Fact 1: The Country with Many Languages
Malta is one of the countries in the world where bilingualism is a norm. People in Malta can fluently speak Maltese and English, with some of the population also being fluent in Italian, French and German. The Maltese language itself is a unique blend of Arabic, Italian, and English.
Fact 2: Real-life Movie Set
Malta is a popular filming location for many Hollywood blockbusters. Films like Gladiator, The Da Vinci Code, and Troy, and TV series like Game of Thrones have used the picturesque landscapes and historical architecture of Malta as their backdrop.
Fact 3: Home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The city of Valletta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its Baroque architecture. An intriguing fact is that it is also one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world.
Fact 4: Malta Has The Oldest Free-standing Buildings In The World
Malta boasts the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world: the megalithic temples. These temples are even older than the pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in England!
Fact 5: Malta has a Rabbit Motif
Rabbits hold a special place in Malta's culture. They even serve a traditional dish called Fenkata, which is a slow-cooked rabbit stew. It's common to see rabbit motifs spread across the island.
Fact 6: Sun-Kissed Islands
Malta enjoys an average of 300 days of sunshine per year. This Mediterranean climate makes it an idyllic travel destination almost all-year-round.
Fact 7: Malta Has More Cars Than People
It's an unusual fact, but Malta has a very high car to person ratio, with more than 370,000 registered vehicles for the island's approximately 432,000 inhabitants!
Fact 8: Malta is Not One Island
While many refer to Malta as an island, it is actually an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of three significantly inhabited islands - Malta, Gozo, and Comino - and several uninhabited islets.
Fact 9: Homeland for Knights
In the 1500s, Malta served as the base to the Knights of St. John, who came to island after being driven out of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire. Their influence can still be seen in Malta's architecture and culture.
Fact 10: A Strategic Location in War
Due to its strategic location, Malta has been a coveted territory since ancient times. In the Second World War, Malta played a vital role for the Allies and endured heavy bombings.
Fact 11: Tiny but Dense
With a population of over 430,000 living in just over 316 square kilometres, Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Fact 12: Malta's Azure Window No More
The iconic Azure Window, a limestone natural arch, sadly collapsed into the sea following a storm in 2017.
Fact 13: Colourful Fishing Boats
When you visit Malta, you'll notice the colourful and uniquely designed fishing boats, known as luzzus. The eye of Osiris painted on these boats is believed to protect the fishermen from evil spirits.
Fact 14: Maltese is Unique
The Maltese language is the only Semitic language in the world that is written in Latin script. This makes it quite unique and interesting to language aficionados.
Fact 15: Extensive Fortifications
Malta is home to one of the most extensive free-standing fortifications in the world, built by the Knights of St. John. This fascinating network of forts and walls was crucial for the island's defense throughout history.
Fact 16: The Caravaggio Connection
The renowned Italian painter, Caravaggio, took refuge in Malta in the early 17th century and produced some of his most famous works on the island including "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist".
Fact 17: A Peculiar Public Transport Tradition
Till 2011, Malta boasted of a vintage public bus fleet mostly made up of classic Bedford buses from the UK. Each bus was personally owned and customarily decorated by its driver.
Fact 18: Birthplace of The Maltese Falcon
Dashiell Hammett's iconic book "The Maltese Falcon", which later became a hit Hollywood film, obviously has a connection to Malta. The story revolves around a priceless golden falcon statuette that was said to be a tribute from the Knights of Malta to the King of Spain.
Fact 19: Home to Unique Flora and Fauna
Despite its small size, Malta has a diverse range of unique flora and fauna. This is largely due to its mild winters and hot summers, which create a suitable habitat for several species to thrive.
Fact 20: The Island with an Impressive Internationally Recognized Dance Music Scene
Malta is a hotspot for dance music and has played host to some of the world's biggest DJs and music festivals, including Creamfields and Lost & Found. This vibrant music scene is something the island prides itself on.