15 Interesting Facts About Malta

Introduction

Malta is an archipelago of islands situated in the Mediterranean Sea, and is home to one of the world’s smallest and most densely populated countries. From the glistening Mediterranean cliffsides to the winding streets of Valletta, the Maltese archipelago is filled with history, vibrant culture, and a unique set of traditions. Here are 15 interesting facts about Malta that will give you an insight into what makes this tiny archipelago so special.

Fact 1: Malta Was Home to the World’s First Animal Hospital

Malta is home to the only Maltese Animal Hospital, the world’s oldest veterinary hospital that is still in existence. It was founded in 1830 by Sir Alexander Dickson, a Cavalry Officer of the British Army. The hospital was the first of its kind to treat animals without any cost, and even today it has an on-site veterinary clinic and animal foster centre. While the hospital is now home to more than 80 different species, it originally only had two: a sloth bear and a pelican.

Fact 2: UNESCO Recognizes Malta’s Nine Megalithic Temples

Malta is home to some of the world’s earliest and most outstanding Neolithic temples, which have been named as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temples date back to approximately 3400BC and five of them are located on the main Maltese islands, while the remaining four are located on the tiny island of Gozo. It is believed that the ancient temple builders utilised the Maltese islands’ natural bounty of boulders and rocks, as well as its unmistakable geographical position, to craft these fascinating, unique structures.

Fact 3: Malta Is Steeped in History

With its strategic geographical position in the Mediterranean, Malta has seen a multitude of rulers throughout its long history, including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the French, and the British. It is believed that Malta’s rich and captivating history, including the most famous one – the Siege of Malta in 1565- has left an unmistakable and enduring mark on the Maltese nation.

Fact 4: Malta Is Home to the World’s Oldest Surviving Theatres

One of Malta’s most treasured cultural gems is the Manoel Theatre, also known as Teatru Manoel, located in the capital city of Valletta. Constructed in the late 1700s, it is the oldest working theatre of its kind, and one of the oldest surviving theatres in the world. It is also the home to the Maltese National Orchestra, which stages performances year-round.

Fact 5: Malta Is One of the World’s Most Densely Populated Nations

Malta is one of the world’s most densely populated nations, with 416 people per square kilometer. This means that Malta is home to more than 33,000 residents per square mile. Despite the small size of Malta’s mainland, the country boasts a population of over 400,000 inhabitants – making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Fact 6: Malta Is Home to Six Different Species of Reptiles

Malta is home to six different species of reptiles: the Maltese Mediterranean Geckos, the Moorish Geckos, the Turkish Geckos, the Western Green Lizard, the Wall Lizard, and the Spur-Thumbed Lizards. These species can all be found living among the country’s rocks and cliffs, or scattered among the valleys and hillsides.

Fact 7: Malta Is Home to Many Species of Wild Birds

Malta is home to a wide variety of birds, including numerous species of migratory birds that make their home in the country each year. Some of Malta’s more common bird species include the migrant birds from Southern Europe, such as the Black Kite, the Marsh Harrier, and the Common Buzzard.

Fact 8: Malta Was the First Nation to Adopt the Euro

Malta was the first nation to officially adopt the Euro as its currency, officially adopting it on January 1st, 2008. Since then, its use as one of the world’s major currencies has continued to grow steadily, thanks in part to Malta’s strong financial sector, economic growth, and close ties with the European Union.

Fact 9: Malta Is the Only Country in the World to Be Completely Surrounded by Blue Flag Beaches

Malta is the only country in the world that is completely surrounded by Blue Flag beaches, a designation given to beaches and marinas with the highest standards of cleanliness and water quality. The majority of Maltese beaches are accessible via public transportation, making them easily accessible to tourists and locals alike.

Fact 10: Malta Is Home to Unique Religious Traditions

In Malta, the religious system of the Maltese people is originally derived from the Catholic faith, with more than 80% of the population being Catholic. In addition to these traditional religious practices, there are also many unique religious practices on the islands, including the veneration of the ancient pagan gods of the Mediterranean.

Fact 11: Malta Has a Unique Cuisine

Malta is home to a unique fusion of various Mediterranean cuisines, including Italian, Arab, and Spanish influences. As an archipelago, the islands also have access to the freshest seafood, with freshly caught lobster, squid, and octopus being common ingredients. In addition to the seafood, traditional Maltese cuisine also includes various vegetables, from artichokes and wild asparagus to fresh tomatoes, peppers, and capers.

Fact 12: Malta Is a Snorkeling and Scuba Diving Paradise

Malta is a popular destination for snorkeling and scuba diving thanks to its clear blue waters and vibrant marine life. The islands are home to some of the most spectacular dive spots in the Mediterranean, including the historic Blue Grotto, as well as other sites such as the Tug Boat wrecks in Gozo.

Fact 13: Malta Is Home to a Unique Vernacular Language

Malta is unique in that it is home to a vernacular language – Maltese, also known as Malti – which is a language derived from the Arab, Italian, and other Mediterranean sources. It is the only Semitic language written in Latin characters, and the official language of Malta.

Fact 14: Malta Is Home to Many Ancient Ruins

Malta is home to many ancient ruins, with some of them dating back to the Neolithic period, approximately 7,500 years ago. Some of the most impressive ruins on the island include the city of Mdina, the ruins of the ancient city of Rabat, and the prehistoric ġgantija Temple on Gozo.

Fact 15: Malta Welcomed Record-Breaking Numbers of Tourists in 2019

In 2019, Malta welcomed a record-breaking number of 3.7 million international visitors, making it one of the most popular tourist destinations in the Mediterranean. International visitors to the islands contributed significantly to the country’s GDP, as tourists flock to Malta to take in its unique culture, landscapes, and rich historical heritage.

Conclusion

The Maltese archipelago is a captivating destination, filled with fascinating history, culture, cuisine and of course, the beauty of its Mediterranean coasts. This collection of interesting facts about Malta have hopefully opened your eyes to the history, beauty, and diversity of the Maltese nation.