Domicile Update - Malta - September 1996

i)    History
ii)   Geography
iii)  Population
iv)   Government and Legal System
v)    Malta Financial Services Centre
vi)   Enhanced Profitability
vii)  Legislation
viii) Human Resources
ix)   Education
x)    Infrastructure
xi)   Living in Malta

i) HISTORY OF THE MALTESE ISLANDS

Malta boasts one of the oldest Mediterranean civilisations with its neolithic temples dating back some 5000 years.

Various cultures especially the heritage bequeathed by the Knights of St. John left their indelible mark on Malta's history and architecture. A voluntary part of the British Empire in 1801, Malta achieved full independence in 1964, becoming a member of the British Commonwealth, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. In 1970, the Island signed an Association Agreement with the European Union and in 1990, it applied for full membership. In 1974, Malta declared itself a Republic.