Malta
Malta
- Capital
- Valletta
- Population
- 525,285
- Region
- Europe
- Languages
- Maltese, English
Malta is home to some of the oldest free-standing structures in the world, including prehistoric megalithic temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids by more than a thousand years. These UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim, showcase sophisticated architectural techniques from a civilization that thrived during the Neolithic period. The islands also feature a network of mysterious ancient tracks known as 'cart ruts' carved into the limestone bedrock, whose exact purpose remains a subject of archeological debate today. Furthermore, the entire capital city of Valletta was built from scratch by the Knights of St. John following the Great Siege of 1565.
Currency
The official currency is the Euro, identified by the ISO code EUR, which was adopted on January 1, 2008. Before this transition, the country used the Maltese Lira, which was notable for being one of the world's highest-valued currency units, often worth more than two British Pounds.
Flag symbolism
The flag of Malta consists of two equal vertical bands of white on the hoist side and red on the fly side. In the upper corner of the white band sits the George Cross, a British military decoration outlined in red. This cross was awarded to the entire population of Malta in 1942 for their exceptional heroism and bravery under siege during World War II. The red and white colors are traditionally attributed to Roger I of Sicily, who allegedly tore a corner of his own checkered banner to give to the Maltese people in the 11th century.
Emblem history
The current coat of arms of Malta, adopted in 1988, features a shield depicting the national flag's red and white vertical bands. Above the shield rests a gold mural crown with a sally port and five turrets, symbolizing the ancient fortifications that protected the islands throughout centuries of naval warfare. The shield is flanked by an olive branch on the left and a palm frond on the right, representing peace and the traditional Maltese heritage respectively. At the base, a white ribbon displays the national motto 'Repubblika ta' Malta' in black capital letters.