Information about Malta and its history

People of Malta

Malta as an average of 1,160 people per km² (3,000 people per mile²). This makes Malta one of the most densely populated countries in the world. For comparison, the United States has 21 people per km² (55 per mile²).

Malta has been inahabited since prehistoric times and was first colonised by the Phoenicians. After that the Romans, the Knights of St. John and Jerusalem and the British among others have had an influence on Maltese life from one degree to another.

Most of the foreign nationals living in Malta are either active or retired British citizens and their families and are centred around Sliema and the more modern surrounding suburbs. There is also a growing number of North African Muslim people living in Malta, of which many are married to a Maltese national. There has been a number of Maltese nationals converting from Christianity to Muslim, and although Roman Catholicism is by law the religion of Malta, the law grants them full liberty of conscience and the right of free worship is guaranteed on the island. Due to this a number of faiths have places of worship on the Island. Malta has two official Languages - Both Maltese and English, although Italian is widely understood.

Arts, Culture and Music of Malta

The Maltese culture reflects various influences, mainly Italian and British, who ruled Malta until 1964. The Maltese people are overwhelminglt Roman Catholic and the Church's influence is strong with divorce and abortion banned by law.

As a result of British influence and an official anti-Italian policy, the use of Italian has declined and English has become the national language of education along with Maltese in 1934. Despite this Italian television is widely watched, having been available long before the country introduced it's own services in the 1960's.

British influcences remain strong, with many people following English football, even though the Italian Serie A league is followed. As in the UK, traffic drives on the left, and many British cars from the 60's and 60's are sill driving around today.

Economy of Malta

Malta posseses very few raw materials and a very small domestic market. Due to this, much of Malta's economic development has been based around the yourist industry and this now accounts for around 30% of it's GDP. Malta also exports a range of manufactured products, of which many are semi-conductors. These account for around 75% of Malta's total exports.