Capital
The capital is called Valetta with only 6000 inhabitants. However, the largest city is called Birkirkara and has about 22 000 inhabitants.
Currency
In January 1, 2008 the Euro was introduced instead of the Maltese Lira. Malta is also from early year 2008 participating in the Schengen cooperation, as part of EU membership.
Language
There are two official languages in Malta: Maltese, originally from the Arabic tribes (70 percent of the vocabulary), but which is strongly influenced by the Italian, and English. Italian is also an important language in Malta.
Population
The Maltese population is about 400 000 people and is a mix of most nations around the Mediterranean sea.
Culture
Malta was during World War II an important air base for the British military, and thus also became an important target for the Germans and Italians. In year 1942 there were more bombs dropped in Malta than over London during the so called Blitzen. Among other things the “Miracle of Mosta” took place, when three bombs were dropped on the city’s main church, but none detonated. Today you can find a replica of one of the bombs outside the church.