Malta

American  

[mawl-tuh] / ˈmɔl tə /

noun

1. an island in the Mediterranean between Sicily and Africa. 95 sq. mi. (246 sq. km).

2. a former British colony consisting of this island and two small adjacent islands: now an independent sovereign state and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. 122 sq. mi. (316 sq. km). Valletta.

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Malta British  

/ ˈmɔːltə /

noun

1. a republic occupying the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, in the Mediterranean south of Sicily: governed by the Knights Hospitallers from 1530 until Napoleon's conquest in 1798; French driven out, with British help, 1800; became British dependency 1814; suffered severely in World War II; became independent in 1964 and a republic in 1974; joined the EU in 2004; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: Maltese and English. Official religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: euro (from January 2008 replacing the Maltese lira). Capital: Valletta. Pop: 411 277 (2013 est). Area: 316 sq km (122 sq miles)

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Malta Cultural  

1. Republic in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, made up of five small islands.

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Discover More

Malta, strategically located, has belonged to a succession of civilizations, including the ancient Greeks and the Roman Empire. In 1800, the British established control of Malta, which, since its independence in 1964, has continued to maintain close ties with Britain.

Example Sentences

In a statement, the coast guard said Malta had requested help in the search and rescue operation "following the capsizing of a vessel reported with migrants aboard and people in the water".

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

The crossing route is overseas from North Africa to Italy and Malta.

From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026

He is exploring pathways to residency and citizenship in Europe, including in Malta, Spain and Italy and budgeting about $500,000 in total to acquire citizenship.

From Barron's • Jun. 7, 2026

Then I watched Malta call an election on April 27 and finish it on May 30.

From Slate • Jun. 6, 2026

Milo insisted on leaving at once for Malta.

From "Catch-22" by Joseph Heller