MALTA. Republic of Malta
A state in Southern Europe, occupying a group of islands in the central part of the Mediterranean Sea. The largest of them are Malta, Gozo, and Comino. The total area is 316 km². The capital is Valletta (9,000), other major cities include Sliema, Hamrun, Rabat, and Victoria. The population is 398,534 (2004), predominantly Maltese. The official languages are Maltese and English. The official religion is Catholicism (98%). The currency is the Maltese lira (1 Maltese lira = 3.02 USD).
It has diplomatic relations with the Russian Federation (established with the USSR in July 1967).
National holidays: September 21 - Independence Day (1964), December 13 - Republic Day (1974), March 31 - Freedom Day (1979 - closure of the British base), September 8 - Victory Day over the Turks, June 7 - Martyrs' Day.
Malta is a republic. The constitution was adopted in 1964 (with amendments in 1974 and 1987). Legislative power belongs to a unicameral parliament, consisting of the House of Representatives (65 deputies are elected in general elections by proportional representation for a term of 5 years). The head of state is the president (since March 2004 - E. Fenek Adami), elected by parliament for a term of 5 years. The executive power is exercised by the government headed by the Prime Minister (L. Gonzi - since March 23, 2004).
Political parties and public organizations: The Nationalist Party (NP) - founded in 1924 (33,000 members), stands on a democratic Christian platform. In the socio-economic sphere, it advocates limiting state control over the economy, strengthening the private sector, and attracting foreign investments. It has 35 seats in parliament. The leader is L. Gonzi. The Labour Party (MLP) - founded in 1920 (36,000 members), a social-democratic party, advocates strengthening the state sector in the economy, democratizing social security, healthcare, and education systems; a consistent supporter of Malta's neutrality and non-alignment. It has 30 seats in parliament. The leader is A. Sait. In 1992, a new political movement emerged in Malta - the Democratic Alternative, which is similar to the "green" parties in Europe. Its membership is up to 1,000 people. Its leader is X. Vassallo.
The largest Maltese trade unions are the General Workers' Union (41,500) and the Confederation of Trade Unions of Malta (32,000).
In the 13th century BC, Phoenician colonization of Malta began. After the Phoenicians, ancient Greeks and Carthaginians visited the islands. The Romans dominated for about 700 years, followed by Vandals and Byzantines. From 870 to 1091, the Arabs ruled Malta, who were succeeded by Normans and Germanic tribes. In 1530, the Maltese Order (the Order of St. John) established long-term dominance on the island. A significant event in Maltese history was the repulsion of the Turkish siege in 1565. In 1798, Malta was captured by France. From 1800, Malta became a colony of Great Britain. The Maltese gained state independence only in 1964, but until 1979, a British military base remained on the territory of the country. Since 1974, it has been a republic. In 1981, Malta was declared a neutral state pursuing a policy of non-alignment.
Malta is a member of the UN (since 1964) and the Council of Europe (since 1965).
A priority direction of Malta's foreign policy is the development of relations with leading European countries. At the same time, the Maltese continue active participation in the OSCE and the Council of Europe. They are also members of FAO, IBRD, UNCTAD (United Nations Conference on Trade and Development), UNESCO, WTO (World Tourism Organization), and the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. On May 1, 2004, Malta joined the European Union.
Malta's relations with Russia are based on the Joint Declaration on Friendship and Cooperation, adopted in December 1992.
The islands on which Malta is located are devoid of mineral resources and industrial raw materials. These factors, along with the country's colonial past, have predetermined the nature of its economy and dependence on external markets. In January 1995, by the decision of the IMF, Malta was classified as a developed country (GDP per capita - $17,700). In 2004, GDP amounted to $6.81 billion. The majority of GDP is generated in the service and tourism sectors (74%). The leading industries are electronics, textiles, and food, as well as the production of industrial chemicals, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. The Maltese government continues to support the development of high-tech industries and encourages significant investments in the automation of production processes.
Tourism is of utmost importance, being the second source of foreign currency after industry. More than 1 million tourists visit Malta annually, which is three times the entire population of the country. Agriculture plays a minor role (3% of GDP), with most food products imported. The government provides active technical assistance to this sector of the economy, without which it would practically cease to exist. Maltese docks are the largest in the Mediterranean.
Considering the limitations of the domestic market, the primarily export-oriented nature of the manufacturing sector, and the simultaneous dependence on imported supplies of many types of raw materials, machinery, and equipment, as well as consumer goods, external economic relations are of key importance for the development of the country's economy.
In 2004, the volume of exports amounted to $2.625 billion, while imports totaled $3.407 billion, with a persistent acute trade balance deficit (foreign exchange reserves amount to $2.865 billion). The main trading partners are EU countries, accounting for 48% of Malta's exports and 57% of its imports (primarily Italy (19.5%), France (14.8%), and the United Kingdom (12.9%).
Malta is a country with a medium income level. Unemployment is 5.6%, and inflation is 2.75% (2004).
The government finances a system of free secondary and higher education, as well as medical care.
It provides pensions for the elderly.
Malta has a single university, established in 1769, which has gained wide recognition, especially for the quality of medical education. Approximately 100 periodicals are published in Malta, with circulation ranging from 1,500 to 20,000 copies. The largest include daily newspapers "Times" (English), "Orizont" (Maltese), "Nascent Tana" (Maltese), and weekly publications "Mument" (Maltese), "Sunday Times" (English), and "Torka" (Maltese). Television and radio broadcasting are monopolized by the state. There are 3 television channels, a private cable television network, and 15 radio stations (broadcasting mainly in Maltese).
