Malta

Southern Europe

Malta is a country in Southern Europe, home to 540,000 people, with an area of 316 km². Its capital is Valletta.

Capital: Valletta
Population: 540,000
Area: 316 km²
Region: Southern Europe
Density: 1,709 / km²
Status: Sovereign state

Malta · Southern Europe · map loads on click

Population: UN World Population Prospects, 2024 revision. Area: CIA World Factbook.

What Malta is known for

Malta is best known for Valletta, The Blue Lagoon and Mdina.

Malta is a small island country located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy. It is known for its beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and warm climate. The country has a rich cultural heritage, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors, Knights of St. John, French, and British.

Malta at a glance

Language: Maltese and English are the official languages, with Italian also widely spoken
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Religion: Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion in Malta, but other religions are also practiced
National dish: Fenkata (a stew made with rabbit meat)
Climate: Malta has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The country receives most of its rainfall in the winter months
Main industries: Tourism, financial services, information technology, electronics, and pharmaceuticals
GDP: $16.8 billion (nominal, 2021 estimate)
Development: Malta is considered a developed country with a high human development index (HDI) ranking of 34 out of 189 countries (2020)

Things to do in Malta

Some of the main tourist attractions in Malta include:

Valletta the capital city of Malta and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its baroque architecture and historic forts.
St. John's Co-Cathedral: a stunning cathedral located in Valletta, known for its ornate interior and paintings by Caravaggio.
The Blue Lagoon a beautiful lagoon on the island of Comino, with crystal clear waters and a sandy beach.
Mdina a medieval walled city known as the "silent city," with narrow streets, historic buildings, and beautiful views.
The Hypogeum of Hal Saflieni an underground burial chamber dating back to 4000 BC, considered one of Malta's most important archaeological sites.
The Megalithic Temples of Malta a series of prehistoric stone temples dating back to 3500 BC, also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Three Cities a group of three fortified cities on the Grand Harbour, known for their history and architecture.
Popeye Village a unique attraction built for the 1980 film "Popeye," featuring colorful houses and daily shows.
The Malta Experience a multimedia show in Valletta that tells the history of Malta.
The National Museum of Archaeology a museum in Valletta that houses some of Malta's most important archaeological finds.

These are just a few examples of the many attractions that Malta has to offer. The country is also known for its beautiful landscapes, beaches, and crystal clear waters, making it a popular destination for scuba diving and other water sports.