The Republic of Malta is a small Island nation in the Mediterranean. It comprises seven islands and lies south of Sicily, Italy and North of Libya. Malta has traces of civilisation from more than 3500 years ago and houses the oldest freestanding structure in the world. The Phonicians colonised the islands in 700 BC, but 300 years later they fell under Carthage rule. In 218 BC, Malta became part of the Roman Empire.

The islands prospered under Roman rule, which lasted for almost 600 years, after which they were ruled first by Byzantine and then by Arabs. From 1000 AD, Malta was ruled by a succession of Norman kings until the islands in 1530 were given to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem by the Spanish King who had owned Malta for some time. The knights managed to hold on to the islands until they were conquered by Napoleon in 1798. French rule was short lived, however, and the islands rebelled successfully two years later with British aid. In 1814, Malta became part of the British Empire, which lasted until independence in 1964. In 1974, Malta became a republic and member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004.

Inhabitants: 402,000
Area: 316 km2
Capital: Valletta (6,000 inhabitants, largest city is Birkirkara with 22,000 inhabitants)
Languages: Maltese, English
Religion: Catholics (98%), others (2%)
GDP (PPP) per capita: $20,300
Government: Parliamentary Republic
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild rainy winters and hot dry summers.