Malta, often known as the Republic of Malta, is a Mediterranean island nation. It is a region of Southern Europe and is made up of an archipelago between Italy and Libya. It is located 333 kilometers north of Libya, 284 km east of Tunisia, and 80 km south of Sicily (Italy). Maltese and English are the two official languages, and 66% of the country’s present population speaks Italian at least conversationally.
Since roughly 5900 BC, people have lived in Malta. Since ancient times, the islands have been contested and ruled by a number of different nations, including the Phoenicians and Carthaginians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Aragonese, Knights of St. John, French, and British, among others, due to their strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean.
Malta is the fourth-most populated sovereign country in the world and the tenth-smallest country by area, with a population of about 516,000 spread across 316 km2. The smallest national capital in the European Union in terms of both population and area is Valletta, which serves as its capital. The Functional Urban Area and Metropolitan Region of Malta, which according to data from 2020 by Eurostat included the entire island had a population of 480,134. According to the UN, ESPON, and EU Commission, “the entire territory of Malta constitutes a single urban region”. In addition to being mentioned in rankings of cities or metropolitan regions, Malta is increasingly referred to as a city-state.
TRENDING FASHION IN MALTA
ACCESSORIES IN MALTA
TRIBES IN MALTA AND THEIR FASHION
The Maltese
The Maltese are a native ethnic group of Malta who speak the Semitic language of Maltese and are united by a common culture and shared history. The inhabitants of Gozo, known as Gozitans, are regarded as a subset of the Maltese. Malta is an island nation in the Mediterranean Sea that is part of an archipelago that also includes the islands of Comino and Gozo.
The Carthaginians
The Carthaginians, who were related to the Phoenicians, later settled in Malta after colonizing Malta. Along with certain textiles and apparel, the Carthaginians in Malta largely produced foods like carobs and olives.
TOURIST AND HISTORICAL PLACES IN MALTA
Popeye Village, Island of Malta – the Popeye Village in Mellieha is a fun spot to spend the day for families traveling with children. One of Malta’s biggest tourist destinations, this quaint site was originally a set for the Robin Williams-starring 1980 film, Popeye.
Mnajdra Temples of the Maltese Bronze Age, Island of Malta – the Mnajdra Temples are located 500 meters distant from the Hagar Qim Temples in a remote area with breathtaking sea views and shares the Hagar Qim site’s UNESCO classification. Three distinct buildings are in this archaeological complex.
The Seaside Charm of Mellieha, Island of Malta – Mellieha is a popular coastal resort for families located in the picturesque countryside of northwest Malta. Because of the nearby busy road, the beach’s natural attractiveness is diminished. With a one and a half kilometer shoreline of beautiful white sand, Mellieha Beach is the longest stretch of sandy shore on the Maltese Islands.
The Medieval Hilltop Town of Mdina, Island of Malta – Mdina offers a getaway to a city from a fairy tale. This charming medieval hilltop village, which is included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is rich in history. To enter the city, visitors must pass through the impressive Main Gate, which gives the sense that they are traveling back in time. Within the vast, historic ramparts of the city lies a fascinating world of car-free streets and lovely, old sandstone structures.
Hagar Qim Temples, Island of Malta – travelers who are enthralled by Malta’s megalithic sites are drawn to the Hagar Qim Temples, which are classified by UNESCO. This archaeological site on Malta’s untamed southern coast is perched atop a rocky plateau with a panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and the Island of Filfla in the distance.
Golden Bay Beach, Island of Malta – golden Bay in Northwest Malta is one of the island’s most beautiful beaches, with its secluded sandy shoreline hidden behind a hilly coastline and sloping cliffs.
Ghajn Tuffieha Bay and Gnejna Bay Beaches, Island of Malta – the pristine beach at Ghajn Tuffieha Bay is two kilometers away from Golden Bay, making the trip worthwhile for those touring the area by automobile. The beach is reached by descending 200 steps and is surrounded by cliffs and undulating hillsides.
Breathtaking Views at Dingli Cliffs, Island of Malta – the Dingli Cliffs are just a short drive or bus ride away from the Blue Grotto in Wied iz-Zurrieq for those who enjoy breathtaking coastal scenery. The location’s remoteness is both its appeal and its disadvantage.
Blue Lagoon, Island of Comino – the Blue Lagoon is a captivating view of turquoise seas lapping over a white sand seabed, giving it an almost tropical feel. Because the water is temperate, there are no waves, and the shallow end is suitable for kids, this large lagoon appears to be a gigantic swimming pool.
The Blue Grotto, Island of Malta – an exhilarating welcome to this magnificent natural wonder is provided by the beautiful coastline vistas on the approach to the Blue Grotto, on a twisting cliffside road high above the Mediterranean Sea. The limestone bluffs and caverns stand in stark contrast to the water’s dazzling blue illumination under the sun.
The Country Village of Zebbug, Island of Malta – this rural community’s history dates back to 1436. Zebbug was made a city by the Grand Master de Rohan, who also constructed the triumphal arch at the town’s entry and changed its name to Citta Rohan.
Valletta – the opulent capital of the Republic of Malta is Valletta, a seaport that is crucial from a strategic perspective. The entire city bears witness to the opulence of the European nobility known as the Knights of Malta, who were given the Maltese Islands by the King of Spain in 1530.
The Idyllic Island of Gozo – the Maltese Islands’ Island of Gozo is the most picture-perfect vacation spot. This little island is the ideal location to unwind for a few days or perhaps a week thanks to its peaceful towns and immaculate beaches.
Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, Island of Malta – at this incredible archaeological site, visitors are astounded by the captivating world of the prehistoric age. Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a Neolithic underground graveyard that has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, was established in that time period. Prehistoric man conducted religious funeral rites and consulted oracles in this network of catacombs.
Prehistoric Tarxien Temples, Island of Malta – the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cult site in Malta is the Tarxien Temples, which are made up of four megalithic complexes and are recognized by UNESCO. The site, which was excavated in 1914, is 5,400 square meters in size and showcases the creative accomplishments of Malta’s enigmatic prehistoric civilisation between 3,600 and 2,500 BC, known as the “Temple Period.”
Prehistoric Tarxien Temples, Island of Malta – the largest and best-preserved prehistoric cult site in Malta is the Tarxien Temples, which are made up of four megalithic complexes and are recognized by UNESCO. The site, which was excavated in 1914, is 5,400 square meters in size and showcases the creative accomplishments of Malta’s enigmatic prehistoric civilisation between 3,600 and 2,500 BC, known as the “Temple Period.”
Siggiewi, Island of Malta – this old Maltese town may be found in the lush Girgenti Valley, which starts close to the Dingli Cliffs, in southwest Malta, halfway between Rabat and Marsaxlokk.
Historical Attractions in Rabat, Island of Malta – the word “Rabat” means “suburb” in Maltese. Compared to Mdina, Rabat is less touristy and more modern, yet it nonetheless has some interesting historical sites.
MUSIC IN MALTA
Due to the significant role that music has always played in Maltese culture and daily life, traditional Maltese folk music has roots that go all the way back to the 16th century. In Maltese, the style of regional folk music is known as ghana.
It is safe to say that Malta’s geographic position had a significant impact on the country’s folk music. In fact, according to scholars, ghana is a fusion of the well-known Sicilian ballad and Arabic music.
In the past, travelers to the Maltese islands have expressed their admiration for the locals’ apparent inherent talent for rhyming and singing. On the islands, this folk music was widely practiced, and both men and women might be heard singing while going about their daily lives.
Some musicians in Malta include:
Ira Losco
Jessika Muscat
Some art work in Malta include:
MEALS IN MALTA
Klamari Mimlija – this is a traditional meal stuff with numerous recipes like ricotta, chopped tentacles, breadcrumbs and onions.
Kannoli – this food offers a fascinating tasting experience from crunchy to soothing and creamy.
Imqaret – a meal originally from Arab that is well taken in Malta.
Sandwich – a traditional versatile bread dish with a cripsy, mildly hard exterior.
Hobza – a bread whose exterior is hard and crusty, while the exterior is soft and spongy.
Ġbejna – a unique tangy, milky and creamy flavoured cheese meal.
Klamari Mimlija
Kannoli
Imqaret
Sandwich
Hobza
Ġbejna
Ftira – this is a delicious breakfast sandwich dish.
Figolli – this dish is found easier during Easter and it has various funny shapes and decorations to attract kids.
Fenek Moqli – this dish is usually paired with crusty bread, fries and baked potatoes.
Braġioli – it is a beef roll stuffed with various ingredients and slow-cooked in red wine.
Alijotta – a traditional delicacy prepared during lent or other occasions like family reunions.
Stuffat Tal-Qarnita – this is octopus boiled in water for a few minutes to minimize the unpleasant odors from the fresh seafood.
Ftira
Figolli
Fenek Moqli
Braġioli
Alijotta
Stuffat Tal-Qarnita
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND HABITAT PROTECTION IN MALTA
According to Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), there are no trees on any part of Malta. According to data from the World Conservation Monitoring Center, Malta is home to 408 recognized species of amphibians, birds, mammals, and reptiles. Of these, 2.7% are in danger of extinction and 0.2% are endemic, meaning they only survive in their native nation. There are at least 914 species of vascular plants in Malta, 0.5% of which are indigenous. IUCN classifications I through V preserve 13.5% of the island nation of Malta.
In all, Malta has protected places, including sites recognized by national laws as well as Natura 2000 sites, including Special Protection Areas (Birds Directive) and Sites of Community Importance (Habitat Directive). 180 species and 30 habitats from the nature directives are protected in Malta’s Natura 2000 sites. Depending on the site’s location, the local biodiversity, the designation being utilized, and the attributes the site is intended to protect, different species and ecosystems are protected in different sites. With 8 sites having more than 20 features, just 1 feature is protected across 4 sites.
EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE IN MALTA
The Maltese Islands will experience varied effects of the worldwide issue of climate change. The Mediterranean region, one of the climate change hotspots, and its inhabitants are extremely sensitive to climate change. There is a risk that records will be broken again soon in Malta as temperature and rainfall patterns continue to alter over the future years and decades. This can be confirmed by the ongoing rise in atmospheric greenhouse gas emissions on a worldwide scale.
Understanding Malta’s climate requires an understanding of how rainfall varies over time. Rainfall is a key component of climate. The location of Malta makes it more likely to face a decrease in precipitation and an increase in the danger of drought as a result of climate change, according to climate model estimates. The marine environment will continue to suffer from growing global warming, additional environmental stressors such ocean acidification, changes in marine ecosystems, and the introduction of alien competitive species.
Climate change will have a mild influence on the Maltese islands. By 2030, there could be an increase in yearly average temperature in the range of 0.53 to 1.320C. By the end of the century, there is a 50% chance that the average annual temperature throughout the Maltese islands will have increased by an additional 30C.
GENDER EQUALITY IN MALTA
Malta is ranked 15th in the EU by the Gender Equality Index, scoring 63.4 out of 100. Malta’s rating is 4.5 points lower than the EU’s rating.
Some prominent women in Malta include:
Helena Dalli – Maltese politician serving as European Commissioner for Equality.
Julia Farrugia Portelli – Maltese politician currently serving as Minister of Inclusion and Social Wellbeing.
Giovanna Debono – Minister for Gozo in a number of Nationalist government in Malta.
Rebecca Buttigieg – Maltese politician from the Labour Party who is currently serving as Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality in the Maltese Government.
Helena Dalli
Julia Farrugia Portelli
Giovanna Debono
Rebecca Buttigieg
Justyne Caruana – Maltese lawyer, politician, former Minister for Gozo and former Minister of Education.
Rosianne Cutajar – Maltese politician of the Labour Party and also a member of Parliament of Malta representing the Sixth District electoral division.
Justyne Caruana
Rosianne Cutajar
