Portal:Malta

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Coat of Arms of Malta
Location of Malta in the World

Malta, officially known as the Republic of Malta, is a small island nation comprising an archipelago of seven islands (Malta, Gozo (Għawdex) Comino (Kemmuna) Filfla, Cominotto (Kemmunett) Manoel, Selmunett (St.Paul's Islands)) in the Mediterranean Sea. A country of Southern Europe, Malta lies south of Sicily, east of Tunisia, and north of Libya. The country's official languages are Maltese and English. Roman Catholicism is the most practised religion. The islands constituting the Maltese nation have been ruled by various powers and fought over by many states for centuries. Malta has been a member state of the European Union (EU) since 2004 and it is currently the smallest EU country both in population and in area.


Selected Article

The Sleeping Lady, Museum of Archaeology, Valletta, Malta

The Ħal-Saflieni Hypogeum, Paola, Malta, is a subterranean structure excavated c. 2500 B.C. Thought to be originally a sanctuary, it became a necropolis in prehistoric times. It is the only prehistoric underground temple in the world. The Hypogeum was depicted on a 2 cents 5 mils stamp issued in the Maltese Islands in 1980 to commemorate the acceptance by UNESCO of this unique structure in the World Heritage Site list. It was closed to visitors between 1992 and 1996 for restoration works.

It was discovered by accident in 1902 when workers cutting cisterns for a new housing development broke through its roof. The study of the structure was first entrusted to Father Manuel Magri of the Society of Jesus, who directed the excavations on behalf of the Museums Committee. Magri unfortunately died in 1907, before the publication of the report. Following Magri's sudden death, excavation resumed under Sir Temi Zammit. (more...)

Selected Locality

Marsaxlokk's fishing harbour

Marsaxlokk is a traditional and pictoresque fishing village located in the south-eastern part of Malta, with a population of 3,205 people. The village’s name comes from marsa, which means "harbour" or "bay" in Arabic, and xlokk, which is the local name for the dry sirocco wind that blows from the Sahara; it is pronounced mar-sa-shlok. Marsaxlokk is the foremost fishing village and, perhaps, the most picturesque seaside locality in Malta. Fishing nets are often spread on the quay to dry in the sun and, quite often, sturdy fishermen can be seen mending these nets. These activities, together with the modest houses by the quayside, lend the place charm and serenity. (more...)

Selected Picture

Photo credit: Ies

The Lija Belvedere Tower, a beautiful piece of architecture and a landmark in Transfiguration Avenue in Lija, was built in 1857 as a folly within the garden of Villa Gourgion. Today the Belvedere is in the hands of the Lija Local Council and forms part of the heritage of Lija.

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UNESCO World Heritage Sites

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Malta topics

History Prehistory | Phoenicians and Carthaginians | Roman | Arab rule | Norman and Sicilian rule | Hospitaller rule | Great Siege | French occupation | British protectorate | British colony | Siege of Malta (World War II) | George Cross Award | Independence | EU Membership
Geography Caves of Malta | Fortifications of Malta | Maps of Malta | Islands of Malta | List of cities in Malta
Politics Constitution of Malta | President of Malta | House of Representatives of Malta | Political parties | Foreign relations | Elections | Local Councils of Malta | Armed Forces of Malta
Economy Maltese Lira (Coins of the Maltese lira) | Euro (Maltese Euro Coins ) | Companies | Central Bank of Malta | Retailing in Malta | Trade unions in Malta
Demographics Languages (Maltese, English) | Catholic Church (Archbishop of Malta)
Culture Music | Cuisine | Theatres in Malta | Maltese literature
Other Communications| Transportation | Universities | Flag | Coat of Arms of Malta | Flags and symbols of Malta | Holidays | List of Maltese people | Malta exiles

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