FX.co ★ What we know about Malta: interesting facts and current development trends

Malta is a group of islands

It will be useful to learn that the state of Malta consists not of one but of seven small islands four of which are completely uninhabited. On the largest of them, Gozo and Malta, the local population lives, the third island, Comino, provides attractive conditions for wealthy tourists.

Malta and Sicily are historically related

This version, common among many archaeologists and historians, is substantiated by the almost complete identity of the early Maltese and Sicilian cultures. It is believed that once Malta and Sicily were connected by the isthmus which later went to the bottom of the ocean. At the moment, being completely surrounded by the waters of Mediterranean, Malta doesn't share any land borders with any state.

Maltese culture goes back more than one thousand years

The growing popularity of Malta as a tourist destination is due not only to the picturesque beaches of Malta or its direct connection with the Knights Templar and their fabulous riches but mainly to prehistoric megalithic temples and religious sanctuaries that are older than the Egyptian pyramids for not less than a thousand years. These are the oldest buildings on Earth which are included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Sunsets, one of the most beautiful on the Mediterranean, add their own charm to numerous architectural monuments.

The State of Malta is over 50 years old

Regardless of the ancient culture, Malta as an independent state exists a little more than 50 years. Until 1964, it was a British colony, in 1974 it became a republic, and in 2004 it joined the European Union.

Gambling is officially allowed in Malta

Despite its rather modest size, in the territory of the Maltese state, there are more than a hundred casinos, halls of slot machines, lotteries, bookmakers and betting exchanges. Low tax rates and progressive legislation in the regulation of gambling have made this country a thriving center of the European online gambling industry. Thanks to the support of the state, which guarantees to entrepreneurs the maximum degree of security and confidentiality in the conduct of business in this industry, anyone who has sufficient funds can open a casino here.

Malta is the territory of crafts

In the small town of Ta' Qali, there are workshops of the best craftsmen of Malta: potters, jewelers, glass blowers and many others. Such kind of needlework as Ganutell originated here, in Malta.

Maltese cuisine is interesting and diverse

Traditional Maltese cuisine is rich and diverse. Travelers are especially excited about interesting pies made of puff pastry with filling (ricotta cheese or pea puree) - delicious pastizzi. Usually, people drink kinnie with them, a local soft drink made from bitter chinotto oranges, local spices, and herbs.

There are a lot of filming locations in Malta

Thanks to the beauty of its untouched nature, the calm sea and the abundance of ancient artifacts, Malta is attractive to Hollywood cinema. So, you can see the popular archaeological arch, located on the Gozo Island, the so-called Azure Window, in the first episode of the series "Game of Thrones". Here, too, such famous films as "Troy", "Gladiator" and "Captain Phillips" were shot.

In 2017, after strong storms, the famous limestone rock in the form of an arch collapsed before it could get on the list of UNESCO World Heritage sites.

There are no rivers, mountains and forests in Malta

Guests of Malta should be aware that none of the seven islands of the state have forests, mountains, and rivers. The water here is worth its weight in gold and is very expensive. Seawater passes through desalination plants and is used for domestic needs, for drinking most people buy bottled water.

The capital of Malta was built as a city-fortress

Valletta, the largest port and trade center of the country, was founded in the 16th century by members of the Order of St. John, the oldest active knightly order in the world. Most of the city's buildings were built exactly in those days, and there are few modern buildings. Valletta's planning, creating an image of a chessboard, deserves attention: the narrow streets are built in parallel with each other, and those that cross them pass at a right angle only.

Malta becomes the center of European education

In recent years, many foreigners have come to the island to study at English schools which cost 30%-40% less than in other European countries. As a rule, Maltese schools accept preschoolers, schoolchildren, students and retired people, so anyone who wants to tighten up their English gets an opportunity to achieve what they want.