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'''Malta''' is a small [[archipelago]] nation  in the Mediterranean Sea that is about twice the size of [[Washington, D.C.]] at 316 sq km. Its capital is Valetta. It was a British colony until gaining independence in 1964, and is a member of the [[Commonwealth]]. Its population is just over 400,000.<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html</ref> Malta is mentioned in Acts 28:1-2 of the [[Bible]] as a place where [[Paul]] was shipwrecked: "After we escaped, we learned that the island we were on was called Malta.  The natives of the island showed us no little kindness. They started a fire, and received every one of us, because it was raining and cold."<ref>[[Acts 20-28 (Translated)#Chapter_28]] ([[Conservative Bible Project]]).</ref>

'''Malta''' is a small [[archipelago]] nation  in the Mediterranean Sea that is about twice the size of [[Washington, D.C.]] at 316 sq km. Its capital is Valetta. It was a British colony until gaining independence in 1964, and is a member of the [[Commonwealth]]. Its population is just over 400,000.<ref>https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mt.html</ref> Malta is mentioned in Acts 28:1-2 of the [[Bible]] as a place where [[Paul]] was shipwrecked: "After we escaped, we learned that the island we were on was called Malta.  The natives of the island showed us no little kindness. They started a fire, and received every one of us, because it was raining and cold."<ref>[[Acts 20-28 (Translated)#Chapter 28]] ([[Conservative Bible Project]]).</ref>

==People==

==People==

Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 3,000 inhabitants per square mile (1,160 per square kilometer). This compares with about 55 per square mile (21 per square kilometer) for the United States. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Malta was first colonized by the Phoenicians. Subsequently, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, and the British have influenced Maltese life and culture to varying degrees. Most of the foreign community in Malta, predominantly active or retired British nationals and their dependents, centers around Sliema and surrounding suburbs. There is also a growing North African community of about 4,000 (2007). The Constitution establishes Roman Catholicism as the religion of Malta; however, it also guarantees full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship and a number of faiths have places of worship on the island. Malta has two official languages--Maltese (a Semitic language with much vocabulary borrowed from Sicilian Italian) and English. The literacy rate has reached 93%, compared to 63% in 1946. Schooling is compulsory until age 16.  

Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 3,000 inhabitants per square mile (1,160 per square kilometer). This compares with about 55 per square mile (21 per square kilometer) for the United States. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Malta was first colonized by the Phoenicians. Subsequently, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, and the British have influenced Maltese life and culture to varying degrees. Most of the foreign community in Malta, predominantly active or retired British nationals and their dependents, centers around Sliema and surrounding suburbs. There is also a growing North African community of about 4,000 (2007). The Constitution establishes Roman Catholicism as the religion of Malta; however, it also guarantees full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship and a number of faiths have places of worship on the island. Malta has two official languages—Maltese (a Semitic language with much vocabulary borrowed from Sicilian Italian) and English. The literacy rate has reached 93%, compared to 63% in 1946. Schooling is compulsory until age 16.  

*Population (2007): 401,880.

*Population (2007): 401,880.

*Ethnic divisions: Caucasian Maltese.  

*Ethnic divisions: Caucasian Maltese.  

*Religion (2003): Roman Catholic, 98%.  

*Religion (2003): Roman Catholic, 98%.  

*Languages: Maltese, English.  

*Languages: Maltese, English.  

*Education (2003): Years compulsory--until age 16. Attendance--96%. Literacy--93%.  

*Education (2003): Years compulsory—until age 16. Attendance—96%. Literacy—93%.  

*Health (2007): Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)--3.82. Life expectancy at birth--males 76.95, females 81.47 (2007 est.)

*Health (2007): Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births)--3.82. Life expectancy at birth—males 76.95, females 81.47 (2007 est.)

*Labor force (2007 est.): 145,768; public sector 29%, services 43%, manufacturing 17.6%, construction and quarrying 8.0%, agriculture and fisheries 2.4%

*Labor force (2007 est.): 145,768; public sector 29%, services 43%, manufacturing 17.6%, construction and quarrying 8.0%, agriculture and fisheries 2.4%

===Principal Government Officials===

===Principal Government Officials===

*President-- Marie Louise Coleiro Preca

*President—Marie Louise Coleiro Preca

*Prime Minister--Joseph Muscat

*Prime Minister—Joseph Muscat

*Minister of Foreign Affairs--Michael Frendo  

*Minister of Foreign Affairs—Michael Frendo  

*Ambassador to the United Nations--Saviour Borg  

*Ambassador to the United Nations—Saviour Borg  

===Political Conditions===

===Political Conditions===

[[Image:Malta.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Valletta, Malta]]

[[Image:Malta.jpg|right|200px|thumb|Valletta, Malta]]

Two parties dominate Malta's polarized and evenly divided politics--the Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and the Malta Labor Party, led by Alfred Sant. Elections invariably generate a widespread voter turnout exceeding 96%. The margin between the two parties is so narrow that a 52% share of the votes is considered a "landslide" for the winning party. Alternattiva Demokratika (Green Party) is the smallest political party. It has not managed to secure a parliamentary seat since its inception in 1989. A new independent political party, Azzjoni Nazzjonali (National Action), is expected to make its debut in the upcoming elections that must take place by August 2008.  

Two parties dominate Malta's polarized and evenly divided politics—the Nationalist Party, led by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, and the Malta Labor Party, led by Alfred Sant. Elections invariably generate a widespread voter turnout exceeding 96%. The margin between the two parties is so narrow that a 52% share of the votes is considered a "landslide" for the winning party. Alternattiva Demokratika (Green Party) is the smallest political party. It has not managed to secure a parliamentary seat since its inception in 1989. A new independent political party, Azzjoni Nazzjonali (National Action), is expected to make its debut in the upcoming elections that must take place by August 2008.  

A 2003 referendum resulted in a 54% majority popular vote in favor of membership in the European Union. The Prime Minister called an early election in April 2003 for a definite mandate from the electorate. The Nationalists returned to power with 51.8% and 35 seats for a second term, and EU membership was confirmed. The Labor party earned 47.5% and 30 seats, Alternattiva Demokratika had 0.7%, and independent candidates were negligible. Voter turnout was 96%.  

A 2003 referendum resulted in a 54% majority popular vote in favor of membership in the European Union. The Prime Minister called an early election in April 2003 for a definite mandate from the electorate. The Nationalists returned to power with 51.8% and 35 seats for a second term, and EU membership was confirmed. The Labor party earned 47.5% and 30 seats, Alternattiva Demokratika had 0.7%, and independent candidates were negligible. Voter turnout was 96%.  

During the first eight months of 2007, economic growth increased by 3.6%. Possessing few indigenous raw materials and a very small domestic market, Malta has based its economic development on the promotion of tourism, accounting for roughly 30% of GDP, and exports of manufactured goods, mainly semi-conductors, which account for some 75% of total Maltese exports. Since the beginning of the 1990s, expansion in these activities has been the principal engine for strong growth in the Maltese economy.  

During the first eight months of 2007, economic growth increased by 3.6%. Possessing few indigenous raw materials and a very small domestic market, Malta has based its economic development on the promotion of tourism, accounting for roughly 30% of GDP, and exports of manufactured goods, mainly semi-conductors, which account for some 75% of total Maltese exports. Since the beginning of the 1990s, expansion in these activities has been the principal engine for strong growth in the Maltese economy.  

Tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings derived from tourism have steadily increased since the late 1970s. The introduction of low-cost flights in 2007 was the main contributor to the 7.6% increase in tourist arrivals since January 2007. Many cruise lines have also added Malta as a destination in 2007, and the sector has seen a 26.6% increase since January 2007. The relatively flexible labor markets kept unemployment fairly steady at 3.9% between January-June 2007. With its highly educated, English-speaking population, Malta has seen growth in high value-added manufacturing and in the services sector, away from the traditional low-cost manufacturing in textiles. The banking system remains highly concentrated with two of the four local commercial banks accounting for about 90% of total loans and deposits.  

Tourist arrivals and foreign exchange earnings derived from tourism have steadily increased since the late 1970s. The introduction of low-cost flights in 2007 was the main contributor to the 7.6% increase in tourist arrivals since January 2007. Many cruise lines have also added Malta as a destination in 2007, and the sector has seen a 26.6% increase since January 2007. The relatively flexible labor markets kept unemployment fairly steady at 3.9% between January–June 2007. With its highly educated, English-speaking population, Malta has seen growth in high value-added manufacturing and in the services sector, away from the traditional low-cost manufacturing in textiles. The banking system remains highly concentrated with two of the four local commercial banks accounting for about 90% of total loans and deposits.  

The Maltese Government has pursued a policy of gradual economic liberalization, taking some steps to shift the emphasis in trade and financial policies from reliance on direct government intervention and control to policy regimes that allow a greater role for market mechanisms. Malta's accession into the EU marked the total dismantling of protective import levies on industrial products, increasing the outward orientation of the economy. Malta joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM-II) in 2005 to put itself on the path to enter the Eurozone in January 2008; under the ERM-II, the Maltese Lira has maintained a hard peg to the Euro. In July 2007, the European Economic and Financial Council voted to approve Malta's entry to the Eurozone for January 1, 2008.  

The Maltese Government has pursued a policy of gradual economic liberalization, taking some steps to shift the emphasis in trade and financial policies from reliance on direct government intervention and control to policy regimes that allow a greater role for market mechanisms. Malta's accession into the EU marked the total dismantling of protective import levies on industrial products, increasing the outward orientation of the economy. Malta joined the Exchange Rate Mechanism II (ERM-II) in 2005 to put itself on the path to enter the Eurozone in January 2008; under the ERM-II, the Maltese Lira has maintained a hard peg to the Euro. In July 2007, the European Economic and Financial Council voted to approve Malta's entry to the Eurozone for January 1, 2008.  

*Per capita income: $15,165.

*Per capita income: $15,165.

*National resources: Limestone, salt.  

*National resources: Limestone, salt.  

*GDP composition by sector, 2006: Services (75% of GDP). Industry (22.5% of GDP): Types--, semiconductors, electronics, information and communications technology, shipbuilding and repair, rubber and plastic products, toys, jewelry, food, beverages. Agriculture (2.5% GDP): Products--fodder crops, potatoes, onions, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables.

*GDP composition by sector, 2006: Services (75% of GDP). Industry (22.5% of GDP): Types--, semiconductors, electronics, information and communications technology, shipbuilding and repair, rubber and plastic products, toys, jewelry, food, beverages. Agriculture (2.5% GDP): Products—fodder crops, potatoes, onions, Mediterranean fruits and vegetables.

*Trade (2006): Exports--$2.79 billion: Types--machinery and transport equipment, miscellaneous manufactured articles, chemicals, semi-manufactured goods, food, mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials, beverages and tobacco, crude materials. Major markets--Eurozone area, U.S., Singapore. Imports--$4.24 billion: Types--Machinery and transport equipment, miscellaneous manufactured articles, semi-manufactured goods, food, mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, chemicals, beverages and tobacco, crude materials, miscellaneous transactions and commodities. Major suppliers--Eurozone area, U.K., Singapore, U.S.

*Trade (2006): Exports--$2.79 billion: Types—machinery and transport equipment, miscellaneous manufactured articles, chemicals, semi-manufactured goods, food, mineral fuels, lubricants, and related materials, beverages and tobacco, crude materials. Major markets—Eurozone area, U.S., Singapore. Imports--$4.24 billion: Types—Machinery and transport equipment, miscellaneous manufactured articles, semi-manufactured goods, food, mineral fuels, lubricants and related materials, chemicals, beverages and tobacco, crude materials, miscellaneous transactions and commodities. Major suppliers—Eurozone area, U.K., Singapore, U.S.

*Trade balance (2006): $1.48 billion.

*Trade balance (2006): $1.48 billion.

*Budget (2007 revised estimates): Revenues $2.86 billion; expenditures $3 billion; capital expenditures of $383 million.

*Budget (2007 revised estimates): Revenues $2.86 billion; expenditures $3 billion; capital expenditures of $383 million.

In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knights of St. John out of Rhodes. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe and after repeated requests for territory to Charles V, in 1530 the Knights were given sovereignty of Malta under the [[suzerain]]ty of the Kings of Sicily. In 1523, a key date in Maltese history, the islands were ceded by Charles V of Spain to the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. For the next 275 years, these famous "Knights of Malta" made the island their domain. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications and embellished the island with numerous works of art and enhanced cultural heritage. In 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. After several months the Knights and the Maltese population prevailed and the Turks withdrew. Over the years, the power of the Knights declined, however, and their rule of Malta ended with their peaceful surrender to Napoleon in 1798.  

In 1522, Suleiman II drove the Knights of St. John out of Rhodes. They dispersed to their commanderies in Europe and after repeated requests for territory to Charles V, in 1530 the Knights were given sovereignty of Malta under the [[suzerain]]ty of the Kings of Sicily. In 1523, a key date in Maltese history, the islands were ceded by Charles V of Spain to the Order of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. For the next 275 years, these famous "Knights of Malta" made the island their domain. They built towns, palaces, churches, gardens, and fortifications and embellished the island with numerous works of art and enhanced cultural heritage. In 1565, Suleiman the Magnificent laid siege to Malta. After several months the Knights and the Maltese population prevailed and the Turks withdrew. Over the years, the power of the Knights declined, however, and their rule of Malta ended with their peaceful surrender to Napoleon in 1798.  

The people of Malta rose against French rule, which lasted two years, and with the help of the British evicted them in 1800. In 1814, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire. Under the United Kingdom, the island became a military and naval fortress, the headquarters of the British Mediterranean fleet. During World War II, Malta survived relentless raids from German and Italian military forces (1940-43). A crucial moment in Maltese history was August 15, 1942, when five out of 14 vessels that formed part of "Operation Pedestal", and that included the American tanker SS Ohio, broke through the Nazi blockade of Malta to deliver fuel and food to the starving population. The arrival of the vessels was the turning point in the Maltese islands' fate and became known as the Santa Marija Convoy, for the August 15 Feast of the Assumption locally known as Santa Marija. In recognition, King George VI in 1942 awarded the George Cross "to the island fortress of Malta--its people and defenders." President Franklin Roosevelt, describing the wartime period, called Malta "one tiny bright flame in the darkness--a beacon of hope for the clearer days which have come." In September 1943, the Italian fleet's surrender in Malta was signed by U.S. General [[Dwight Eisenhower]] and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio. Victory Day, celebrated on September 8, commemorates victory in the 1565 Great Siege, and the end of the WWII attacks in Malta.  

The people of Malta rose against French rule, which lasted two years, and with the help of the British evicted them in 1800. In 1814, Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire. Under the United Kingdom, the island became a military and naval fortress, the headquarters of the British Mediterranean fleet. During World War II, Malta survived relentless raids from German and Italian military forces (1940–43). A crucial moment in Maltese history was August 15, 1942, when five out of 14 vessels that formed part of "Operation Pedestal", and that included the American tanker SS Ohio, broke through the Nazi blockade of Malta to deliver fuel and food to the starving population. The arrival of the vessels was the turning point in the Maltese islands' fate and became known as the Santa Marija Convoy, for the August 15 Feast of the Assumption locally known as Santa Marija. In recognition, King George VI in 1942 awarded the George Cross "to the island fortress of Malta--its people and defenders." President Franklin Roosevelt, describing the wartime period, called Malta "one tiny bright flame in the darkness--a beacon of hope for the clearer days which have come." In September 1943, the Italian fleet's surrender in Malta was signed by U.S. General [[Dwight Eisenhower]] and Italian Marshal Pietro Badoglio. Victory Day, celebrated on September 8, commemorates victory in the 1565 Great Siege, and the end of the WWII attacks in Malta.  

Malta obtained independence on September 21 1964, initially retaining Elizabeth II as head of state, and became a presidential republic on December 13 1974. It joined the European Union on May 1 2004, and adopted the Euro as currency January 1 2008.

Malta obtained independence on September 21, 1964, initially retaining Elizabeth II as head of state, and became a presidential republic on December 13, 1974. It joined the European Union on May 1, 2004, and adopted the Euro as currency January 1, 2008.

Malta lends its name to the Maltese breed of [[dog]]; a breed of small toy dogs with long white hair. Maltese dogs were first bred in [[Italy]]. <ref>http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm</ref>

Malta lends its name to the Maltese breed of [[dog]]; a breed of small toy dogs with long white hair. Maltese dogs were first bred in [[Italy]].<ref>http://www.dogbreedinfo.com/maltese.htm</ref>

==References==

==References==

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