This Mediterranean archipelago has known many rulers from the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines to the Islamic Saracens and Norman Kings of Sicily. Malta came to prominence during the Crusades as Christian troops passed through on their way to the Holy Land.

The Ottomans failed to conquer Malta in 1565 although Napoleon succeeded in 1798. By 1800, Malta was under British control with formal annexation following in 1814.

The entire nation of Malta was awarded the George Cross for extraordinary bravery shown during the Second World War.

While the constitutions of 1921 and 1939 provided for limited self-rule, it was not until 1964 that Malta gained its independence from Britain.

Malta became a Republic in 1974, and completely independent in 1979.