Malta – The Little Island

Republic that Packs a Big Punch

A tourist’s guide to life in Malta

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Introduction• The Mediterranean island

nation of Malta is a republic that lies 50 miles south of Italy

• Covering just 122 square miles (316 km²) it is the World’s 10th smallest sovereign state

• Formerly a territory of the British commonwealth, Malta gained independence in 1964

Malta Fact File

Capital City: Valletta

Languages: English and

Maltese

Population: 446,000

Currency: Euro

Head of State:

President (currently

Marie Louise ColeiroPreca)

Official Religion:

Catholicism

A Brief history of MaltaFirst settled in the Stone Age, pottery found by

archaeologists in Malta has been dated to 5200BCand on the northern island of Gozo stand some of the

oldest known free-standing structures in the worldsuch as the megalithic temples of Ggantija.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C4%A0gantija#/media/File:Ggantija_Temples_(1).jpg

A Brief history of Malta

By around 500BC the islands had been settled by the Phoenician empire, who in turn gave way to the

Romans and then the Byzantine empire.

Malta became an important Mediterranean trading post in a key strategic position.

Following the Byzantines Malta fell to the Normans, the Spanish and the French (under Napoleon) before becoming part of the British

Empire in 1814.

A Brief history of Malta

During the Second World War Malta remained under British control despite its proximity to Axis controlled waters. Its strategic position made it a highly desirable target for German and Italian forces who besieged Valletta and other major settlements and military installations.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Malta#/media/File:Flag_of_Malta.svg

For their bravery in resisting the Axis forces the Maltese were collectively awarded the George Cross by King George VI and ever since this has been a part of the national flag.

Maltese Cuisine

Malta’s rich history has seen it develop a diversified range of traditional dishes with influences from England, Italy, north Africa and the Middle East.

The national dish is stewed rabbit, called Fentaka.

Other popular dishes include pizza, pasta, seafood stews, savoury pastries and stuffed vegetables.

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Things to do in Malta

The islands of Malta are stuffed full of fascinating sights to take in, with ancient ruins, stunning churches and paradisiacal lagoons and beaches.Culturally rich, there are a variety of excellent museums across the islands, including the superb National Museum of Archaeology in Valletta.

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Nightlife in Malta

The Mediterranean pace of life is evident in the abundance of al fresco restaurants, late night bars and trendy nightclubs, offering a slice of evening entertainment suitable for everyone.

Check out Paceville for some of the most happening nightspots of Malta, many of which don’t get going until long after midnight.

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Nightlife in Malta

Locals and tourists alike tend to embrace the many Maltese bars and clubs all year round. With the younger folk coming out first but tending to head home around midnight, it is in the small hours that the island really gets pumping.

You’ll often find a large quotient of foreign students out on the town who’ve come to learn English in Malta as it’s a very popular destination for language courses.

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Love Malta!

• Whether you want a quiet and relaxing beach holiday or something more lively, Malta has the lot and despite its small size really does offer something for everyone

• Thanks for reading my guide to Malta. Feel free to check out some of my other SlideShares, and follow me on Twitter too!