCE – 870

    Malta entered the Roman sphere during the Second Punic War in 218 BCE and eventually gained municipium status under Emperor Hadrian. In 60 CE, Saint Paul was shipwrecked at what is now St. Paul's Bay, an event that initiated the island's enduring Christian identity. Following Rome's division, Malta passed to the Byzantine Empire in 533 CE, remaining under Constantinople's administration until the Arab invasion of 870.

  3. Arab & Norman Rule

    870 – 1530

    Aglabid Arabs from Tunisia conquered Malta in 870, leaving a profound imprint on the Maltese language, agriculture, and customs that persists to the present day. In 1091 the Norman adventurer Count Roger of Hauteville expelled Arab authority, attaching Malta to his kingdom of Sicily; the final expulsion of the Arab population followed in 1224. For the next three centuries Malta was passed among the feudal lords of Swabia, Aragon, Castile, and Spain, functioning largely as a peripheral dependency of Sicily.

  4. Knights of St. John

    1530 – 1798

    In 1530 Charles V granted sovereignty of Malta to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who transformed the islands into a formidable Christian bastion. The Order's finest hour came during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights and the Maltese population repelled the vast Ottoman forces of Suleiman the Magnificent after months of fierce combat. The Knights founded Valletta in 1566, endowing the island with magnificent baroque palaces, churches, and fortifications before their peaceful capitulation to Napoleon Bonaparte in 1798.

  5. British Colonial Era

    1798 – 1964

    After a brief and resisted French occupation, Malta voluntarily joined the British Empire in 1814, becoming the headquarters of the Royal Navy's Mediterranean Fleet and a strategically vital imperial fortress. During World War II the island endured relentless Axis bombardment between 1940 and 1943; King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross in 1942 in recognition of its extraordinary collective resistance. The postwar period saw growing demands for self-governance, culminating in independence on September 21, 1964.

  6. Independent Republic

    1964 – present

    Malta became a republic on December 13, 1974, and the last British forces departed in March 1979, completing full sovereignty. The island transitioned from a military economy to a diversified one built on freight transshipment, financial services, and tourism from the mid-1980s onward. Accession to the European Union on May 1, 2004 marked Malta's integration into the broader European political and economic community.

Overview

Malta was an important cultic center for earth-mother worship in the 4th millennium B.C. Recent archeological work shows a developed religious center there long before those of Sumer and Egypt. Malta’s written history began well before the Christian era. Originally the Phoenicians, and later the Carthaginians, established ports and trading settlements on the island. During the second Punic War (218 B.C.), Malta became part of the Roman Empire. During Roman rule, in A.D.

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Timeline of Key Events

  1. 117 – 138

    Islands become municipium under Emperor Hadrian.

    Islands become municipium under Emperor Hadrian.

  2. 395 – 870

    Byzantine rule.

    Byzantine rule.

  3. 870 – 1090

    Arab rule.

    Arab rule.

  4. 870

    Aglabiti (Tunisian) Arabs invade Malta and expel the Byzantine.

    Aglabiti (Tunisian) Arabs invade Malta and expel the Byzantine.

  5. 1048

    First Byzantine attempts to regain islands.

    First Byzantine attempts to regain islands.

  6. 1091

    Count Roger of Hauteville, aka the Norman, takes Malta.

    Count Roger of Hauteville, aka the Norman, takes Malta and imposed taxes but leaves Arab rulers.

  7. 1224

    Final expulsion of Arabs from Sicily and Malta.

    Final expulsion of Arabs from Sicily and Malta.

View full timeline (20 events)
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Interesting Facts

  • At one time there was a land bridge between Malta and Sicily.

  • Ancient Greeks and Romans called the island "Melita" - the island of honey.

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Geography and Environment

Malta is a small archipelago of six islands and islets in the center of the Mediterranean and takes its name from the main island in the group. Malta (95 sq. mi.) is the largest island of the group, followed by Gozo (26 sq. mi.) and Comino (1 sq. mi.). Malta, Gozo, and Comino are inhabited, while Cominotto, Filfla, and St. Paul's are small, uninhabited islets.
Terrain
mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Climate
The climate is subtropical in the summer, temperate the rest of the year, with occasional fog and rare frosts. Temperatures range from 35° F in winter to 95° F in summer, with brief periods above 100° F in August and early September. The driest months are May and July. Annual rainfall averages 19-22 inches, but fluctuates to less than 10 inches. The rains are heaviest from November to January and ease off slightly in February and March. Summer is hot and humid, with almost cloudless skies. The "scirocco," a warm humid southeast wind, occurs in spring and from mid-September to mid-October. The "gregale," a cold wind from the east and northeast in the winter, occasionally reaches gale forces of 70 miles per hour. Winter is chilly and damp with occasional heavy downpours, but also with many fine sunny days.
Natural Hazards
NA
Current Environmental Issues
very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
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People & Demographics

Religion

Languages Spoken

Maltese (official), English (official)

  • English
  • Maltese

Population

Population
535,064
Population in Major Urban Areas
VALLETTA (capital) 198,000
Nationality Noun
Maltese (singular and plural)
Ethnic Groups
Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)
Language Note
The Maltese language has a Semitic structure derived from a early form of Arabic. Both Maltese and English are official languages. The written form of Maltese is a Latin script, and it is used in commerce, education and business. However, English is a second language that is taught in school.

Education

Literacy Definition
age 10 and over can read and write

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Malta ranks among the highest in the European Union and the broader Mediterranean region, reflecting the country's strong healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and culturally ingrained dietary habits. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth in Malta stands at approximately 83 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is around 85 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 81 years. These figures place Malta consistently above the EU average and well ahead of global averages, which hover closer to 73 years. The country's longevity statistics are attributed to several contributing factors. Malta benefits from a universal public healthcare system that provides residents with access to free or heavily subsidized medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and hospital treatment. The healthcare system has steadily modernized over recent decades, with investment in cardiac care, oncology, and preventive medicine playing a notable role in improving outcomes. The traditional Maltese diet, historically influenced by the Mediterranean dietary pattern, emphasizes fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and whole grains. This dietary culture has long been associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, contributing to longer and healthier lives among the population. Lifestyle factors also play a role. Malta has relatively low rates of extreme poverty, high literacy rates, and a stable social environment, all of which positively influence health outcomes. However, the country does face some public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends, including rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary behavior — particularly among younger generations — that health authorities continue to monitor and address through national health promotion strategies. Malta's life expectancy figures are tracked and published regularly by international bodies, confirming that the island nation continues to perform strongly in this key measure of human development and population well-being.
Infant Mortality Rate
Malta maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the island nation's advanced healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and effective public health policies. As of the most recent available data, Malta's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 4 to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it consistently among the top-performing nations globally in this measure of child health. This low rate is the result of several converging factors. Malta operates a universal healthcare system that provides free or heavily subsidized medical services to residents, ensuring that prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal support are widely accessible. Nearly all births in Malta take place in hospital settings attended by trained medical professionals, which dramatically reduces the risks associated with complications during delivery. Malta's small geographic size also works in its favor, as residents are never far from medical facilities, and emergency obstetric care can be reached quickly. Mater Dei Hospital, the country's main acute general hospital opened in 2007, is a modern facility equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and neonatal emergencies. Strong public health education campaigns, high literacy rates, and a relatively high standard of nutrition also contribute to healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes. Malta scores well on broader development indices, and these socioeconomic factors are closely tied to infant survival rates. In comparison, the global average infant mortality rate hovers around 27 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births, making Malta's figure dramatically lower than the worldwide norm. The country performs similarly to other developed European nations such as Finland, Sweden, and Luxembourg, all of which have long invested heavily in maternal and child health services. Tracking infant mortality over time in Malta shows a consistent downward trend over the past several decades, from rates that were considerably higher in the mid-twentieth century. This trajectory demonstrates the sustained effectiveness of Malta's healthcare investments and its commitment to the well-being of its youngest citizens.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth
Life expectancy at birth in Malta ranks among the highest in the European Union and the broader Mediterranean region, reflecting the country's strong healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and culturally ingrained dietary habits. As of the most recent available data, the overall life expectancy at birth in Malta stands at approximately 83 years, with women typically living longer than men. Female life expectancy is around 85 years, while male life expectancy is approximately 81 years. These figures place Malta consistently above the EU average and well ahead of global averages, which hover closer to 73 years. The country's longevity statistics are attributed to several contributing factors. Malta benefits from a universal public healthcare system that provides residents with access to free or heavily subsidized medical services, including primary care, specialist consultations, and hospital treatment. The healthcare system has steadily modernized over recent decades, with investment in cardiac care, oncology, and preventive medicine playing a notable role in improving outcomes. The traditional Maltese diet, historically influenced by the Mediterranean dietary pattern, emphasizes fresh vegetables, legumes, fish, olive oil, and whole grains. This dietary culture has long been associated with reduced rates of cardiovascular disease and certain cancers, contributing to longer and healthier lives among the population. Lifestyle factors also play a role. Malta has relatively low rates of extreme poverty, high literacy rates, and a stable social environment, all of which positively influence health outcomes. However, the country does face some public health challenges that could affect future life expectancy trends, including rising rates of obesity, diabetes, and sedentary behavior — particularly among younger generations — that health authorities continue to monitor and address through national health promotion strategies. Malta's life expectancy figures are tracked and published regularly by international bodies, confirming that the island nation continues to perform strongly in this key measure of human development and population well-being.
Infant Mortality Rate
Malta maintains one of the lowest infant mortality rates in the world, reflecting the island nation's advanced healthcare infrastructure, high standard of living, and effective public health policies. As of the most recent available data, Malta's infant mortality rate stands at approximately 4 to 5 deaths per 1,000 live births, placing it consistently among the top-performing nations globally in this measure of child health. This low rate is the result of several converging factors. Malta operates a universal healthcare system that provides free or heavily subsidized medical services to residents, ensuring that prenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal support are widely accessible. Nearly all births in Malta take place in hospital settings attended by trained medical professionals, which dramatically reduces the risks associated with complications during delivery. Malta's small geographic size also works in its favor, as residents are never far from medical facilities, and emergency obstetric care can be reached quickly. Mater Dei Hospital, the country's main acute general hospital opened in 2007, is a modern facility equipped to handle high-risk pregnancies and neonatal emergencies. Strong public health education campaigns, high literacy rates, and a relatively high standard of nutrition also contribute to healthy pregnancies and infant outcomes. Malta scores well on broader development indices, and these socioeconomic factors are closely tied to infant survival rates. In comparison, the global average infant mortality rate hovers around 27 to 28 deaths per 1,000 live births, making Malta's figure dramatically lower than the worldwide norm. The country performs similarly to other developed European nations such as Finland, Sweden, and Luxembourg, all of which have long invested heavily in maternal and child health services. Tracking infant mortality over time in Malta shows a consistent downward trend over the past several decades, from rates that were considerably higher in the mid-twentieth century. This trajectory demonstrates the sustained effectiveness of Malta's healthcare investments and its commitment to the well-being of its youngest citizens.
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Government & Politics

Country Identity

Country Name
Malta
Full Country Name
Republic of Malta
Local - Long
Repubblika ta' Malta
Local - Short
Malta

Government Structure

Government Type
republic
Legal System
based on English common law and Roman civil law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction, with reservations
Executive Branch
chief of state: President Myriam SPITERI DEBONO (since 4 April 2024) head of government: Prime Minister Robert ABELA (since 13 January 2020) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held on 27 March 2024 (next to be held by April 2029); following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister election results: Myriam SPITERI DEBONO elected president; House of Representatives vote - unanimous approval
Legislative Branch
Unicameral House of Representatives (normally 65 seats, though additional seats may be allocated to ensure that the party winning the largest share of the popular vote holds a parliamentary majority; members are elected by popular vote through a system of proportional representation based on the single transferable vote to serve five-year terms). Elections: last held on 26 March 2022 (next to be held by 2027). Election results: percent of vote by party - Labour Party (PL) 55.1%, Nationalist Party (PN) 41.7%, other 3.2%; seats by party - PL 38, PN 29, with additional seats allocated to bring the total to 79 members in order to preserve the governing majority as required under constitutional provisions.
Judicial Branch
Constitutional Court; Court of Appeal; judges for both courts are appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Constitution
1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974 and again in 1987
Independence
21 September 1964 (from UK)
National Holiday
Independence Day, 21 September (1964)

Capital City

Capital Name
Valletta
Capital - geographic coordinate
35 53 N, 14 30 E
Capital Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

named in honor of Jean de VALETTE, the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John (crusader knights), who successfully led a defense of the island from an Ottoman invasion in 1565

Military

Branches: Armed Forces of Malta (AFM; includes land, maritime, and air elements)

Embassy / Diplomatic Mission

U.S. Embassy – Malta

Ta’Qali National Park Street

Attard ATD 4000

MALTA

Telephone: (356) 2561-4000

Email: ConsularMalta@state.gov

The Consular Section is open for American Citizen Services Mondays and Fridays from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and Wednesdays from 1:00-4:00 p.m. All non-emergency services are by appointment only.

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Economy

Malta's primary resources include limestone, a strategic geographic location in the central Mediterranean, and a highly skilled, productive labor force.

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code
Euros (EUR)
GDP — official exchange rate
$5,193,000,000 (USD)
GDP Real Growth Rate
5.6%
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News & Weather

Current Weather

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Latest News

News via Google News

Climate Overview

The climate is subtropical in the summer, temperate the rest of the year, with occasional fog and rare frosts. Temperatures range from 35°F in winter to 95°F in summer, with brief periods above 100°F in August and early September. The driest months are May and July. Annual rainfall averages 19-22 inches, but fluctuates to less than 10 inches. The rains are heaviest from November to January and ease off slightly in February and March. Summer is hot and humid, with almost cloudless skies. The "scirocco," a warm humid southeast wind, occurs in spring and from mid-September to mid-October. The "gregale," a cold wind from the east and northeast in the winter, occasionally reaches gale forces of 70 miles per hour. Winter is chilly and damp with occasional heavy downpours, but also with many fine sunny days.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the population of Malta?
The population of Malta is approximately 535,064.
How do people greet each other in Malta?
Formal greetings begin and end with a handshake, and religious and professional titles are used. How people greet depends on gender, familiarity, social status and age. Do: Use religious and professional titles when addressing people Begin and end formal greetings with a handshake People from rural areas may pat one another on the back, shoulder or arm as a friendly gesture
What are dining customs like in Malta?
The Maltese eat continental style, with the fork in the left hand and knife in the right, keeping hands above the table. Dinner is the main meal, usually eaten between 6 and 8 PM, while breakfast and lunch are light. Do: Keep your hands above the table while eating Place utensils parallel on the plate when finished Wait until others have finished eating Fresh bread accompanies every meal and pasta may be served as entrée or main Fish dishes like aljotta (fish chowder) are common Try Maltese sandwiches and pastizzi at tea shops, cafes and clubs Summer picnics near the sea are common
What social etiquette should I know in Malta?
The Maltese are hospitable and generous, and socializing in the piazza is a favorite activity. Networking is important, and privacy is rare given the small size of the islands. Do: Arrange a visit in advance before dropping by Don't: Don't expect anonymity or much privacy on the islands Don't assume alternative lifestyles are easily tolerated Strong village rivalries can spark heated exchanges over politics, soccer or village saints
How should I dress in Malta?
The Maltese follow European fashions, and style and quality of clothing signal social status. People pay attention to grooming and avoid looking sloppy or untidy, even informally. Do: Dress neatly and avoid looking untidy, even in informal settings Follow dress codes in service, business, professional and even blue-collar sectors Older people wear traditional clothing; men often wear a cap and women dark-colored skirts
What is family life like in Malta?
Family is of great importance, with children staying in close contact with grandparents and often living at home until they marry. The man is head of the family, though women often control the household budget. Parents often help children acquire a car or house Young people seldom live on their own before marriage
What do people do for recreation in Malta?
Soccer is the most popular sport in Malta.
What is the capital of Malta?
Valletta is the capital of Malta and one of the smallest capital cities in the European Union by area. Founded by the Knights of St. John in 1566, Valletta is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its Baroque architecture, grand fortifications, and the magnificent St. John's Co-Cathedral. Despite its compact size, the city serves as Malta's political, cultural, and commercial heart, and its historic streetscape reflects centuries of Mediterranean and European influence.
Where is Malta located?
Malta is a small island nation situated in the central Mediterranean Sea, roughly 93 kilometres south of Sicily and 288 kilometres north of the African coast. Part of Southern Europe, it consists of three inhabited islands — Malta, Gozo, and Comino — along with several smaller uninhabited islets. Its strategic position at the crossroads of Europe and North Africa has made it one of the most contested and historically significant locations in the Mediterranean throughout recorded history.
What are Malta's sea borders?
As an island nation, Malta shares no land borders and is entirely surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea. The Sicily Channel lies to the north, separating Malta from Italy, while the country faces the North African coastlines of Libya and Tunisia to the south. This maritime location has defined Malta's identity as a trading and naval hub for millennia; ancient Greeks and Romans knew the island as Melita, meaning "island of honey," a testament to its early fame across the Mediterranean world.
What is the predominant religion in Malta?
Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Malta, practiced by approximately 98 percent of the population. The Church holds a deeply embedded role in Maltese public life, reflected in the country's numerous parish churches — villages traditionally compete over the grandeur of their local church and the spectacle of their patron saint's feast, or festa. Religious observance shapes the calendar, social customs, and many aspects of family life, and Malta's constitution recognises Catholicism as the state religion.
What currency does Malta use?
Malta uses the euro, with the ISO currency code EUR. The country adopted the euro in January 2008 after joining the European Union in 2004, replacing the Maltese lira. As a member of the eurozone, Malta's economy is closely integrated with that of the broader EU, and the currency transition reinforced Malta's role as an emerging financial services centre and freight transshipment hub in the central Mediterranean.
What languages are spoken in Malta?
Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta and are widely spoken across the islands. Maltese is a Semitic language with deep Arabic roots, heavily influenced by Sicilian, Italian, and English, and it is the only Semitic language written in a Latin script. English has been widely used since British rule and remains the primary language of business, law, and education. The bilingual nature of Maltese society makes communication straightforward for most international visitors.
What is the geography of Malta like?
Malta is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world, comprising a modest archipelago in the central Mediterranean. The terrain is generally low-lying and rocky, characterised by limestone plateaus, sheltered harbours, and a deeply indented coastline. The islands have no rivers or mountains, and fresh water has historically been scarce. Geologists note that a land bridge once connected Malta to Sicily, and the islands' fossil record includes remains of dwarf elephants and hippopotamuses from that earlier era.
What is Malta known for?
Malta is known for its extraordinary concentration of megalithic temples, some of the oldest free-standing structures on Earth, predating Stonehenge and the Egyptian pyramids. The island is also celebrated for its elaborate village festa traditions, where rival parishes stage spectacular fireworks displays and street processions in honour of patron saints. Malta has become a significant hub for online gaming, financial services, and film production — several major Hollywood productions have used its historic harbours and fortifications as backdrops. The local cuisine, including dishes such as rabbit stew (fenek) and pastizzi, reflects the island's layered Arab, Sicilian, and British heritage.

Last reviewed 2026

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