Ranked around 185th out of 194 countries by land area, Malta is one of the world's smallest nations. It also holds the title of the smallest country in the European Union. However, with a population of over 550,000, it is one of the most densely populated countries, ranking 8th globally.
The Republic of Malta is a group of seven islands. The largest island is Malta itself, followed by Gozo (about 6 kilometres away from Gozo, or just under 4 miles). Located in between Malta and Gozo is the tiny island of Comino. The other four Maltese islands are uninhabited.
Malta has a population of around 550,000, but its capital, Valletta, is home to just 6,100 residents, making it one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Most of the population lives in the surrounding metropolitan area, including towns like Birkirkara, Sliema, and Mosta. Meanwhile, Victoria (Rabat), the main town on Gozo, has a slightly larger population of around 7,200.
People from Malta are simply called Maltese (not a Malteser - that's a chocolate treat!). Residents of the island of Gozo have their own distinct name - Gozitans
Maltese is spoken by nearly the entire population and is the native language of most Maltese people. English, the country's second official language, is widely spoken, with almost 90% of the population able to communicate in it - although it is primarily used as a second language. Italian was Malta's official language until 1934, and while no longer official, it remains popular, with 66% of Maltese people speaking it today, compared to just 14% in 1931.
Maltese fishing boats are painted in bright colours. Also painted on them are a pair of eyes on each side at the front, a tradition which goes back to ancient Phoenician times. These are the Eyes of Osiris which are said to protect the fishing boats from evil spirits.
The island of Filfla is a small island which is also part of Malta. It is situated about 5 kilometres (3 miles) south of Malta and is uninhabited. It is forbidden to set foot on the island without special permission, or to fish within 1.9 nautical miles of it. This is because it is a nature reserve and also as there are potentially unexploded weapons from the Second World War in the area. An earthquake in 1856 resulted in half a Filfla sinking into the sea, taking with it the only building on the island, a chapel built in 1343.
The United Kingdom awarded the George Cross to Malta in 1942 as a recognition of the country's bravery during the Second World War when it came under heavy attack by Italian and Nazi bombers. Malta became independent from the UK on 21st September 1964 but their flag still features the George Cross in its top left hand corner.
The great-great-grandfather of Britney Spears was born in Malta in 1873. His name was Edward Richard Portelli.
Malta is home to ancient Megalithic Temples. These are some of the oldest man-made structures in the world, with some thought to have been built back in 3600 BC, over 5000 years ago. This makes them older than the pyramids in Egypt, the Great Wall of China, and Stonehenge in England
