Malta is in What Country? Where is Malta Located & Other Facts
The island of Malta is one of the lesser-known gems of the Mediterranean. It has a long history, evidence of which can still be seen today by visiting the megalithic temples on Malta. As well as ancient history, Malta’s location on the map saw it play a strategically significant role in the more recent history of the Second World War.
Many people are keen to find out more about Malta, like where is Malta located on the map and what country is Malta in.
As an experienced traveller and someone who’s family lived on Malta for several years and who has enjoyed visits to explore all over the island, I’ll answer these key queries about Malta. I’ll provide essential details including what does the name Malta mean, is Malta an island or a country and is Malta a part of Italy or Spain?
Some posts on this site contain affiliate links to products or services I’ve found useful. If you make a purchase through these links I may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). This helps keep the travel blog running, so thank you.
What country is Malta in?
Malta is an independent country; therefore, Malta is not located in any country as it’s a country by itself. However, Malta was part of the British Empire until September 1964 and didn’t officially become a republic until 1974.
Where is Malta in Europe?
The island of Malta is located in the south of Europe, in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta can be found to the north of Africa and southwest of Italy, underneath Sicily on the world map.
Malta is situated in a strategically important location and its location has meant it has played a part in military operations from the ancient Greeks right up until World War Two. During the Second World War Malta’s role was particularly important, owing to it being located in the centre of the Mediterranean between Italy and North Africa.
Malta’s map co-ordinates are 35 50 N, 14 35 E.
Where does the name Malta come from?
The name of Malta is believed to come from the ancient Greek word for honey, Melite. The Greeks likely named it this due to the production of honey on the island.
In fact, the official name for the country of Malta is Repubblika ta’ Malta, or the Republic of Malta, which is similar to the way Cuba’s official name is the Republic of Cuba but it’s more commonly known just by the name Cuba.
Malta is in which continent?
Geographically, Malta is a part of the continent of Europe. It is situated in Europe, which is one of the seven main divisions of the Earth’s land according to western geographers. This definition of continent includes the mainland and islands associated with it and is based on the position of the continental shelves (parts of the continent submerged under the sea).
Some much stricter definitions classify ‘continental Europe’ as being a continuous landmass. This means that as Malta is an island, according to this kind of definition Malta would not be included.
However, Malta is not part of any other continent and by a general definition of the seven continents, Malta is considered to be in the continent of Europe.
Is Malta a country?
The quick answer to is Malta is a country, is yes, Malta is a country. Malta has its own independent government, laws, press and flag featuring the George Cross.
The George Cross is significant as it was typically awarded by the English monarch to individuals for acts of bravery and heroism. However, in 1942 it was awarded to the whole country of Malta in recognition of the ‘heroism and devotion’ of its people.
Today it’s possible to view the George Cross in the Fort St Elmo – National War Museum in Malta.
Malta has been part of UNESCO since 1965 and is home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These are the City of Valletta, Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum and Megalithic Temples of Malta.
Malta joined the United Nations (UN) in 1964, after gaining independence from Britain.
Is Malta an island or a country?
The country of Malta is made up of 3 main islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino, home to Malta’s famous Blue Lagoon. Whilst the largest island is called Malta, all three islands together make up the country of Malta. It’s easy to travel between the islands of Malta and Gozo by ferry.
Therefore it’s correct to say that Malta is an island and that Malta is also a country.
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Explore Malta at your own pace with a rental car from Discover Cars.
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Find a great deal for your accommodation in Malta with Booking.com. Check out the 10 best boutique hotels in Malta.
Is Malta in the EU (European Union)?
Malta is a member of the EU and has been since it joined in 2004. Malta is therefore subject to the laws of the European Union.
The currency used in Malta is the Euro, as in many other European countries. This makes it easy if you’re travelling to Malta from another European country where the Euro currency is used. Malta’s currency before joining the Euro currency area was called the Lira.
Malta is the smallest of the EU countries, at 313 km² and has the smallest population.
Is Malta a Schengen country?
The Schengen area countries share an agreement to enable freedom to travel, work and live without the need for border checks. This is a benefit to anyone who is a legal resident of a Schengen country or who has a Schengen visa.
Malta joined the Schengen grouping in 2007 and is a Schengen country.
Is Malta part of Italy?
Whilst when you look on the world map Malta is very close to Italy, Malta is not a part of Italy. Malta is an independent country.
However, there was a period in Maltese history when members of the population wanted Italian to be recognised as the official language of Malta (but it ended up being English).
Malta was allied with the British in World War Two and as such was in conflict with Italy during the period.
Is Malta a part of Spain?
If you look at Malta on the world map, you’ll see that although it’s located in the Mediterranean region, as is Spain, Malta is not that near to Spain.
In fact, it takes just under three hours to fly from Spain to Malta. Malta is not a Spanish island and is not a part of Spain. Malta is an independent country.
Is Malta British?
Malta is not British; it is an independent country. However, Malta has a long history involving British colonialism and Malta’s was only declared a republic relatively recently, in 1974.
The history between Britain and Malta began in the 1800s with British military intervention in a conflict with Napoleon’s France and subsequent official control of the island, turning it in to a British colony. In 1921 Malta became self-governing, whilst still under British military control.
The British ended this system of government in 1933, partly in response to Maltese protests regarding the imposition of English, rather than Italian, as the national language.
After this, Malta went through various stages of autonomous government until in 1964 it joined the British Commonwealth and, finally in December 1974 Malta gained the status of republic.
The impact of the British can still be seen in Malta today, through the language and even the iconic red phone boxes and post-boxes common to Britain, can be seen in Malta’s capital city, Valletta. Malta is also unusual in that driving is on the left, which is a left-over from British rule.
There are several informative museums in Valletta where you can find more information on the history of conflict and independence in Malta. More details are available in my 5 day Malta itinerary.
Where is Malta located on the map?
Malta is located in Southern Europe and, although it is an island country, Malta is part of the continent of Europe.
The country of Malta is actually made up of three main islands, Malta is the most populated, and Gozo is its smaller sister island, which is ideal for heading out on hikes across the rural Gozo coastline.
Malta Travel Resources
Ready for more Malta inspiration and information? Read and favourite my posts below, so you have them to hand when you’re in Malta.
The Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trip
What country is Malta in?
As we’ve already discovered above, Malta is not located in any country, as it is an independent nation. Malta’s island status provides for many gorgeous rocky beaches, like the Wied il-Għasri canyon, and a few sandy ones. You’ll find particularly good beaches on the island of Gozo, to the north of the island of Malta.
Where is Malta on the world map?
Malta can be found on the world map, north of the equator and just inside the subtropical climate zone, in the Mediterranean Sea.
See the map below to view where Malta is located on the world map. I’ve also marked where the capital of Malta, Valletta, is located, along with the other Maltese islands of Gozo and Comino.
What is the nearest country to Malta?
One of the common questions people search for regarding the location of Malta is what is the nearest country to Malta. Looking at Malta on the map you can see that the islands of Sicily, Lampedusa and Linosa, which are all part of Italy, are the closest land to Malta. So, Italy is the nearest country to Malta.
You can take a ferry from Malta and arrive in Pozzallo on Sicily within 1 hour and 45 minutes, which is just one of the ways of getting around in Malta. The distance from Malta’s capital, Valletta, to Pozzallo on Sicily is 52 nautical miles.
Other countries close to Malta on the map are Tunisia and Libya, which are both part of Africa.
What is the capital of Malta called?
When considering where is Malta located you might also want to know what Malta’s capital city is called. The name for the capital of Malta is Valletta. It’s located approximately 20 minutes by car or bus from Malta’s international airport.
Valletta is a charming old city, founded in the 16th Century and located on the eastern coast of the island of Malta. I’ve particularly enjoyed wandering its charming old steep streets and taking in the spectacular waterfront views on my visits. It is so significant that it’s been named a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The capital of Valletta is the centre of political life in Malta and is home to the Maltese government, along with being a popular tourist destination.
Malta is the capital of what country?
As you can see from the information in this article, Malta is not the capital of any country, as it is a country in its own right.
How to get to Malta?
Malta has an international airport, called Malta international Airport (MLA). This airport serves loads of international flights including those run by Malta’s national airline, KM Malta Airlines, which connect Malta to over 150 destinations. It’s also particularly popular for Ryanair flights arriving from the United Kingdom (UK) to Malta.
Malta’s airport is situated on the old RAF base, known as Luqa.
It’s also possible to get to Malta by ferry from Sicily, with regular ferries leaving from the beach town of Pozzallo in southern Sicily, Italy.
Find cheap flights to Malta with Skyscanner. I’m a huge fan and use it regularly to discover great deals.
What time zone is Malta in?
The time zone that Malta is in is UTC+1. This puts it one hour ahead of London, England, and six hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time.
Malta has daylight saving time from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October, which means that clocks go forward by one hour during this period and are set back again by one hour at the end of the period.
FAQs: Malta is in what country? Where is Malta located & other facts
Is Malta in Europe?
Yes, Malta is in Europe. Malta has been a member of the European Union since 2004. Malta is a European country.
Is Malta in Italy?
No, Malta is not in Italy. Although Malta is located to the south of the Italian island of Sicily, Malta is not in Italy. Malta is an independent country.
Is Malta in Africa?
Malta is located to the north of the continent of Africa, north of Tripoli and east of Tunisia. However, Malta is not in Africa, it is part of Europe.
What country is Malta near?
The islands of Lampedusa, Linosa and Sicily are located closest geographically to Malta. As all three of these islands are Italian, Malta is near to the country of Italy.
Is Malta in the Mediterranean?
Malta is indeed in the Mediterranean Sea and is part of the Mediterranean region, along with France, Portugal, Italy, Spain, Greece and Cyprus.
Is Malta part of the EU?
Malta is indeed part of the EU and is a European Union country. It participates in EU elections and the President of the European Parliament, Roberta Metsola, elected in 2024, is Maltese.
Is Malta its own country?
Whilst Malta may be small geographically compared to other EU countries, it is its own country. Malta gained independence from the British in 1964 and became a republic in 1974.
Where in the world is Malta?
If you look on a world map, you’ll find Malta located to the southwest of Italy, underneath the island of Sicily and north of Libya, Africa, in the Mediterranean Sea.
What country is Malta a part of?
As Malta is an independent country, it is not a part of any other country. Malta is a part of the European Union.
Summary: Malta is in what Country? Where is Malta located & other facts?
As you can see, Malta is not located in any other country, it is itself an independent country. Whilst Malta may be small geographically, it has played a significant and strategic role throughout history.
The three key islands that make up Malta are all worth visiting and there is plenty to discover about this beautiful and warm Mediterranean country.
More Malta resources
10 Best Boutique Hotels Malta: A Guide to Where to Stay
15 Best Beaches on Gozo and How to Get to Them
15 Best Blue Lagoon Malta Boat Trips
Ferry to Gozo, Malta: Cheap & Fast Ways to Get to Gozo
Getting Around Malta by Public Transport
Gozo Hiking: Take the Slow Lane
Gozo Inland Sea Dive Site and the Blue Hole (Malta)
Hondoq ir-Rummien Bay on Gozo: A Complete Guide
How to Get to Blue Lagoon Malta and Best Things to Do
Places to Go in Malta & Gozo: 5 Best Swimming Spots
Ramla Bay Gozo: Explore an Iconic Red Sand Beach