10 interesting facts about Malta

Malta is a beautiful small island nation in Europe with unique nature, culture, and many other interesting features. Here is a small selection of interesting facts about Malta.

10 PHOTOS

1. Malta is not one island.

Not everyone knows that Malta actually consists of seven small islands. Only two of them, Gozo and Malta, have a permanent population, while the third, Comino, has a luxury resort. The other four islands are completely uninhabited.

2. Perhaps once Malta was part of Italy.

Among many archaeologists and historians, there is an opinion that in prehistoric times the islands of Malta and Sicily were connected by a land isthmus, which later went to the bottom of the ocean. This theory is supported by the almost complete identity of the early Maltese and Sicilian cultures.

3. The Maltese culture is very ancient.

There is evidence that civilization in Malta has existed since at least 5000 BC. For example, the Maltese Megalithic Temples are among the oldest structures on Earth.

4. Malta has been an independent country since 1964.

After 150 years of existence as a British colony, Malta won its state independence in 1964, became a republic in 1974, and in 2004 joined the European Union.

5. Malta is one of the largest gaming centers in Europe.

Thanks to its low tax rates, this tiny Mediterranean country has become the center of a thriving European online gambling industry that includes online sports betting, online casinos, poker, and other games.

6. Malta is the unofficial capital of artisans in Europe.

A small town called Ta-Kali is famous for the highest concentration of artisans of various specialties: potters, jewelers, glass blowers, and many others. It seems impossible to find a craft that is not represented there.

7. Maltese cuisine is unique in many ways.

One of the most interesting dishes in Malta is the delicious pastizzi, a puff pastry baked with ricotta cheese or mashed peas. It is customary to drink this delicacy with Kinnie - a local soft drink made from bitter kinotto oranges, spices, and herbs collected in the Maltese islands.

8. Films are often made in Malta.

With the beauty of its unspoiled nature, calm sea, and the presence of ancient artifacts, Malta looks very attractive for Hollywood cinema. Such famous blockbusters as "Troy", "Gladiator" and "Captain Phillips" were filmed here. Several episodes of Game of Thrones were also filmed in Malta.

9. Malta has no forests.

Surprisingly, none of the seven islands of the state have forests, even the most modest ones. Even in Malta, there are no mountains and rivers.

10. The capital of Malta is truly unique.

Valletta is the first European capital to be planned before construction began. The city was founded by members of the Order of St. John, the oldest knightly order in the world, which still exists today. Valletta is famous for its abundance of architectural monuments and for its sunsets - some of the most beautiful in the Mediterranean.