Malta

I

Introduction

Malta, independent island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Kemmuna, and two uninhabited islets. Malta is a tiny country, covering a total area of just 316 sq km (122 sq mi). Deep channels separate the islands, the largest of which is the island of Malta. The capital city and leading port is Valletta, on Malta.

The Maltese islands are the rocky peaks of limestone mountains that rise from the sea south of Sicily. Sandy beaches break the rocky coastlines in some places. Washed by warm, clear waters, the islands are renowned for excellent diving. Summers are warm and dry, thanks in part to the hot sirocco winds that blow in from the Sahara to the south. Rainfall and fresh water are scarce, forcing residents to rely on desalinization plants for a stable water supply.

Malta was home to an ancient civilization. Prehistoric megalithic monuments dot the countryside. These include extensive stone temple complexes that predate Stonehenge and the pyramids of Egypt by many centuries. Much of Malta’s medieval architecture, from Norman cathedrals to baroque and Renaissance palaces, remains well-preserved. Narrow cobblestone streets wind through ancient fortified cities. In summer tourists flock to Malta to enjoy its balmy weather, picturesque cities and countryside, and archeological riches.

Located in the relatively narrow straits that separate Sicily and the coast of North Africa, Malta is of great strategic importance, and the islands have changed hands many times throughout recorded history. The United Kingdom gained control of Malta in the early 19th century, making it a British colony. The Maltese people maintained a distinctive national character and independent spirit, however, and in 1964 Malta became an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations.

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II

Land of Malta

The area of the largest island, Malta, is 246 sq km (95 sq mi); of Gozo, 67 sq km (26 sq mi); and of Kemmuna, 3 sq km (1 sq mi). The combined area of the uninhabited islets, Kemmunett and Filfla, is 0.3 sq km (0.12 sq mi). The total area of Malta is 316 sq km (122 sq mi). The axis of the island group runs from Malta in the southeast to Gozo in the northwest, with tiny Comino in between.

The Maltese islands are low-lying limestone plateaus. The islands are generally treeless, and the land has a gently rolling surface. Many of the hills are terraced for farming, giving much of the countryside the appearance of giant steps. The islands reach their highest point in southwestern Malta’s Binġemma Hills, which rise to 239 m (784 ft) above sea level. The best natural harbors are found on Malta. Gozo lacks good harbors.

Malta has hot, dry summers, and mild, humid winters. The mean temperature is 19°C (66°F). Average annual rainfall is modest—about 56 cm (about 22 in)—although in some years rainfall is as low as 25 cm (10 inches). Most precipitation falls between September and May. Malta has no permanent rivers or lakes. Pressures from farming, industry, and continued growth in tourism have placed a severe strain on Malta’s scarce water resources. Today, up to 70 percent of Malta’s water comes from plants that desalinate salt water.

III

People of Malta

The population of Malta (2007 estimate) is 401,880. Malta is highly urbanized, with only about 8 percent of the people living in rural areas. The overall population density is 1,272 persons per sq km (3,294 per sq mi), making Malta one of the most densely populated nations in the world.

The capital and leading port of the country is Valletta (population, 2004 estimate, 7,137), on the island of Malta. Located on Malta’s northeast coast, Valletta stands on a rocky peninsula lined by two natural harbors—the Grand Harbour to the south and Il-Port ta’ Marsamxett to the north. A well-preserved walled city dating to the 16th century, Valletta is famous for its palaces and cathedrals, public squares, and imposing defensive fortifications.

The largest city in the Maltese islands, Birkirkara, with a population of 22,435 (2004 estimate), is located in central Malta. But the majority of the people live in the towns and suburbs near Valletta and its twin harbors. Many villages and towns date to medieval times.

The people of Malta are predominantly Roman Catholic, and Catholic religious influences remain strong. Maltese villages regularly observe the feast days of their patron saints, called festas, with prayers and much celebration. The people speak Maltese, a language derived from Arabic. Over time, the language has incorporated a large influx of vocabulary from other languages, including Italian (particularly the Sicilian dialect) and English. Maltese is the only Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet (see Latin Language). Both Maltese and English are official languages, and Italian is widely spoken. Maltese is generally used in courts and other official settings and education is conducted primarily in English. Education is free and compulsory for children between the ages of 5 and 15. The University of Malta, founded by Jesuits in Msida in 1592, provides university-level education.

Nationally, the Maltese celebrate the Imnarja, a harvest festival held in June during the Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and the Regatta on September 8, which celebrates Malta’s victory over the Turks during the Great Siege of 1565 and Malta’s resistance to Axis bombing during World War II. However, the largest celebration in Malta occurs in mid-February during the festival of Carnival. Cultural influences dating to Malta’s colonization by Britain remain strong. Soccer is the national sport. As in Britain, people drive on the left side of the road.

IV

Economy of Malta

Malta has few valuable raw materials and a small domestic market for its products. For many years, the chief activity driving Malta’s economy was servicing the military bases maintained by the United Kingdom. The decline of British military spending in the late 1950s, and Malta’s independence in 1964, led to new initiatives to diversify the economy. Efforts to promote tourism and foreign investment in a variety of newer industries proved largely successful, and Malta’s economy expanded briskly in the 1990s, although the country experienced a period of weak economic growth following the global economic slowdown in 2001.

In May 2004 Malta became a full member of the European Union (EU). Malta’s annual budget deficits remain high by EU standards, however, and the nation has undertaken measures to reduce public expenditures. In 2005 Malta’s gross domestic product (GDP) was $5.6 billion.

Dry-dock facilities in Valletta were expanded in the 1970s, and ship construction and repair became a leading industry. Other important industries include textiles, electronic goods (especially semiconductors), food processing, printing and publishing, tobacco products, furniture, and pharmaceuticals.

Since the 1970s, tourism has become the fastest growing and most important sector of the economy. Today, tourism generates about one-third of Malta’s annual GDP. In 2005 the country had 1.2 million visitors, with many tourists arriving on cruise ships that dock in Valletta’s Grand Harbour. Due to its favorable location, Malta is also a transportation center with well-developed port facilities.

Maltese farmers grow a wide range of crops, although agriculture remains of limited economic importance. Most of Malta’s crops are cultivated on terraced slopes. The principal crops include wheat, barley, potatoes, tomatoes, melons, a wide variety of vegetables, citrus fruits, and flowers and seeds. Some poultry (see fowl), rabbits, cattle, goats, and sheep are raised. Because the population is dense and the soil is generally poor, Malta must import most of its food. Just 2 percent of the labor force is employed in the agricultural sector.

Malta is heavily dependent on trade for imports of food, energy, and raw materials. Manufactured goods are exported. In 2002 exports earned $2.1 billion, and imports cost $2.8 billion. In January 2008 Malta adopted the euro, the currency of the EU, as legal tender, replacing the Maltese lira.

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