Wikijunior:Europe/Malta

Malta is a tiny country and island in southern Europe. It's the smallest European Union country in size and population. Its capital city is Valletta. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004 and uses the Euro as its currency.

Malta's History

Malta gained independence in 1964 and is currently a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, as well as the European Union which it joined in 2004.

Map showing the location of Malta in Europe

Ramla Bay

The national flag of Malta.

Malta's Geography

Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea about 93km south of Sicily. The three largest islands are Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna). The climate is Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. There are only two seasons, which makes the islands attractive for tourists, especially during the drier months. However, strong winds can make Malta feel cold during the springtime.

Malta's People

The country's official languages are Maltese and English. Italian was an official language of Malta until the 1930s, and is widely spoken as a second or third language. Native Maltese people make up the majority of the island. However there are minorities, the largest of which are British people, many of whom retired to Malta.

Primary schooling has been required since 1946, and secondary education became required in 1971 up to the age of sixteen. Education is required between the ages of 5 and 16 years. While the state provides education free of charge, the Church and the private sector run a number of schools in Malta and Gozo, such as St. Aloysius' College in Birkirkara. Most of the teachers' salary in Church schools is paid by the state.