The Maltese archipelago has a history of colonial control spanning centuries. Located south of the Italian island of Sicily between Europe and North Africa, the islands have been occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, the Knights of Malta, and latterly France and Britain. Independence from Britain was achieved in 1964, after the Maltese people were awarded the George Cross for defending the crucial military bases there during World War Two.
Over the centuries, Malta's strategic position has fostered its development as an important trading post, and it remains a leading centre for container and freight transhipment. Malta is a popular holiday destination, and tourism is the nation's main source of income.
Malta, Gozo and Comino are located in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, just 96 km south of Sicily. The Maltese population is distributed on three of the 18 islands that form the Maltese archipelago, and is about 414,000 people.
About Malta
While packing your bags, you can almost leave your umbrella and raincoat at home. Malta has a rainy season that last from October to February, but also detains the lowest rainfall rate in Europe and the climate is mild all year round. But in case you fear the heat, don’t worry because cool north-westerly winds will refresh your summer days. Read
Maltas July 2024: Among the Hottest and Driest on Record Amidst Global Climate Extremes
The geographical diversity of the islands is quite remarkable if we consider the small size of the Maltese territory: while Gozo and Comino have green and luxuriant vegetation and appears somewhat wild, Malta is densely urbanised, characterised by dry landscapes and hosting a variety of succulent plants.
Maltese rising economy
Tourism, together with the financial services drive Malta's economic sector, which is doing quite well, compared to the EU average. Despite the fact that the island relay on imported goods for around 80% of its needs, it can show a surprisingly low unemployment rate, mainly because of the constant growth and because of policies encouraging continuous training for the labour force.
This interesting geography of Malta, its mild climate and its millenary heritage, combined with the hospitality of the Maltese people, are the strong points that made the Maltese archipelago a renewed tourist resort in the South of the Mediterranean. Luqa International Airport is in the South of the Island, 9 km away from Valletta, connects Malta to the rest of Europe via several direct flights daily.
Political system
Malta is a single-chamber parliamentary republic with a head of government - the prime minister - and a head of state - the president - whose role is largely ceremonial. The country is divided into 5 regions. Each has its own regional committee, which serves as the intermediary between local and national government.
Emigrate to Malta
Malta seems to be the ideal location for companies and freelancers. It is not for nothing that the island state is considered a tax haven. However, the small EU country has more to offer beyond the tax advantages.
Emigrants benefit from an optimal location south of Sicily and a pleasant climate. In addition, the cost of living should also be cheap and the stable financial system should offer security.
Excellent cost of living
Compared to other EU countries or tax havens such as Switzerland or Dubai, the cost of living in Malta is quite manageable. The average salary of Maltese citizens is 1,500 euros per month. A Malta-style rental apartment costs a few hundred euros. However, accommodation that meets Western requirements can cost up to 1,600 euros per month.
There are also good connections to public transport, which are relatively inexpensive to use. Numerous restaurants in a wide range of price ranges can also be found on the Mediterranean island.
The healthcare system is similar to that of Great Britain and is available to all citizens free of charge as it is financed by taxpayers' money. However, additional private insurance can be taken out.
Stable financial system
In principle, Malta has a stable financial system and comparatively low debt, meaning that the state has remained unaffected by financial bottlenecks even during the financial crises of recent years.
The population of Malta is one of the wealthiest people in the world, which is partly due to their conservative attitude towards finance. The Maltese's wealth founds mainly in real estate.