Malta

Malta, located in the heart of the Mediterranean, has a millennia-long history shaped by its strategic position. Inhabited since the Neolithic period, it is renowned for its megalithic temples, some of the oldest religious structures in the world.

It was influenced by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, and Byzantines. In 870 AD, it came under Arab rule, which left a mark on its language and culture. In 1091, it passed to the Normans, becoming part of the Kingdom of Sicily. In 1530, it was granted to the Knights of St. John, who fortified the island and defended it during the famous Great Siege of 1565 against the Ottomans.

Conquered by Napoleon in 1798, it was freed by the British in 1800 and became a British colony. During World War II, Malta played a crucial role and was awarded the George Cross for the bravery of its people.

The island gained independence in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. Today, it is a member of the European Union, blending its rich history with a modern outlook.