Background:
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. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has become a freight transshipment point, financial center, and tourist destination. Malta is scheduled to become an EU member in May 2004.

NOTE: The information regarding Malta on this page is re-published from the 2004 World Fact Book of the United States Central Intelligence Agency. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Malta Introduction 2004 information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Malta Introduction 2004 should be addressed to the CIA.