8 Fascinating Facts About Malta
8 Fascinating Facts About Malta Most People Don't Know.
What do you imagine to be a fact that’s captivating when you think about the Mediterranean Island of Malta? The sun, beaches, or the olive trees?
Perhaps you imagine a place full of relaxed islanders spending most of their time on the beach with lots of fruits and beer.
Well, you wouldn’t be too far off. Except that the Island of Malta has a lot more fascinating facts that most people around the world aren’t aware of.
In this post, I’m going to introduce you to the Malta we know and have come to love (sometimes grudgingly) since we moved here nearly 10 years ago.
GENERAL FACTS ABOUT MALTA
Located in the heart of the Meditteranean sea, Malta is a jewel that seems lost between Europe and Africa, yet holds a strong stance among giants of both continents.
Being a tiny (not just small but super tiny!) nation in the EU doesn’t deter Malta from making big waves internationally. From being active in EU politics to Hollywood and more.
In addition, it is one of Europe’s main holiday spots due to its mild weather, incredibly blue and clear waters, and cultural heritage.
So now that we have a little background about Malta, let’s see how many of these 12 fascinating facts you already know (or don’t).
- FASCINATING FACT #1: MALTA IS THE 10th SMALLEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD
First of all, when asked, many people from outside Europe have never even heard of Malta. I’ve met several people who give us a blank stare when we say that we live in Malta (Ha! You’re one of them, right?). When you look at the map and consider the fact that it is a mere dot (that completely disappears the more you zoom out) in the sea, it is no wonder that this island is a mystery to many.
According to the EU Facts and Figures, Malta is the smallest country with 315.4 square kilometers as compared to France’s 633,186.6 square kilometers. That’s roughly the size of Chicago. Yup!
Besides being the smallest country in the EU, It also proudly carries the title of the 10th smallest in the world!
So like many people, when Pietro mentioned to me about 10 years ago that his job was taking us to Malta. I had a blank stare on my face!
I was like: “What? Where? Malta, like the drink?”. You see, in my ignorant mind, I was thinking of a malt drink we have in Nigeria called Malta Guinness. Ha ha!
True story.
- FASCINATING FACT #2: MALTA IS FULLY INDEPENDENT AND AUTONOMOUS
Another fascinating fact that seems to surprise many people is the fact that Malta is not annexed to Italy.
Yep! Most people assume it is an Italian territory probably due to its size and proximity to Sicily, Italy. However, that is not the case. Throughout history, it had been occupied by various empires including the Arabs, Ottoman, Roman, French, and English. In September 1964, after a British rule of 161 years, Malta gained its independence and is now a fully autonomous nation.
In fact, you can still find a lot of British relics scattered about the island. The Brits still love Malta too and make up a sizeable proportion of tourists to the island.
- FASCINATING FACT #3: VALLETTA, THE CAPITAL OF MALTA, IS A UNESCO HERITAGE SITE
Valletta, the capital of Malta, is without a doubt one of the most beautiful, and culturally rich cities in Europe. From the medieval buildings with their characteristic colourful balconies to the narrow streets that house several churches and 0ver 300 monuments, it is no wonder that it gained the title of a world heritage site in 1980.
This magnificent fortress of a city has the most monuments found in a city in the world and is often referred to as an open-air museum. It became the European Capital City in 2018 which means attests to its cultural diversity and heritage.
You can read more about the history of Valletta here and why it was chosen as a world heritage site by UNESCO.
- FASCINATING FACT #4: MALTA ENDURED 15,000 BOMBS TO EARN THE TITLE OF "MOST BOMBED COUNTRY IN WW11"
This is perhaps one of the most compelling facts about Malta. Imagine a tiny area which is but a speck in the world being attacked, besieged, and bombed from all fronts and still surviving!
Yup! That’s exactly what happened to this tiny Island during WWII.
As a British colony back then, Malta was an important military and commerce base, serving both Europe and Africa. As such, it was a strategic position for the British Forces during that time and provoked a fight for its control.
To earn the undesirable title of “The Most Bombed Country in Europe” the Malta and the Maltese people went through:
- 15,000 tons of bombs, 6,700 of which landed on the Grand Harbour, Valletta.
- 154 long and hard days and nights of air raids
- 4 years of continuous bombardment
It is only by the tenacity, resourcefulness, and bravery of the Maltese people that most of the population survived. They dug underground for shelter, expanding what already was there from medieval times into an intricate web of intriguing underground rooms complete with prayer niches, electrical cables, and floor tiles (the rich must always leave their mark, right?).
Today, one can wander the lovely streets of Valletta without a thought as to what’s buried underneath. However, interest in the underground world (including a famous war room) has picked up worldwide fervour. So you can actually have an underground tour when you visit.
Fascinating, right?!
If you’re interested in war stories and stuff like that Forbes has a really interesting article on Malta’s fascinating role in WWII which you can read here.
- FASCINATING FACT #5: MALTA IS A HOLLYWOOD FAVOURITE
From blockbusters such as The Gladiators to all-time classics like Popeye, and even the newest Jurassic Park franchise, Jurassic World Dominion (2022), Malta has seen more than its share of Hollywood directors and actors.
Much more than most countries in Europe can boast of, I dare say. Since we moved here in 2014, we have witnessed 6 heavy-budget movies (that we know of, anyway!)
Some iconic movie spots to visit on a visit to Malta include:
- POPEYE: Popeye Village in Mellieha (The entire movie set is now a park)
- WORLD WAR Z: Fort St. Elmo, Valletta
- JURASSIC WORLD DOMINATION: Floriana, Birgu, and Pembroke
- GAME OF THRONES SEASON 1: Gate of Mdina
You might also be interested in 8 Things You Shouldn’t do While Travelling
- FASCINATING FACT #6: THE MALTA VS GOZO LOVE-HATE RELATIONSHIP
So, I may not have mentioned this before, but another interesting fact about Malta is that it’s an archipelago, comprising 3 Main Islands and a couple of other tiny (microscopic!) ones.
- Malta, the main Island and the biggest of them all.
- Gozo called “The Sister Island”, which is about a third the size of Malta; and
- Comino, the smallest of the 3 with only 2 inhabitants (snap that jaw closed my dear)
Looking from the outside, the Maltese (and Gozitans, excuse me) seem all similar in traditions, mannerisms, and language. However, a closer look will reveal a different story.
The most noticeable differences can be found between the Maltese and the Gozitans. On the surface, they have different geographical locations, ID Cards, and Administrative offices. On a deeper level, you can find variations in dialects, dress sense, and even cuisine!
Take this article on the difference between the making of “Ftira”, a local Maltese bread, in Malta and Gozo.
The Clash is real people!
This diversity brings me to my next point.
- FASCINATING FACT #7: THE MALTESE LANGUAGE IS PERHAPS THE MOST DIFFICULT IN THE WORLD
Being somewhat diverse as I mentioned before, it is no surprise that the Maltese language would also have variations in the form of dialects and accents.
So what’s so fascinating about the Maltese Language? Well, having been through several civilizations, The Maltese language has evolved over time. These days, it’s a Semitic and Afroasiatic language, derived mainly from Sicilian Arabic (9th-14th centuries).
What this means is that it sounds like a mix of Arabic and Sicilian with a dash of French from the brief French rule and a sprinkling of English from latter years.
Whenever I hear Maltese being spoken, I can’t help but be amazed at how much I understand while at the same time not understanding anything at all! Pretty cool, huh?
So, obviously, my bamboozled ears cannot recognise the differences between Maltese and Gozitan Maltese, or the even more subtle (to my ears at least), Sliema accent in the northeast vs the Southern Marsaxlokk accent (or is it a drawl? No clue!).
Whatever the case, I understand enough to know when a clash of words is over when I hear “Mhux problema” (Can you translate that phrase? It’s so easy!)
- FASCINATING FACT #8: THE MALTESE ARE MULTILINGUAL AND MULTICULTURAL
Another fact that is really inviting is the number of languages spoken on this tiny Island. Given its history, it’s only normal that Maltese and English are the official languages. Next to that, Italian and Arabic are also highly spoken.
This appealing point is one of the reasons we feel very comfortable in Malta.
Everyone speaks a different language! Both Foreigners and Maltese. At least 80% of the residents in Malta can Speak 2 or more languages. Apart from Maltese and English (that’s 2 already), at least 70% of Maltese can speak or understand Italian, while others can speak other languages.
I think this is why it is easy for the Maltese to Migrate to other countries quite easily. In turn, Visitors can move around with ease because, you’ll almost certainly come across someone who can speak your language even if you’re from Nigeria, like me!
In addition, with tourism and other ventures, the vibe is mostly multicultural except perhaps, in some remote (that’s a scream) villages.
So, now that you know a little bit more about Malta, what do you think about this fascinating little country in the Meditteranean?
Have you ever visited? Is there something you’d like to know more about? Or something you think is more fascinating but isn’t on the list?
Let me know in the comments section below.
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Isabella & Pietro
TRZ TEAM
A couple with a zest for all things travel, a love for motorcycles, and a voracious appetite for good food!
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Malta looks beautiful and sounds really interesting! Thank you for going so in depth in this post!
I’m glad you found the information interesting. If you ever plan a trip to the Mediterranean, be sure to add Malta to the list!
Gorgeous place and always of interest to me…it is now firmly on the “DO” list…thank you for elevating this small country
I’m pleased that you’ve decided to move it up your list. You’ll definitely have a lovely time in Malta.
I am one of those with blank stares on their faces… I did not know about Malta but I am happy to hear about it as you make it sound and look like a fascinating country. Thank you for sharing!
Hey Josanne, I’m glad you found it interesting to read and learn about Malta. Now, you can pass on the knowledge. 🙂