National features of Malta

Republic Malta - the state in Southern Europe, on the Maltese archipelago, in the central part of Mediterranean sea. In XIII century B.C. Malta has been colonized by Phoenicians, then Greeks. In VI century B.C. - XIII century of our era it Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantium, Arabs, Normans (affiliated it to Sicily), Spaniards alternately possessed. In 1530 emperor Charles V has granted Malta to spiritually-knightly order ioannitov, gained since then the name of the Maltese order. In 1798 Malta is captureed by France, and in 1800 - the Great Britain which has transformed it in the colony and naval baseline.

Malteses have found the State independence only in 1964, however up to 1979 in country terrain the English military base was saved and as the head of the state the English king or the queen still was considered, in the country there was an English governor-general, the English laws acted. On December, 13th, 1974 Malta is declared by republic led by the president selected unicameral parliament, in 1981 - is intoned by a neutral state which is pursuing a policy of non-alignment. As the former British colony Malta is a part of Commonwealth. The biggest island of archipelago - Malta. Extent of island from the northwest on the southeast - nearby 27  km, the maximum width - 14 km. It is most
the occupied island of archipelago, here lives almost 80 % of the population of the country the most significant cities also are had: Valetta (state capital), Slima, Rabat, Zejtun, etc. In 6 km from Valetty is airport Lua.

The Population of the country concerning its square is very numerous - 369,7  thousand persons, mainly Malteses. Malta - one of most densely occupied countries of Europe. Population density compounds 1170 persons on a square kilometre.

Official languages of Malta - Maltese and English. The Maltese tongue represents one of dialects Arabian (writing - on the basis of the Latin alphabet). Agency and the Italian tongue, especially its Sicilian dialect affects. For example, names of months are borrowed from the Italian tongue, and the name of days of week - Arabian. Many Malteses know the Italian tongue.

  Believing Malteses - roman catholics (98 %). The religion hardly influences all aspects of life of the population. In this small country more 350  churches. In streets it is possible to see sacred processions often.

Malteses like to arrange bright festivals and carnivals. In May-September hardly will be though one day off when there would be no somewhere a feast with fireworks and procession in honour of any aboriginal cartridge. However for many Malteses the maximum event is the regatta annually spent in September in Big fake Valetty in honour of victorious reflectance of a Turkish siege on September, 8th 1565  year.

On feasts Malteses sometimes appear in traditional clothes. In a life it was saved only at agricultural women, and that is the extremely rare. Usually such clothes consist of a jacket with sleeves, a black skirt and a characteristic black cape - faldetty.

From traditional handcrafts the manufacture of laces known still from antique times, filigree jobs on gold and glass, weaving from straw continue to exist.

Slowness, good nature and calmness are one of typical lines of the Maltese character. Many assure, that hardly in the Mediterranean there will be other people which with such openness and affability welcomed visitors. Experts explain it a successful combination of natural Mediterranean friendliness and Anglo-Saxon readiness always to come to the aid - the line acquired by Malteses at British.

The Local cuisine conducts the traditions from a fishing table, the diversified dishes from a rabbit are rather popular. Just the collected fresh fruit, vegetables and the well-known crackling Maltese bread calling admiration even at spoilt German judges, every time will supplement a table. And certainly - fault, equal which, thanks to special soil and to environmental conditions, it is necessary to look for pride of Malta still.

The Small inland state Malta for maintenance of the existence and development is objectively interested in an international peace and stability, especially in Europe and the Mediterranean. It activity of Malteses in the European and Mediterranean affairs, and also in the field of preservation of the environment speaks. Attitudes of Malta with Russia have friendly character and are under construction on the basis of the joint declaration on friendship and the cooperation, accepted in December, 1992.