Though Malta is tiny, it is still brimming with many exciting and fun facts, proving that big things come in small packages 😎. With its mesmerizing monuments, breathtaking beaches, and lovely weather, it is one of the most famous tourist destinations in the Mediterranean region 🏝️.
Malta is located between Libya and Italy in the heart of the Mediterranean region. It includes 21 islands, among which only three Gozo, Malta, and Comino are inhabited.
So, in this article, let us discuss some fun and interesting Malta Facts.
Exploring Malta Facts
The geographic size and population of Malta
Malta’s beautiful region expands to only 121 square miles or 316 square kilometers. The main island of Malta stretches almost 27 km or 17 miles across, and the total shoreline of Gozo, Malta, and Comino tallies nearly a little more than 271 km or 168 miles 🗺️.
The population size of this area is more than 516,000 👥, and according to population density, it is the 8th most densely populated territory or country in the world.
They filter their drinking water directly from the Ocean
An interesting fact about this country is that they filter their drinking water directly from the Ocean 💧. As Malta has no surface waters like rivers, lakes, or even reservoirs, they need to use ocean water as their primary source of fresh water.
The country Malta uses the process called reverse osmosis to filter the ocean water into safe drinking tap water🌊. Due to this, some tourists do not like the taste of the drinking water of Malta.
There is a ferry that can take people from Malta to Gozo
A ferry in the country connects Malta to its sister island Gozo, which you need to catch to get there 🚢. Gozo is a relatively rural and quiet place, and a permanent connection can worsen the island.
The ferry can be seen from Cirkewwa to reach Mgarr, Gozo. It is mainly a 20-minute trip that goes past Comino straight across the channel between the larger one between the two Maltese islands.
Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Malta has three UNESCO World Heritage Sites 🌍, including its capital city, Valletta. Among them are the Megalithic Temples developed between 3600 BC and 2500 BC.
The last one is the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, a massive underground cemetery dating back to 4000 BC😮💨.
Malta was under the rule of multiple empires.
Throughout history, Malta has been dominated and ruled not by one or two empires but by more than one. Sometimes after 1000 BC, the Phoenicians arrived and also colonized the islands.
Then came the Romans, Carthaginians, Arabs, Byzantines, Sicilians, Normans, Knights Templars, Spaniards, French, and the British.
The official languages of Malta
The language of Malta is one of the most diverse in the world. Malta has more than the official language. It mainly has three languages, English, Maltese, and Maltese Sign Language. Almost 60% of locals also speak the Italian language 🗣️.
The Maltese language is interestingly diverse, described as a combination of French, Arabic, English, and Italian.
For instance, you might hear Bongu, much like Bonjour in French, for a good morning or Ciao instead of a goodbye. The language exemplifies their exciting and unique culture and how the nation has evolved.
St. Paul shipwrecked in Malta.
The story of St. Paul’s shipwreck is a vital part of the country Malta ⛵. The event occurred on the island in the New Testament in 60 A.D. According to legend, St. Paul was on his way to Rome to be tried as a rebel when captured in a terrifying storm.
The wreck occurred around St. Pauls Bay, where he swam to shore to shelter in a cave. The people of Malta showed him genuine kindness after St. Paul cured the governor’s father of a severe fever. From then, Malta converted to Christianity.
The national dish of Malta is rabbit, Stew.
The national dish of Malta has been famous for several centuries, known as Stuffat tal-Fenek. Phonecians are believed to have introduced rabbits to Malta more than 3000 years ago.
The rabbit is simmered adequately in tomato sauce and tasty wine. Mainly it’s accompanied by potatoes and also different types of vegetables 🍲. Although it is not as popular today, you may still find it at several traditional restaurants nationwide.
Kinnie drink is a national favorite in Malta.
This soft drink is made of orange and bitters, a national favorite in Malta. Everywhere you look at the beach and restaurants, people are out enjoying a Kinnie.
People recommend drinking this as cold as possible because taking it even a bit warm becomes much less appetizing.
Underground tunnels of Valletta
There is a network of tunnels underground in the stunning streets of Valletta. It started during the Great Siege of Malta in the year 1565. Both the attacking Knights and Ottomans of St. John were digging tunnels to reach underneath the city.
Later, the Knights continued to make tunnels 🕳️ for defense purposes and built underground cisterns for fresh water.
The drainage systems were also incredibly advanced than any other part of Europe. After the British took control in the 1800s, they added a railway from Valletta to the city’s outer suburbs 🚇.
Malta has three main islands.
Malta is a collection of three different islands. Comino is mostly uninhabited, and Gozo has a population of almost 32000. Both regions are prevalent day trips from Malta and offer a different experience than the main island of Malta 🏝️.
On Gozo, you will find a few of the most excellent swimming spots in the nation and amazing local food. Comino has the Blue Lagoon and also is surrounded by interesting-looking sea caves. So, many tourists wish to visit these places during their trip to Malta.
The most heavily bombed place in World War II
Another essential fact about Malta is the terrible atrocities that occurred during WWII here. Because of its strategic location, Malta was one of the most bombed regions globally 💥.
The continuous air raids took place from 1940-1942 at the hands of the Italians and Germans. Over 3300 air raids were on Malta, and over 30,000 buildings were destroyed.
Malta was bombed for 154 consecutive days and nights. Also, many of their historical sites and sacred churches were destroyed, and the fighting stopped in 1942.
Malta was a British colony.
From the year 1814 to 1964, the region of Malta was ruled by the British Crown 👑. It was a vital colony for Great Britain as it worked as the central command post for its navy in the Mediterranean.
Nowadays, that is the main reason for driving on the road’s other side: an abundance of English pubs and bright red telephone booths scattered around Valletta.
Maltese in Australia.
After the terrifying destruction of World War II, there was a massive migration from Malta. Australia, a vital part of the British Crown, became a much easier passage. The reason that it was English-speaking and felt a need for labor even played an important part.
This boom in migration leads to a Maltese population down. Today, there are about 200,000 individuals of Maltese descent in Australia.
In Gozo, you will see 5600-year-old ruins.
Malta is home to a temple complex dating back to the Neolithic period on the island of Gozo. The Ggantija Temples receive their names from the massive stones that make up their vast walls. When the locals found them, they could only imagine the gigantic structures created by giants.
Today, one can visit the two temples and even walk through ruins from 3000 B.C. This makes the famous Ggantija temples older than Stonehenge and also the Pyramids of Egypt.
Unique bakery treats.
Malta is famous for its tasty food, and the local bakeries play an essential part. While there were various kinds of pastries and bread to try, the ones that struck out were Qassatat and Pastizzi.
Pastizzi is cooked fresh and hot in the oven giving it a crunchy taste and is usually filled with peas or ricotta cheese. Qassatat is very different from the pastizzi but still remarkably delicious. It comes in a delightful pie form, mixing everything from peas to spinach and anchovies.
It is home to the silent city
Mdina once served as Malta’s capital and was first fortified in 700 B.C. The Phoenicians founded it, and this historic city is even mentioned in the Bible in the story of St. Paul.
The Cathedral and its walls are amazingly well preserved; hence, you may walk through a museum rather than a small fort 🏰. More than 200 people still reside inside Mdina, which is happening during the day. However, you will indeed see where Silent City got its nickname during the night.
What you will find inside Mdina Malta
Inside Mdina Malta are a few exciting restaurants and tourist shops to enjoy. Most importantly, the Fontanella Tea Garden is worth tasting a drink for its elegant atmosphere and design.
You will also see fossils, geology, plants, and more in Malta. Inside, you will see the former Palace of Justice 🌆.
Malta is only 60 miles from Sicily.
Another interesting fact about the territory of Malta is that it is very close to Italy. So close you can even see Sicily from Gozo island’s shores on a clear day. A flight to Sicily from Malta needs just 45 minutes.
So, Malta is an integral part of the world with rich history, historic buildings, exciting culture, beautiful scenery, delicious cuisine, and many more.
At the end of this article, we learned 19 interesting facts that provide us with a clear picture of this territory, Malta. You can see our website if you want to know some additional points.
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