Introduction
The Maltese archipelago is an island nation in the heart of the
Mediterranean. Malta is known for its warm climate, scenic
coastline and rich cultural heritage. Although only 17 miles long
and nine miles across, Malta's history is over 7,000 years old.
The islands have been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with
evidence of early settlers and significant prehistoric
arrangements, such as the Megalithic temples, which are among the
oldest free-standing structures in the world. Malta's strategic
location in the Mediterranean has made it a crossroads of various
civilisations, including the Phoenicians, the Romans, the Arabs,
the Normans, the Knights of St John, the French and, until
relatively recently, the British, each leaving a lasting impact on
the island's culture, its heritage and its people.
