History
Main article: History of Malta
Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant pre-historic civilisation existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. The islands later came under the control of first Carthage (400 BC) and then Rome, before being conquered by Arabs in 870 AD, who would greatly influence local culture, notably in the Maltese language. In 1127 they were finally replaced by the Sicilian Normans, after which Malta became Christian again. After this time, the Maltese Nobility was created, it dates back to the Norman Conquest in 1090 AD. The Nobility is still around today, 32 titles are still used by the Maltese, the eldest being : Barons of Djar il Bniet and the Barons of Ghariexem e Tabia, the latter with the surname Sant Cassia.
In 1530 the islands were given to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, who had been driven out of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire. This militant monastic order, now known as the "Knights of Malta", withstood a siege by the Ottomans in 1565, after which they increased the fortifications, particularly in the city of Valletta. Their reign ended when Napoleon conquered the islands in 1798. The British then took the islands in 1800.
In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became a part of the British Empire and was used as a shipping waystation and fleet headquarters until the mid 1930s. Malta played a role during World War II, due to its proximity to Axis shipping lanes, and received for its people's bravery the George Cross now seen on its flag. After the war, Maltese independence was granted on September 21, 1964. Under its 1964 constitution, Malta initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign of Malta and a Governor-General exercised executive authority on her behalf, but on December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth, with the President as head of state. It will join the European Union on May 1, 2004.
Politics
Main article: Politics of Malta
The President is elected by the Maltese parliament, who appoints as Prime Minister the leader of the party with a majority of seats in the unicameral House of Representatives,known in Maltese as Kamra tar-Rappreżentanti.
The president also nominally appoints, upon recommendation of the prime minister, the individual ministers to head each of the government departments. This cabinet is selected from among the members of the House of Representatives. This body consists of between 65 and 69 members elected on the basis of proportional representation. Elections must be held at least every 5 years. Candidates for any vacancies are determined by the majority of votes obtained by a candidate during the previous elections.
Local councils
Main article: Local councils of Malta
Since 1993, Malta has been subdivided into 68 local councils or localities. These form the most basic form of local government and there are no intermediate levels between it and the national level. The following list divides them by island: