| OVERVIEW |
| |
| Background |
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. Since about the mid-1980s,
the island has become a freight transshipment point, financial
center, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate
for EU membership. |
| Natural
resources |
limestone, salt, arable
land |
| Land
use |
arable land: 31.25%
permanent crops: 3.13%
other: 65.62% (1998 est.) |
| Population |
400,420 (July 2003 est.)
|
| Ethnic
groups |
Maltese (descendants of
ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements
of Italian and other Mediterranean stock) |
| Religions |
Roman Catholic 98% |
| Languages |
Maltese (official), English
(official) |
| Literacy |
definition: age 10 and
over can read and write
total population: 92.8%
male: 92%
female: 93.6% (2003 est.) |
| Capital |
Valletta |
| Government
type |
republic |
| Independence |
21 September 1964 (from
UK) |
| National
holiday |
Independence Day, 21 September
(1964) |
