12 Shocking Things About MALTA That Will Leave You Speechless

Summary

Discover the hidden gems of Malta, a small Mediterranean island nation with a rich history, diverse culture, and surprising facts. From its strategic location influencing empires to its dense population and unique lifestyle, Malta offers a tapestry of experiences, including UNESCO heritage sites, affordable public transport, and a national dish with a story. Explore the island's charm and resilience, from ancient tunnels to modern-day attractions.

Takeaways

• 🏝️ Malta is a small but richly historical archipelago located between Italy and Libya, with a history dating back to around 5,900 BC.
• 🌍 Known as the Republic of Malta, it has been a crossroads of civilizations, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and serving as a crucial naval base throughout history.
• 🇲🇹 Despite being the 10th smallest country by area, Malta is the fifth most densely populated sovereign country, with a population of around 519,000 in just 316 square km.
• 🏰 Malta boasts three UNESCO World Heritage sites, showcasing its rich history and architectural prowess.
• 👥 The close-knit Maltese community is known for its interconnected social network, where many residents may share mutual friends or relatives.
• 🚗 With over 30,000 cars registered for every 450 people, Malta has one of the highest car densities in the world, reflecting a unique relationship with vehicles.
• 🚌 Maltese buses are very affordable, offering extensive public transport options that are budget-friendly for locals and tourists alike.
• 💧 Malta ingeniously uses reverse osmosis to convert seawater into drinkable tap water due to the scarcity of surface water sources.
• 🐰 The national dish of Malta is rabbit stew, 'Stuffit Tal-Fenek', which has been a part of Maltese culinary history for centuries.
• 🎬 Malta was one of the filming locations for Season 1 of 'Game of Thrones', contributing to its growing tourism appeal.
• 🏖️ The island offers a diverse range of beaches, from pristine white sands to rugged rocky cliffs, attracting beach lovers from around the world.
• 🌊 The Blue Lagoon is a mesmerizing turquoise paradise near the island of Comino, accessible only by boat and a popular tourist attraction.
• 🌆 As the most densely populated country in the European Union, Malta's cities are bustling with activity, reflecting its rich history and vibrant culture.

Q & A

What is the official name of Malta?

The official name of Malta is the Republic of Malta.

What historical significance does Malta's location have?

Malta's strategic location in the Mediterranean has made it a naval base of immense importance throughout history, witnessing the rise and fall of empires and serving as a crossroads of civilizations from Phoenicians and Carthaginians to Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and more.

When did Malta become a British colony?

Malta became a British colony in the 19th century, serving as a crucial headquarters for the British Mediterranean Fleet.

How did World War II impact Malta?

During World War II, Malta faced a pivotal moment when it was besieged by the Axis powers, enduring over 3,300 air raids and becoming one of the most heavily bombed places during that time.

What is the population and area of Malta?

Malta has a population of around 519,000 people in an area of just 316 square kilometers, making it the 10th smallest country by area but the fifth most densely populated sovereign country.

What is the relationship between Malta and Italy, particularly Sicily?

Cultural ties between Malta and Italy, particularly Sicily, run deep, with 62 to 66% of Maltese people speaking or having significant knowledge of the Italian language, reflecting a shared history and heritage.

What is the state religion of Malta?

Catholicism is the state religion of Malta, but the country upholds freedom of conscience and religious worship, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusivity.

Why is Malta known for its tourism?

Malta thrives on tourism due to its warmer climate, recreational areas, and architectural wonders, attracting visitors from around the globe and boasting three UNESCO World Heritage sites.

What is unique about the community in Malta?

Malta has a close-knit community where it is common for people to have mutual friends or distant relatives in common, creating an environment of social closeness and a sense of togetherness.

Why do the Maltese have a high car ownership rate?

The Maltese have a unique relationship with their vehicles, with each member of a family often owning a car. This is due to the convenience it provides in navigating the island's narrow streets and alleys, as well as being a part of the Maltese lifestyle.

What is special about Malta's public transportation system?

Malta's public transportation, particularly its buses, are very affordable, with a 2-hour ticket costing only €1.5 in winter and €2 in summer. There are also options like the 7-Day explore card for unlimited rides and the Talia card for residents offering free, unlimited bus rides.

How does Malta address its water scarcity issue?

Malta addresses its water scarcity issue by using reverse osmosis technology to turn salty seawater into crystal clear, safe to drink tap water.

What is the history of the underground tunnels in Valletta?

The underground tunnels in Valletta were initially created during the Great Siege of Malta in 1565 for strategic advantage. Later, the Knights of St. John expanded the network for defense and water drainage systems, and in the 1800s, the British added a subterranean railway.

What is Malta's national dish?

Malta's national dish is rabbit stew, known locally as stuffit tal-fan, which has been a part of Maltese culinary history for centuries.

How did Malta's experience during World War II affect its population?

After the immense destruction Malta faced during World War II, a wave of migration occurred, with many Maltese seeking a brighter future, notably in Australia, where nearly 200,000 people of Maltese descent now live.

Why is Malta significant in the context of Game of Thrones?

Malta is significant for Game of Thrones tourism as several iconic locations from the series, such as Fort St. Angelo, Verdala Palace, and the Mdina Gate, were filmed in these historic Maltese sites.

What makes the Blue Lagoon in Malta unique?

The Blue Lagoon in Malta is unique for its mesmerizing turquoise waters, which are a result of the island's geology and marine environment, making it a popular destination for swimming and relaxation.

What types of beaches can be found in Malta?

Malta offers a diverse range of beaches, from pristine white sand to rugged rocky cliffs and deep blue swimming holes, catering to all types of beach lovers.

Why is Malta considered the most densely populated country in the European Union?

Malta is considered the most densely populated country in the European Union due to its small size of 122 square miles and a population of over half a million people, resulting in a population density of more than 1,300 people per square kilometer.