Malta
Malta can look back on a thousand-year-old history and travelers will spot these tracks and testimonies everywhere. The eventful history of the island goes back to the year 4,000 B.C. The small Maltese island has impressive cultural monuments of different epochs. At the sight of temple complexes from Stone Age, Roman aqueducts or the impressive fortifications of the Order of Malta you will feel like being in a huge outdoor museum. The island was conquered by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Ostrogoths, Arabs, Normans, Spanish and from 1530 on also by the Order of St. John who since then is called «Order of Malta». After the victory over the Napoleonic brigade in the year 1800, Malta was British until its independency in the year 1964.
Despite the long membership to the British Empire that also introduced the English language, the islanders kept their own language, the Maltese. The Maltese has its origin in the Arabic and was enriched by Italian influences. Today it is the second official language.
The Maltese consider themselves a mixed race that was formed by the different conquests. On the one hand the residents present the Italian and Arabian frankness and hospitality, on the other hand also the British accuracy as well as the French savoir-vivre that makes every day a feast is noticeable.
Malta is very charming and yet very intense. It is a beautiful sunny island in the Mediterranean Ocean. It is one of the smallest cities of the world, with a population of approx. 400'000 people. The Republic of Malta consists of many small islands, only three of which are inhabited: Gozo, Comino and Malta. They drive on the left hand side, just as they do in England, but with their hands on the horn, just as they do in Italy, and they have an afternoon siesta just as they do in the Arabian world and in Spain. They also worship the ocean, just as their ancestors did before them. Malta is situated between Sicily and North Africa and offers something special for every visitor.
The Maltese love to party. All through the summer “festas” take place. There is always some occasion – mostly a saint that is celebrated. Therefore every single small village celebrates its own festivity with parades, decorated streets, images of saints, brass music and illuminated churches shine and finally the obligatory firework is displayed. Religion rates very high in Malta: The whole isle counts 365 (!) churches. One of the most important holidays is the Easter festival. In merely endless processions scenes from the bible are presented.
Malta is known for its Mediterranean cuisine. Besides fish dishes and different vegetables, another Maltese specialty is rabbit meat in all variations. You can still taste the influences of the different nations who have ruled over Malta in its cuisine.
The national drink is called «kinnie» and is a bittersweet lemonade made from Maltese bitter oranges and different aromatic herbs, including wormwood.
Malta’s flora and fauna is quite poor in species. The green spots consist mainly of bushes which are called «macchie».
The animals on Malta are neither poisonous nor dangerous. Among others there are mice, rats, hedgehogs, rabbits, bats, weasels, chameleons as well as other nontoxic snakes. In spring and autumn Malta is an important destination for migrating birds. However, the migrating birds are endangered because of the fowling which has become very popular in Malta.
On the landscape, especially on the main island, there are karsted areas and chequered fields where in summer picturesque red and white oleander bushes bloom.
The drinking water is a precious good in Malta because there are neither rivers nor lakes. The water must therefore be produced either by desalinating sea water or collecting rainwater which can be difficult especially during dry summers. Because of the almost nonexistent growth of trees the soil is at high erosion risk. Malta is mainly flat. Although there are hardly any mountains there are many precipitous cliffs and numerous caves.
Malta became independent in 1964 and has been a Republic since 1974. Since May 1, 2004 the small state is a member of the EU. The political state is stable. Before your departure, please inform yourself about Malta on the website of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (www.eda.admin.ch).
The central location of Malta in the Mediterranean Sea and its strategic importance has been recognized and used by many nations. Remains of tremendous megalith temples indicate that there must have been humans in the New Stone Age.
In the 8th century B.C. the Phoenician sailor power occupied the island. Around 480 B.C. the Carthaginians conquered the territory and built colonies before in 218 B.C. the Romans took Malta and it became part of the Roman world empire. After the end of the Roman world empire the Byzantines occupied the island until the Arabs seized the power in 870 A.D. Later, Malta became a colony of Sicily and was governed by different Spanish seigneurs.
Around 1530, the Knights of St. John who had to flee from Rhodes came to Malta. For almost 300 years the Order of Malta dominated over the island and left magnificent constructions. From 1800 on, after a short guest performance of Napoleon, Malta became British which still is noticeable today in many situations in the country.
Since the early 20th century the Maltese fought for independency. In the year 1947 London gave Malta back its autonomy and announced its independency on September 8, 1964.
On May 1, 2004 Malta became a member of the European Union. Since January 2008 the Euro is the official currency.
Sandy and rocky beaches as well as small swimming bays make you want to enjoy the sea and the sun. The average sea temperature between May and October is 23°C. A constant sea breeze provides a comfortable cooling and ensures the ideal conditions for sailors and windsurfers. People who love to explore the ocean depths can go diving and be fascinated by the rocky underwater scenery.
On land there is the possibility to go horse riding and to play golf, tennis or squash.
Historico-cultural interested people will come across traces of earlier centuries.
In the cities you can pass time visiting museums or art exhibitions, going to the cinema or shopping and treat yourself to some fine food in one of the numerous restaurants.
The ideal climatic conditions throughout the year make Malta the perfect travel destination.
Information regarding the country