Malta Holidays 2014

Malta became a Crown Colony - under the rule of the British - in 1814. The British influence can still be felt in many places on the island, and is reflected in ways of life such as the Maltese system of education. Most people on Malta speak English, although their own language - Maltese - shows the influence of other peoples who have lived there, notably the Arabs. Book deals: onthebeach.co.uk and on the beach - lollypop holidays

Popeye Village Malta

Because the Maltese islands are so small, they cannot rely on large amounts of trade and export to maintain their economy. Tourism is now one of the most important of the islands’ industries and every year around one million people travel to Malta to enjoy the warm weather, the magnificent scenery and the hundreds of historical sites. Malta’s accession to the European Union on 1 May 2004 was an important event in the country’s history. Improved relationships with other EU countries should result in a longer-term improvement in the economy, as well as in other important areas such as transport, employment and environmental issues.

There are ancient historical places in Malta: The Mnajdra temple complex can be found on the south coast o f Malta and dates from around 3500 b c . There are three temples here, where priests and priestesses would have conducted ancient religious ceremonies.