Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic.

Over the last 15 years, the island has become a major freight transshipment point, financial center, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU membership.

Malta, a country composed of three major islands, is located in the Mediterranean Sea, just 58 miles south of Sicily, Italy.

Once part of the Roman Empire, it was seized and controlled by many factions over the centuries, including Napoleon.

Malta’s valuable military position was coveted by many, and it 1814, it became a British colony. That British control ended in 1964, as Malta gained its independence.

With sparse areas of fertile land, its shipping and port facilities are economically important, but it’s tourism that provides the major financial impact.