To Listen to the INNU MALTI clck
Malta Facts and Trivia
From 1875 to 1898 the following flag was sometimes flown
From 1898 to 1923 the following flag was sometimes flown
From 1923 to 1943 the following flag was sometimes flown
When the British took over in 1814, the Union Jack was flown along with the Local flag at the time.
From 1943 to 1964 the following flag was sometimes flown
After Malta received the George Cross in 1942 the following flag was flown
Soon after the Labour Party who did not want any reminders of the Red White and Blue - tyranny under Britain - got rid of the blue and designed a new flag. This has flown on the Island Nation since.
It was officially described: Two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red.
At one time there was a land bridge between Malta and Sicily.
Ancient Greeks and Romans called the island Melita - the island of honey.
The earliest evidence of human habitation in Malta was found in the Ghar Dalam Cave.
The Temple at Ġgantija on Gozo predates the Egyptian pyramids.
Malta's megalithic temples are older than England's Stonehenge.
A submerged archway and underwater structures have been discovered off the Maltese coast.
Channels have been found cut in the rock on Malta and in the waters along the coast. This has fuelled speculation that Malta might be the site for the legendary city of Atlantis. Plato, in an account about Atlantis, said that Atlantis consisted of nine rings of land surrounded by nine rings of water.
St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD. Paul converted Governor Publius of the island to Christianity.
The history of the eight-pointed Maltese Cross dates back to the Crusades when Christians fought the Saracens for the Holy Land. The Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem wore the Cross of Amalfi as their symbol. The Knights went to live on Malta and the cross became known as the Maltese Cross.
The Knights of St John ruled the island of Malta from 1530 until 1798.
In 1565 the Ottoman Empire sent an army to take Malta. The Turks were defeated by the Knights of Malta (the Order of St John); following the Great Siege the Knights fortified the island.
Unlike other rulers of the island, the Order of St John did not have a "home country" outside the island. The island became their home, so they invested in it more heavily than any other power. Besides, its members came from noble families, and had amassed considerable fortune due to their services in the route to the Holy Land. The architectural and artistic remains of this period remain among the greatest of Malta's history, especially in their "prize jewel" — the city of Valletta.
Malta's capital city, Valletta, is named after Jean Parisot de la Valette, a Grand Master of the Knights of St John.
The Three Cities is a collective description of the three fortified cities of Cospicua [Bormla], Vittoriosa [Birgu], and Senglea [l-Isla] on the Island of Malta, which are enclosed by the massive line of fortification created by the Knights of St John - the Cottonera Lines.
The tradition of hospices in Malta goes back to the twelfth century. In 1574 the Order of the Knights of St John in Malta built a new hospital. A medical school was founded in 1595.
Malta has many beautiful churches, palaces and auberges that were built by the Knights of Malta.
The University of Malta traces its origins back to 1592.
Napoleon took over the island of Malta in 1798. The French brought an end to the Inquisition which had been introduced by the Knights in 1561.
Malta's Grand Harbour is one of the world's best natural deep-water harbours. During Britain's time in Malta the island served as a British naval base.
The words to the INNU MALTI
English singable translation (René Micallef)
Simplified English translation (May Butcher)
The Malta Union of Teachers, the first Maltese trade union, was founded in 1919.
Malta is a member of the Commonwealth.
In December 2002 Malta took part in EU accession negotiations with nine other countries (Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia). The Accession Treaty was signed on 16 April 2003 with 1 May 2004 the formal entry date.
Religion is 98 per cent Roman Catholic,
Driving in Malta is on the left, the same as in the UK and Ireland, Australia and others.
Malta is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Malta is 6 hours ahead of Eastern Time in the United States and Canada.
Malta covers 95 square miles.
Malta is located in the middle of the Mediterranean and is about 60 miles south of Sicily.
Malta operates on 250 volt, 50 Hz electricity. UK style three-pin square plugs are used.
Due to the inaccessibility of some of Malta's cliffs, these remote locations provide refuge for many threatened and/or specialised species of Maltese flora and fauna e.g. the endemic snail Lampedusa melitensis, the Maltese Rock Centaury (Palucocyanus crassifolius - the National Plant of Malta), the Maltese Salt Tree (Darniella melitensis), and some species with a restricted Mediterranean distribution, such as the Egyptian St. John's Wort (Hypericum aegypticum), the Rock Crosswort (Crucianella rupestris) and the Cliff Carrot (Daucus rupestris).
Kemmunett, one of the smaller islands, supports a lizard population that presents some colour variations from populations found on the other islands of the archipelago and may therefore be a distinct subspecies.
The Maltese Dog is an aristocrat of the canine world, this ancient breed has been known by a variety of names throughout the centuries. Originally called the Melitaie Dog, he has also been known as "Ye Ancient Dogge of Malta". Sometime within the past century, he has come to simply be known as the Maltese. The breed's history can be traced back many centuries. Some have placed its origin at two or three thousand years ago and Darwin himself placed the origin of the breed at 6000 BC.
The Maltese Falcon starring Humphrey Bogaert vaguely refers to the time of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain, who gave Malta to the Knights of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem in 1530, for a yearly rent of a live Maltese Falcon. Falconry was a popular sport in Malta for several years.
Malta's location between mainland Europe and Northern Africa has made it a meeting ground for differing cultures. Settled over 7,000 years ago, Malta has a long and complex history. It is perhaps best known as the home of the Knights Hospitaller after they were evicted from Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire.
Malta became an EU member in May of 2004
Geographic Coordinates 35º 50' N, 14º 35' E
Area Total: 316 sq km
Water: 0 sq km
Land: 316 sq km
Area - Comparative Slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC.
Comparatively P.E.I, has an area about 18 times that of of Malta.
Coastline of Malta is 196.8 km; and that of Gozo is 56.01 km.
Terrain Mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs.
Elevation Extremes Lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m; highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli).
The country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors.
Population 401,880 (July 2007).
Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Area:
total: 316 sq km
land: 316 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land
Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Malta celebrates the 21 September as a National Holiday.
Constitution: 1964 constitution substantially amended on 13 December 1974
Legal system: based on English common law and Roman civil law.
Nationality Noun: Maltese (singular and plural) - Adjective: Maltese.
Ethnic Groups Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock).
Before the arrival of the British, the official language since 1530 (and the one of the educated elite) had been Italian, but this was downgraded by the increased use of English. In 1934, English and Maltese were declared the sole official languages. Since 21st September 1964 (Independence Day) the Maltese language is officially the national language of Malta. The Council responsible for the Maltese language is the National Council for the Maltese Language (www.kunsilltalmalti.gov.mt).
Malta's official Name - Conventional long form: Republic of Malta; Conventional short form: Malta; Local short form: Malta; Local long form: Repubblika ta' Malta
Government Type - Republic
Capital Valletta
Independence from UK was 21 September 1964
Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism.
Currency Euro (January 1, 2008)
Currency Code EUR
Railways 0 km
Roadways total: 2,227 km [paved: 2,014 km, unpaved: 213 km].
Ports and Harbors Marsaxlokk, Marsamxett, Valletta [Grand Harbour].
Malta is officially the Republic of Malta (Maltese: Repubblika ta' Malta), is a southern European country and consists of an archipelago situated centrally in the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north-east of Tunisia, with Gibraltar 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria 1,510 km to the east.
Malta covers just over 300 km² in land area, making it one of Europe's smallest and one of Europe's most densely populated countries.
Its capital is Valletta and the largest city is Birkirkara.
Birkirkara's Parish Church boasts of the largest Bell on the island.
Throughout history, Malta's location has given it great strategic importance and a sequence of powers including the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Fatimids, Sicilians, Knights of St John, French and the British have all ruled the islands.
Malta gained independence from Great Britain in 1964 and became a Republic in 1974, whilst retaining membership in the Commonwealth of Nations. It is a member of the United Nations (since 1964) and a member of the European Union (since 2004). Malta is also party to the Schengen Agreement (since 2007) and member of the eurozone (since 2008).
Malta has a long Christian legacy and is an Apostolic See. According to the Acts of the Apostles,
St. Paul was shipwrecked on "Melita", which many Bible scholars identify with Malta, and ministered there.
Catholicism continues to be the official and dominant religion in Malta.
Malta is known for its world heritage sites, most prominently the Megalithic Temples which are the oldest free-standing structures in the world.
There is no known area in the world the size of Malta that packs in so many and such a variety of ancient relics. These three small islands (Malta - Gozo - Comino), with a total land area of little more than 300 sq.km, have been prey to almost every empire builder in the Mediterranean and have played a role in the history of Europe out of all proportion to their size.
At the very dawn of civilization, however, it was the Maltese who led the way, building massive, megalithic temples, which are now regarded as the oldest, free-standing buildings in the world. The history embraces Neolithic temples older than the Pyramids; grand palaces built by the Knights of St John; great fortresses where history was made; a medieval walled city, lined with patrician houses; and, everywhere, signs of religious devotion, not least of which are the Baroque parish churches with their painted ceilings and faux marble columns that visitors often think they have walked into a cathedral rather than a simple village's centre of devotion.
Gozo, 14 km long and 7 km at its widest point, is less populated and more rural than its big sister Malta, and has many varied attractions, from its ancient Citadel, Stone Age temples and charming small museums to its beaches and unspoiled countryside.
The sun-baked, biblical, summer landscape of terraced hills and valleys turns in spring into a riotous of lush crops, wild flowers and herbs, all bounded by the shimmering sea.
The Citadel or Gran Castello has impressive battlements, an imposing Cathedral - the only one on the islands without a dome - and the quaint remains of old houses. One of these, the so called Norman House, has been restored and is now the Folklore Museum.
The Archaeology Museum has exhibits from the Stone Age to the time of the Knights, such as the finely carved 12th century tombstone of a young Muslim girl, Maimuna, which is particularly moving.
The ramparts provide a magnificent panoramic view of Gozo's haunting landscape, with its distinctive flat-topped hills, tight-packed villages and church domes. Across a glint of sea, Malta can be seen, and on a clear day even Sicily, 90km away, is visible.
The island of Gozo is pleasantly undemanding and its welcome as warm as it has always been.
The Azure Window in Gozo is a natural geological wonder of the world
Haz-Żabbar (also known as Città Hompesch or just Żabbar) is the fourth largest town in Malta. Originally a part of Żejtun, Żabbar was granted the title of Città Hompesch by Ferdinand von Hompesch zu Bolheim the last of the Grandmasters of the Knights of St. John to reign in Malta,. The Grandmaster gave his surname to the city, which is still known as Città Hompesch.
There have been several movies filmed in Malta. One of them, is remembered in "Popeye" Lagoon, a village built as set for the movie
The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980's, the island has become a freight trans-shipment point, financial centre, and tourist destination.
Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Over the last 15 years, the island has become a major freight transshipment point, financial centre, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU membership.
About 5200 BC the first settlers arrived on Malta, from the island of Sicily. These first Neolithic people probably arrived from Sicily (about 100 kilometres/60 miles north), and were mainly farming and fishing communities, with some evidence of hunting activities. They apparently lived in caves and open dwellings. During the centuries that followed there is evidence of further contacts with other cultures, which left their influence on the local communities, evidenced by their pottery designs and colours.
About 3600 BC to about 2500 BC the Temple building period started, construction of the world's oldest free standing buildings in the world at Ġgantija Gozo, of the Mnajdra solar temple complex on Malta and several others. Many of the temples are in the form of five semicircular rooms connected at the centre. It has been suggested that these might have represented the head, arms and legs of a deity, since one of the commonest kinds of statue found in these temples is a fat woman — a symbol of fertility. The Temple period lasted until about 2500 BC, at which point the civilization that raised these huge monoliths seems to have disappeared. There is much speculation about what might have happened and whether they were completely wiped out or assimilated.
After the Temple period came the Bronze Age. From this period there remains of a number of settlements and villages, as well as dolmens — altar-like structures made out of very large slabs of stone. One surviving menhir, which was used to build temples, still stands at Kirkop; it is one of the few still in good condition. Among the most interesting and mysterious remnants of this era are the so-called cart ruts as they can be seen at a place on Malta called Clapham Junction. These are pairs of parallel channels cut into the surface of the rock, and extending for considerable distances, often in an exactly straight line. Their exact use is unknown. One suggestion is that beasts of burden used to pull carts along, and these channels would guide the carts and prevent the animals from straying.
About 700 BC a Greek colony called Melite (from the Doric Greek word for "honeybee") was founded on the main island. The name is thought to be in reference to an endemic species of bee on the island, and the distinctive honey it produces.
About 800-480 BC Phoenicians from Tyre colonized the islands, using them as an outpost from which they expanded sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean. They named the island Malat ("refuge") and lived in the area now occupied by the city of Mdina and its suburb Rabat.
480 BC, the Maltese Islands came under the control of Carthage.
218 BC, Malta was incorporated into the Roman Republic. The islands prospered under Roman rule, and were eventually distinguished as a Municipium and a Foederata Civitas. Many Roman antiquities still exist, testifying to the close link between the Maltese inhabitants and the people of Rome.
60 AD, Saint Paul is shipwrecked on an island identified by many Bible scholars as Malta [Acts 28;1].
395 AD, the Byzantines dominated Malta, following the final division of the Roman Empire.
870 AD, The Aghlabid Arabs conquered Malta - who exerted 220 years of influence on the existing civilization. In addition to their language, Siculo-Arabic, cotton, oranges and lemons and many new techniques in irrigation were introduced. Some of these, like the noria ("waterwheel"), are still used, unchanged, today. Many place names in Malta date to this period. The Phoenician city of Mdina was extensively modified in this period.
1091 AD, Count Roger I of Sicily made an initial attempt to establish Norman rule of Malta and was greeted by the few native Christians. In 1127, his son Roger II of Sicily succeeded. This marked the gradual change from an Arab cultural influence to a European one. In 1191, Tancred of Sicily appointed Margaritus of Brindisi the first Count of Malta. Until the 13th century, however, there remained a strong Muslim segment of society. Tradition has it that he gave two squares from his coat of arms as a flag of Malta.
1127 AD, Norman control over Malta is consolidated under Roger II of Sicily.
1194-1266 AD, Malta and Sicily are ruled by the Swabians (House of Hohenstaufen), who establish the County of Malta whereby Counts rule Malta with some degree of autonomy. and a process of full latinisation started in Malta.
1224 AD, Supposed expulsion of all remaining Muslims in Malta and Sicily.
1266-1283 AD, The Angevins rule Malta and Sicily.
1283-1530 AD, The Crown of Aragon rules Malta and Sicily.
1397 AD, Establishment of the Università, a form of government composed of local aristocrats.
1427 AD, King Alfonso incorporates Malta to the Crown of Aragon (Kingdom of Sicily), abolishes the County of Malta, and promises never to grant Malta as a fief to any third party.
1530 AD, In an effort to protect Rome from Turkish invasion, the then King of Sicily Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor grants the Maltese Islands to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem in perpetual fief, ending four centuries as part of the Kingdom of Sicily.
1565 AD, The Great siege by the Ottoman Empire. From Malta the knights resumed their seaborne attacks of Ottoman shipping, and before long the Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent ordered a final attack on the Order. By this time the Knights had occupied the city of Birgu, which had excellent harbours to house their fleet. Also Birgu was one of the two major urban places at that time, the other most urban place being Mdina the old capital city of Malta. The defences around Birgu were enhanced and new fortifications built on the other point where now there is Senglea. Also a small fort was built at the tip of the peninsula where the city of Valletta now stands and was named Fort St. Elmo. Valletta is the first example of a grid city in Europe. A city that was planned in detail as a whole and built accordingly.
On 18 May 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. By the time the Ottoman fleet arrived the Knights were as ready as they could be. First the Ottomans attacked the newly built fort of St. Elmo and after a whole month of fighting the fort was in rubble and the soldiers kept fighting till the Turks ended their lives. After this they started attacking Birgu and the fortifications at Senglea but to no gain.
After a protracted siege ended on 8 September of the same year, the Ottoman Empire conceded defeat as the approaching winter storms threatened to prevent them from leaving. The Ottoman empire had expected an easy victory within weeks. They had 40,000 men arrayed against the Knights' nine thousand, most of them Maltese soldiers and simple citizens bearing arms. Their loss of thousands of men was very demoralising. The Ottomans made no further significant military advances in Europe and the Sultan died a few years later.
1566 AD, The founding of Malta's new capital city, Valletta. A general strengthening of Malta's fortifications is undertaken. The year after, the Order started work on a new city with fortifications like no other, on a peninsula called Gholja Sciberras which the Ottomans had used as a base during the siege. It was named Valletta after Jean Parisot de Valette, the Grand Master who had seen the Order through its victory. Since the Ottoman Empire never attacked again, the fortifications were never put to the test, and today remain one of the best-preserved fortifications of this period.
1798 AD, Napoleon conquers Malta. During the French administration the French started to steal silver and other precious objects from churches and buildings of the Knights. Most memorable was a solid silver gate from St John's Co-Cathedral. Before they had a chance to steal the other, the Maltese painted it black.
1799 AD, The Maltese revolt against the French. Britain takes Malta under its protection, in the name of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies.
1802 AD, The Peace of Amiens, mandates that Britain return Malta to the Knights of St John, but Britain chooses not to comply.
1814 AD, : Under the Treaty of Paris, subsequently ratified by the Congress of Vienna, Malta becomes a British Crown Colony.
1853-1856 AD, During the Crimean War, Malta serves as a hospital base for wounded combatants, and acquires the nickname Nurse of the Mediterranean.
1914-1918 AD, : Throughout World War I, Malta resumes its role as the Nurse of the Mediterranean as the British ship many casualties to hospitals in Malta, especially following the failed Gallipoli campaign.
1919 AD, Sette Giugno riots - protests over increases in the price of bread. British soldiers fire on the crowd and kill four Maltese protesters during a violent riot instigated by students. The protests lead to greater autonomy for the Maltese.
In 1919, Malta obtained a bicameral parliament with a Senate (abolished in 1949) and an elected Legislative Assembly.
1934 AD, : English and Maltese are declared the sole official languages of Malta, to the exclusion of Italian.
In 1930 the Constitution was suspended that a free and fair election would not be possible following a clash between the governing Constitutional Party and the Church. The Church subsequently imposed mortal sin on voters of the party and its allies.
In 1934 the Constitution was revoked again over the Government's budgetary vote for the teaching of Italian in elementary schools
1935-1939 AD, Benito Mussolini announces his intention to annex Malta to Italy, as part of the larger Mare Nostrum campaign for Italian dominance in the Mediterranean.
10 June 1940 Italy declared of war on Malta. Malta had a garrison of less than four thousand soldiers and about five weeks' of food supplies for the population of about three hundred thousand. In addition, Malta's air defences consisted of about forty-two anti-aircraft guns (thirty-four "heavy" and eight "light") and four Gloster Gladiators "Faith", "Hope", and "Charity" and a spare one, for which three pilots were available.
The reconstructed FAITH was presented to the people of Malta after the war by the R.A.F. To see what it looked like during the war and now while it sits at the Museum, please click here
11 June 1940 ihe first air raids against Malta occurred on; there were six attacks that day. The island's biplanes were unable to defend due to the Luqa Airfield being unfinished; however, the airfield was ready by the seventh attack. Initially, the Italians would fly at about 5,500 m, then they dropped down to three thousand metres (in order to improve the accuracy of their bombs). By the end of August, the Gladiators were reinforced by twelve Hawker Hurricanes which had arrived via HMS Argus. During the first five months of combat, the island's aircraft destroyed or damaged about thirty-seven Italian aircraft. Italian fighter pilot Francisco Cavalera observed, "Malta was really a big problem for us—very well-defended." On Malta, 330 people had been killed and 297 were seriously wounded.
In 1949 the Senate was abolished.
People from the Harbour area evacuated their homes and flocked to shelter inland, others went to live in shelters hewn in the rock. A number of persons were interned by the British authorities and some, including Dr Enrico Mizzi, were deported to Uganda.
To alleviate the hunger people were suffering, Victory Kitchens were set up. This somewhat augmented the meagre rations available.
On 15 April 1942, King George VI awarded the George Cross (the highest civilian award for gallantry) "to the island fortress of Malta — its people and defenders" ........... so as to "bear witness to the heroism and devotion of its people". President Franklin Roosevelt, describing the wartime period, called Malta "one tiny bright flame in the darkness."
The patience of the Maltese was quickly getting lost and various ditties of, "Neħħulna l-George Cross żieduna fil ħobż", soon were being heard all over the Island.
There is an incident of a unique capturing of an Italian Plane without using guns. It is possibly the only one of its kind in the world. Colonel J V Abela tells of an Italian plane that was SOS-ing that it was lost. The "operation douse all lights" came on. The Island was in a black out, and the pilot was talked into landing on Malta. As soon as the plane landed it was surrounded by searchlights and captured without any problems.
1943 AD, Italy announces its unconditional surrender to the Allied forces. U.S. General Dwight Eisenhower and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio sign the Italian fleet’s surrender in Malta.
1956 AD, A referendum is held on the integration of Malta into the United Kingdom. After World War II, the islands achieved self-rule, with the Malta Labour Party (MLP) of Dom Mintoff seeking either full integration with the UK or else "self-determination" (independence), and the Partit Nazzjonalista (PN) of Dr George Borg Olivier favouring "dominion status" which was the same type of independence that Canada, Australia and New Zealand had. Although this received large support in a referendum on 14 February 1956, the Nationalist Party boycotted the referendum and this rendered the result inconclusive.
1958 AD, : Talks regarding the integration proposal break down. The United Kingdom imposes direct colonial rule.
1961 AD, : The State of Malta is created pursuant to the Blood Constitution, which provides for a measure of self-government.
1964 AD, The United Kingdom grants Malta its independence. Malta becomes a Constitutional Monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State.
On 21 September 1964, Malta became an independent state. This is celebrated as Independence Day or Jum l-Indipendenza in Maltese.
1964 - 1970 AD, Malta joins the United Nations and the Council of Europe, and becomes an Associate member of the European Community.
13 December1974 AD, Malta becomes a republic. The last Governor-General, Sir Anthony Mamo, becomes its first President. Malta remains a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. The Gieh ir-Repubblika Act, promulgated the following year, abolished all titles of nobility in Malta and mandated that they not be further recognized.
On 1 April 1979 the last British forces left the island after the end of the economic pact to stabilise the Maltese economy. This is celebrated as Freedom Day Jum Il-Ħelsien on 31 March. Celebrations start with a ceremony in Floriana near the War Memorial. A popular event on this memorable day is the traditional regatta. The regatta is held at the Grand Harbour and the teams taking part in it give it their best shot to win the much coveted aggregate Regatta Shield.
1979 AD, The Military Agreement between Malta and the United Kingdom expires, leading to the closure of the UK's military base.
2003 AD, Referendum on European Union membership.
2004 AD, Malta becomes a member of the European Union.
2008 AD, The euro replaces the lira as the Republic's currency
In the context of EU membership, Malta joined the eurozone on 1 January 2008.
A collection of facts and trivia which you might want to know about Malta
Evolution of the Flag
Malta's flag dates back to Count Roger Norman
Over the years the flag underwent several variations. One of the first was simply two squares, one white at the hoist side, and the other red at the fly side. Tradition says it was given by Count Norman as a token. Another less likely legend is that it was the blood soaked sheet that covered a soldier returning from war.
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A quick Overview
Malta is situated in the Mediterranean Sea between mainland Europe and North Africa.
Innu Malti
For a while Malta did not have a National Anthem. In 1921, Albert Laferla, the director of education, asked Dun Karm Psaila, an accomplished poet, to compose some verses to a music score by Robert Samut. The Innu Malti - the National Anthem of Malta, was born. It was sung for the first time in 1923. In 1941 it was officially designated the national anthem, a status confirmed by the Constitution at independence in 1964.
Lil din l-art ħelwa, l-Omm li tatna isimha,
Ħares, Mulej, kif dejjem Int ħarist:
Ftakar li lilha bil-oħla dawl libbist.
Agħti, kbir Alla, id-dehen lil min jaħkimha,
Rodd il-ħniena lis-sid, is-saħħa 'l-ħaddiem:
Seddaq il-għaqda fil-Maltin u s-sliem.
Guard, Lord, forever, as you´ve done erst and ceasing never,
This land whose name we received, our motherly-named Mother.
Her you have draped with a light whose grace exceeds all other.
On those who govern, sovereign God, bestow understanding,
Grant wellness to those who work, largesse to those employing,
Make firm, make just all our bonds, the peace we are enjoying.
Guard her, O Lord, as ever Thou hast guarded!
This Motherland so dear whose name we bear!
Keep her in mind, whom Thou hast made so fair!
May he who rules, for wisdom be regarded!
In master mercy, strength in man increase!
Confirm us all, in unity and peace!
GENERAL INFORMATION
The 1919 Uprising (Sette Giugno riots) was caused by unrest during the British rule of Malta.
FURTHERMORE ...
When Malta gained her Independence from Britain in 1964, an official Coat of Arms was designed
History
Malta has a chequered colourful history.
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