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Malta

 Flag of Malta

Last reviewed: 14 May 2009

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HISTORY

Recent History

Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. British forces left Malta in 1979. In the 1970s and 1980s, the then Labour government, led by Dom Mintoff, forged links with the Soviet Union, North Korea and Libya. The Nationalist Party’s election victory in 1987 saw a new emphasis on EU membership. Neutrality remains enshrined in the Constitution.  In March 2008 Malta rejoined Partnership for Peace.

Longer Historical Perspective

There are temples on Malta that date from 3800 BC (eg at Ggantija on Gozo). The Phoenicians colonised the islands around 800 BC. The Romans made Malta part of their empire in 218 BC. St Paul was shipwrecked on Malta in AD 60, and converted the Maltese people to Christianity. Malta was under Arab rule in the 9th and 10th centuries which strengthened the Semitic roots of the Maltese language.

In 1530, the Emperor of Spain gave Malta to the Knights of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St John of Jerusalem. They survived a 3-month siege by the Turks in 1565 and governed until 1798 when Malta fell to Napoleon. In 1800, the Maltese expelled the French with the assistance of the British Royal Navy. In 1814, Malta became a British colony. Malta was an important naval base, being strategically placed between Europe and North Africa. During World War Two, it was subjected to a long blockade and 5 months of bombing raids by the Axis powers. Malta was devastated but did not surrender. In 1942 the island of Malta was awarded the George Cross: a unique tribute to Malta's fortitude.

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