Malta is the smallest member state of the European Union and adapted the Euro as its currency in January 2008. Despite its size, Malta’s economy has proven to be a success story in the Eurozone.
The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands – Malta, Gozo and Comino – all located in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93km (57miles) south of Sicily and 350km (217miles) north of Libya. Its strategic geographic location has provided easy access to main European financial centres and the North African countries. Malta also has long-standing business relations with countries in Asia and the Middle East.
Malta has a superb climate, with hot dry summers and mild cold winters. One may enjoy long days of sunlight during the summer and an average of 5 to 6 hours of sunshine per day in winter. Rainfall is heaviest from November to February, although it is low all year-round.
Malta offers a high quality of life. Mediterranean culture is dominant in Malta, but nearly 150 years of British rule have left their mark. English is an official language (along with Maltese). The Catholic Church is the custodian of national traditions, such as yearly feasts, and its churches are the biggest landmarks in most towns and villages. Malta is noted for its fine crafts – particularly its handmade lace, hand-woven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in music are also very strong.
Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to the Phoenician occupation of the islands. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of Romance languages for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of Sicilian, Italian, Spanish, French and English. The Maltese are multilingual and some are fluent in up to 4 languages.
Food is a mix of Mediterranean cuisine with strong Italian influence which include fresh sea fruits and other fish and meat recipes. The British also left their mark in the kitchen with pies and roast dishes frequently offered as a speciality. The traditional Maltese dish is rabbit, which is usually served fried or baked in a casserole.
Malta has a robust and respected regulatory framework with financial legislation allowing unique opportunities for certain industries such as financial services, iGaming and also Fintech technologies. The risk-based supervision and secure banking system contributes to this development which continues to provide incentives to attract foreign investors and professionals.
Tourism remains Malta’s most important and contributing industry to the economy as a whole. In recent years the film industry has also managed to attract international film producers and directors and a number of blockbusters were shot in the Maltese islands.
The Maltese are known for their friendly and warm characteristics. Hospitality has been a key element besides seeking to provide the highest standard of service to all types of clients.