About Malta (EU)

Halfway between Europe and North Africa lays the Maltese archipelago consisting of 3 main islands. Malta is the largest island. Of the three islands, Malta can be considered to be the hub of administrative and commercial activities.

Because of its strategic geographic location and its excellent harbours, Malta has always been a major attraction to the world’s maritime powers. As a result, Malta was ruled by many foreign powers, starting with the Phoenicians and ending with the British. Thus Malta was in continuous contact with diverse cultures, which greatly enriched the islands’ historical, archaeological and cultural heritage.
Today, Malta’s relaxed lifestyle, its climate and sea make it a favourite holiday destination.

The Maltese economy has experienced a shift over the years - from a manufacturing based economy the islands have moved towards a more service-oriented industry. The growth in the services sector is mainly due to great human resource potential found in Malta and its strategic location in a very important region. In the past few years steady growth has been registered in the provision and development of niche financial services and Information and Communication Technology and tourism services.

Malta's climate is typical of the Mediterranean; sunny and with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall.

Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English, a legacy of British rule that lasted over 160 years. Malta became independent in 1964, a republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in May 2004.