Malta is poor in natural resources, there are practically no minerals on the archipelago; only limestone and table salt are mined here. Therefore, the economy of the republic is focused mainly on using the advantages of its geographical position at the crossroads of busy sea routes and the climatic advantages of the archipelago, which attract here a large number of tourists. The colonial past also left its mark on the economy of Malta. For more than a century and a half of domination in Malta, the British authorities completely subjugated the life of this and neighboring islands their military-strategic interests, which led to the one-sided development of the Maltese economy. By the time the British left, agriculture and handicrafts, characteristic of the islands almost since the time of the Phoenicians, had fallen into decay. main island The archipelago was turned into a military fortress by the colonialists, its convenient natural harbors were used as naval bases, where military ships of Great Britain and then other NATO countries were serviced and repaired, and military air bases were placed in the most fertile valleys of Malta. The population was occupied mainly with the maintenance of British military bases. A number of industries ceased to exist, in particular, cotton growing and the textile industry came to naught, the production of grain and olives fell sharply, and fishing decreased.

The Labor government, formed as a result of the victory in the elections of 1971, set the task of reviving the economy, which was in a state of stagnation. First of all, it undertook to revise the military and financial agreements with Great Britain and demanded from the British a significant rent for the use of military installations in Malta. Every year for seven years, England undertook to pay the Republic 14 million pounds. Art., which in 1972 amounted to almost 1/4 of all foreign currency received by Malta. In an effort to get rid of the British military presence, the Labor government set itself the goal of achieving, first of all, economic independence from Great Britain. The Laborites considered the industrialization of the country and the diversification of the economy to be the main ways to achieve this goal, which constituted the main tasks of the seven-year plan for the socio-economic development of Malta, covering the period from 1974 to 1980. As an ultimate goal, the plan provided for the achievement by 1979 of such a level of development that would allow to do without foreign rent payments.

One of the first steps towards creating an independent economy was the formation of a significant public sector, which began to hold key positions. In particular, during this period, dry docks were expanded and transferred under workers' control, the largest banks and a number of foreign firms were nationalized, and state industrial enterprises were created.

The country's largest plant is the ship repair plant, which employs over 5,000 people. Vessels from 15 countries of the world are repaired here. While the capacities of other ship repair enterprises on the shores mediterranean sea often idle, the Maltese docks are loaded with work all year round.

Government-initiated construction of a major port near the fishing village of Marsaxlokk to turn Malta into a transshipment point international trade in the Mediterranean. The Labor government pays considerable attention not only to industrial development, but also to the strengthening of the position of agriculture, and here, too, it operates mainly through the creation of state agricultural enterprises that develop new land in order to eventually transfer them to the use of peasants united in cooperatives.

The state economic policy for the first half of the 1980s was determined by a five-year development plan (1981-1985). Priority was given to the construction of ship repair and shipbuilding yards, tourism, agriculture and fisheries.

Another leading branch of the economy of Malta is tourism, which has received significant development in recent years. If in 1972 about 150 thousand tourists visited Malta, then in just nine years the country was visited by 705.7 thousand people. Tourists are attracted to Malta by exceptionally favorable climatic conditions; beautiful beaches, warm sea, high level of service. One of the important factors can be considered the fact that Malta is located near the Western European states. The policy of the government, which directs large funds to this industry, also plays an important role in the development of tourism. Foreign investors also prefer to invest in the tourism industry as it pays off quickly.

The Maltese government has gone to the introduction for foreign companies investing in the field of material production, a number of financial and tax incentives. Primary importance is attached in Malta to the search for oil with the help of foreign concerns. Exploration is carried out in the coastal and shelf zones of the archipelago. Oil lurking in the depths of the sea can change the fate of this island nation, deprived of fuel and energy resources and in need of their export. In the mid-70s, a number of agreements were signed for oil exploration work at south coast Malta. In issuing exploration licenses, the government required contracting companies to provide large subsidies to finance the republic's industrial development. The first of the oil agreements was concluded with the American company Texaco.

Speaking about the industry of Malta, it should be noted that in addition to the already mentioned shipbuilding and ship repair enterprises, there are car assembly and car repair shops, metalworking plants, enterprises for the production of products from synthetic fibers, plastic, building materials, etc. Light industries such as cotton, clothing, furniture, as well as the food industry, the production of tobacco products and art crafts.

Malta is located in the central part of the Mediterranean- a natural region with a characteristic subtropical climate and vegetation. The natural conditions of the country are favorable for the development of agriculture, but there is not enough land and water suitable for cultivation. Malta is poor in minerals. Only the reserves of building limestone are large, the possibility of extracting salt and other substances from sea water. At the same time, in terms of climatic resources - in terms of the abundance of heat and light, Maltese is not inferior to the best resorts many southern countries.

Malta is characterized by insular fragmentation. There are 5 islands in total. Three of them - Malta, Ko-mino and Gozo are extended by a chain from the northwest to the southeast. 75 km wide separates these islands from Sicily, and between Malta and the coast of Africa extends a wide (about 200 km) southern part of the Strait of Tunis with a group of Pelagic Islands.

Islands of the Maltese archipelago of mainland origin. They are elevated above sea level. high areas underwater threshold stretching from the island of Sicily. These are low (up to 253 m) plateaus composed mainly of Oligocene and Miocene horizontal limestones. The shores of the islands in the north are steep, steep, in the south - usually more gentle.

From the sea, the islands appear almost completely flat. But close up, their karst ones look more diverse. Gentle slopes alternate with shallow valleys and ledges. In places there are karst and other karst landforms.

Malta is characterized by dry, sunny summers and warm winter with fairly frequent rains and winds. The average annual rainfall is about 500 mm, from April to September it is warm and cloudless with average daily temperatures of about 20 °. The summer heat is somewhat moderated by the winds from the sea, but still it often shows 25-30 ° heat during the day, the nights are cooler. In winter, not everyone is there, 10-15 ° prevails; rarely it drops to 5° heat. From October to rain falls, but monthly precipitation is no more than 80-90 mm.

The climatic resources of Malta are very large. There are no days since average temperature below 10°, and the annual temperature is 6500°. However, the rainfall is not enough for rainfed crops.

Lack of water - important feature natural conditions Malta. There are no permanent rivers on the islands, and the meager precipitation that falls out quickly evaporates or goes into karst voids. often salted, although they are quite widely used for drinking and other household needs; Residents collect rainwater in various containers. But all the water is not enough, and it is even brought to Malta from the island of Sicily.

Soil discontinuous. They predominate with a lumpy structure and a heavy mechanical composition. In some places, similar soils, but of a reddish color, are formed on the red-colored limestone weathering crust - terra rossa. There are few areas with a well-developed soil cover; over vast areas, rocky soil comes to the surface. They say that due to the lack of soil, the Maltese in the old days took a duty from foreign ships that entered their bays with land that was brought from the mainland.

The vegetation of Malta has been drastically changed by man over the millennia. From the sea, the islands seem bare, and only closer one can see a certain variety of generally rather meager vegetation. Flat areas of the plateau are cultivated, and rocky wastelands with low dry-loving shrubs and shrubs predominate on the slopes; in open areas - rare, mainly from cereals; often goes out. There are separate groves of pines. settlements in some places you can see groups of pines and hard-leaved oaks characteristic of the Mediterranean. On the borders and at the stone fences separating the fields, there are many prickly cacti and prickly pear, often forming hedges.

Among the local vegetation, as well as throughout the Mediterranean, there are many species that are used in pharmaceutical and perfume production. This, for example,

MALTA, Res-pub-li-ka Mal-ta is an island state in Southern Europe.

General information

Ras-po-lo-same-but in the central part of the Middle-di-earth sea, on the Maltese ar-hi-pe-la-ge, 93 km from Italian island Si-qi-liya and 230 km from the northern coast of Af-ri-ki (Tu-nis). The area is 316 km2. The population is 413 thousand people (2010). Sto-li-tsa - Val-let-ta. The official languages ​​are Maltese and English. De-nezh-naya edi-ni-tsa - ev-ro (since January 1, 2008). In the administrative division of the ter-ri-to-ria of the country, raz-de-le-na into 68 ok-ru-gov (of which 54 are on the island of Mal-ta, 14 are on the island of Go- tso).

Malta is a member of the UN (1964), CE (1965), IMF (1968), OSCE (1973), IBRD (1983), WTO (1995), EU (2004).

Political system

Malta is a unitary state. Con-sti-tu-tion received on September 21, 1964. The form of rights-le-niya is par-la-ment-skaya res-pub-li-ka.

The head of state is pre-zi-dent. Pre-zi-dent of Malta on-know-cha-et-sya re-zo-lu-qi-ey Pa-la-you pre-hundred-vi-te-lei for 5 years. Can-di-dat should be a citizen of Malta and ob-la-give from bi-ra-tel-ny-mi qua-li-fi-ka-tion-mi, us- ta-nov-len-ny-mi Kon-sti-tu-qi-ey.

The highest body for-ko-no-dative power - one-but-pa-lat-ny par-la-ment (Pa-la-ta pre-hundred-vi-te-lei), from- bi-rae-my on-se-le-ni-em for 5 years on the basis of the pro-por-tsio-nal-no-go pre-sta-vi-tel-st-va. The number of places is odd (usually 65, after the election of 2008 - 69 de-pu-ta-tov); if the par-tia, be-div-shay on you-bo-rahs, doesn’t-lu-cha-e-pain-shin-st-va in par-la-men-te, she pre-dos- tav-la-yut-sya to-half-nit. place.

Use-half-nit. power comes-over-le-lives pre-zi-den-tu. He os-shche-st-in-la-et it both not-in-medium-st-veins-but, and through persons subordinate to him. Pra-vi-tel-st-in (Ka-bi-net) co-st-it from pre-mier-mi-ni-st-ra and mi-ni-st-ditch. Pre-mier-mi-nistr na-know-cha-et-sya pre-zi-den-tom from among-la de-pu-ta-tov Pa-la-you before-hundred-vi-te-lei (like right-vi-lo, leader of par-la-ment-go-bol-shin-st-va), mi-ni-st-ry on-know-cha-yut-sya according to “co-ve-tu pre-mier-mi-ni-st-ra". Ka-bi-no os-shche-st-v-la-et general ru-ko-vo-dstvo and control over the authorities of Malta and no-set collective-lec-tiv-nu- vet-st-ven-ness for this is re-ed par-la-men-tom.

In the Republic of Malta, there are so-sche-st-woo-e-m-th-par-ty-ny system-te-ma. The leading political parties are the Lei-bo-ri-st-sky party of Mal-you, the National-on-listic party.

Nature

Relief.

Malta is located on 2 large islands (Malta, 246 km2; Go-tso, 67 km2) and numerous small ones (Ko-mi-no , 2.7 km2; Ko-mi-not-to, Fil-fla and others) island-ro-wakh. Pro-tya-femininity of the be-re-go-howl line of the island of Malta 136 km; the southern and southwestern coasts are steep and ob-ry-wi-st with numerous gr-ta-mi, live-in-pis-ny-mi from-west-nya-ko- you-mi utyo-sa-mi, northern and se-ve-ro-east-precise - more from-re-zan-nye, with convenient ha-va-nya-mi (for example, bay-ta Mel-li-ha), low-men-nye and flat. The surface of the islands has a general slope from the south-west to the north-east. In reli-e-fe, pre-ob-la-da-yut for-kar-one-van-nye wave-ny-sty plateaus (height up to 253 m on the island of Mal-ta - the largest in the country -not), weak-bo-races-member-nen-nye before-whether-on-mi time-in-do-to-kov (the so-called su-hi-mi rus-la-mi).

Geo-lo-gi-che-structure and useful is-ko-pae-mye.

The island of Maltiy-sko-go ar-khi-pe-la-ga on-ho-dyat-sya in the northeastern parts of the Maltii-sko-Pe-lag-skaya plate to -Cambrian Af-ri-Kan-platform-we. Slo-same-we are mostly oli-go-tse-no-you-mi and myo-tse-no-you-mi almost go-ri-zon-tal-but for-le-gayu-schi-mi from-west-nya-ka-mi (nai-bo-leee shi-ro-ko ras-pro-stra-not-us glo-bi-ge-ri-no-vye from-west-nya-ki) and go -lu-be-mi clay-on-mi with pro-layers of phos-for-ri-tov and glau-ko-ni-ta. Location . They have places for building stones.

Climate.

In Malta, the climate is medium-di-earth-but-marine, with mild rainy winter and hot dry summer. The average temperatures in February are 12 °C, and in August 26 °C. Precipitation is about 550 mm per year; they pa-da-yut in the form of in-ten-siv-ny non-long-living-tel-ny showers, mainly from October to February. Ha-rak-ter-na you-so-kaya between-go-to-vay from-men-chi-vost sums of precipitation.

Inland waters.

Malta is-py-you-va-et sharp de-fi-cit of water re-sur-owls. Rus-la of temporary water-to-the-kov for half-nya-yut-sya water for a very non-long-term period, to hold-zh-niya to-zh-de- howl of water and pre-dot-rotation of erosion in order, but over 30 small dams. The use of resources of groundwater, which play an important role in the water-to-supply of the country, and reduce their ka -che-st-va after-st-vie for-dirt-non-niya nit-ra-ta-mi and for-so-le-niya - one of the main environmental problems of Malta. About 60% every year, but on demand, my water is in the best way sea ​​waters. Most of my water-requirements are dis-ho-du-et-xia on someone-mu-nal-but-be-that-voe-to-supply and agricultural well- dy.

Soil-you, ra-ti-tel-ny and living world.

On the territory of Malta, they govern an-tro-by-gen-but mo-di-fi-ci-ro-van-landscapes, about 3/4 of the territory ri-to-rii for-ni-ma-yut ur-ba-ni-zi-ro-van-land and agricultural land. In the soil-ven-nom in-cro-ve pre-ob-la-da-yut der-no-vo-kar-bo-nat-nye and red-colored brown-rich-not-vye soils you (ter-ra ros-sa). Shi-ro-ko raz-vi-you an-tro-by-gene-but pre-ob-ra-zo-van-soils (ag-ro-ze-we and ur-ba-no-ze- We). Es-the-st-ven-naya ra-ti-tel-ness representing-le-on the second-rich-us-mi low-to-tree-weight-us-mi and kus-tar-no-ko- you-mi for-ma-tsia-mi ma-k-vi-sa (oli-va ev-ro-pei-sky, fis-tash-ki, rozh-ko-voe de-re-vo) and g-ri -gi (thym-yan go-lov-cha-ty, eri-ka many-color-ko-vaya, mo-lo-tea, including en-de-mi-ch-ny Maltese mo- lo-tea), as well as teaching-st-ka-mi su-hih evil-ko-vy steppes. Our-ob-raz-us-ra-ti-tel-ny groups-pi-ditch-ki near-coastal-of-the-west-n-to-y-o-o-ry-vov with an ob-li-em narrow-to- en-de-mich-nyh species of color-to-vy races. In the composition of the flora there are about 1000 species of higher races, including over 20 en-de-mi-kov. About 1/5 of the races of Malta are-la-yut-xia-me-ren-but or occasionally in-tro-du-tsi-ro-van-ny-mi.

Obi-ta-yut over 20 species of mammals-to-n-melting (mainly ru-to-winged and ki-to-ob-different), 30 species of nests birds (including the blue stone thrush), 18 species -ty chalcid and others), 1 type of terrestrial-water (dis-koya-zych-naya la-gush-ka). Terrestrial oh-ra-nyae-my natural ter-ri-to-rii (natural re-zero-va-you, or-no-logical orders -ni-ki and others) for-ni-ma-yut 13% of the country's area (mainly along the southern and southwestern coasts of the island of Malta); the area of ​​oh-ra-nya-my sea water reservoirs is 11 km2 (2007). To the water-but-boo-lot-nym lands of inter-f-du-folk-significance from-not-se-ny Ga-di-ra and Is-Si-ram. Most of the oh-ra-nya-myh ter-ri-to-rii of Malta are included in the general-ev-ro-pei eco-logical networks "Pri-ro-da-2000 "And" Emerald "(" Emerald ").

Additional literature:

Spiteri Staines E. Aspects of water problems in the Maltese Islands // Groundwater economics. Amst.; Oxf., 1989;

Schembri P.-J. Malta's Natural heritage // Mal-ta culture and identity. Malta, 1994.

Population

The main population of Malta is the Maltese (96.5%, 2007), they also live in the same ang-li-cha-ne (about 2%), av- st-ra-liy-tsy (about 1%), Italian-yan-tsy (about 0.3%). The number of people per-se-le-niya every year, but increase-whether-chi-va-et-sya by an average of 0.6-0.7% (mid-2000s). Ro-zh-dae-bridge so-kra-scha-et-sya (10.0 per 1000 inhabitants in 2008; 12.4 in 1995), the level of death-no-sti prak-ti-che-ski sta-bi-len (co-from-vet-st-ven-but 7.6 and 7.3). For-ka-for-tel fer-til-no-sti 1.5 re-byon-ka for 1 woman-schi-nu; infant mortality is 3.7 per 1000 live-in-ro-well-days. In the age structure-tu-re on-se-le-niya to-la children (up to 15 years old) is 15.7%, people work-to-spo- new age (15-64 years old) - 68.5%, people over 65 years old - 15.8% (2010). The average life expectancy in May is higher than the average for the EU countries (men - 77.4 years, women - 82 , 1 year). For every 100 women, there are 99 male ranks.

The average density of the population is very high (1307 people / km2; one of the highest in the world). About 91% of the population lives on the island of Mal-ta, where the most dense-but-for-se-le-na hundred-personal district Val-let-you and shore -naya in-lo-sa to za-pa-du and vos-to-ku from him (gra-ni-tsy me-zh-du on-se-lyon-ny-mi point-ta-mi would- st-ro sti-ra-yut-sya at the expense of ras-shi-re-niya in-se-le-niy and rise-nick-but-ve-niya new-out on earlier not-for-building-en -nyh ter-ri-to-ri-yah); the western and southern parts of the island are less dense. Urban population 95% (2010). The largest cities (thousand people, 2010): Bir-kir-ka-ra 20.7, Most-ta 19.3, San-Pa-ul-il-Ba-har 17.4, Cor-mi 15.7 (all on the island of Mal-ta).

There are 167.3 thousand people in the eco-no-mi-ke for-nya, of which 72.8% are in the service sector, 17.4% in industry, and 17.4% in construction - 7.2%, in agriculture, forestry, and fishing - 2.6% (2007). Level without-ra-bo-ti-tsy 6.1% (2010).

Religion

About 97% of the population of Malta is ka-to-li-ki, about 1% is pre-hundred-vi-te-li pro-tes-tant-skih de-no-mi-na-tsy (ang-li-ka- no, me-to-di-sty, pre-swe-te-ria-ne, ad-ven-ti-sta of the seventh day and others); adherents of other confessions ma-lo-numbers-len-ny (2006, estimate).

Na-cha-lo races-pro-country-niya hri-sti-an-st-va in Malta from-no-sit-sya to the 1st century and is connected, as it is considered , with the activity of the apostle Paul, after-ter-pe-she-go-slave-le-cru-she-nie off the coast of Malta on the way to Rome (De- Jan 27:27 - 28:10). According to tradition, the first bishop of Malta was St. Publius, who received baptism from the Apostle Paul. The day of co-slave-le-cruise and the arrival of the apostle Paul in Malta (February 10) is the national holiday of Malta.

According to the Constitution of 1964, some kind of cism has the status of a state religion. At the beginning of the 21st century, the Roman-ka-to-personal church was represented by 1 mi-tro-po-li-her and 1 dio-ce-zom. Dey-st-vu-yut 2 right-in-glorious par-ho-yes: 1 - in the juris-dictation of Kon-stan-ti-no-Polish right-in-glorious-church-vi , 1 - Russian right-in-glorious church (ob-ra-zo-van in 2003).

Is-to-ri-che-sky essay

Mal-ta from ancient times until 1800.

Malta would-la-se-le-na around the 5th millennium BC. Numerous mega-li-tic cult buildings (one of the oldest in Europe), including in Mnaid -re and Tar-shi-ne to the islands of Mal-ta and Jgan-tiya on the island of Go-tso, yes-ti-rue-my about 3500 - about 2500 BC. Around 2000, the island of obez-lu-de-li, ve-ro-yat-no, in re-zul-ta-te epi-de-mia or eco-logical ka-ta-st-ro -ff. The new villagers, who knew copper and bronze, came to Malta a few hundred years later from Si-qi-li and South Italy. Not later than the 8th century BC in Malta, they settled fi-ni-ki-tsy, under-chi-niv-shie me-st-noe on-se-le-nie. From the 6th century BC Malta con-tro-li-ro-va-las Kar-fa-gen-nom. In 218 BC, in the course of the 2nd Punic War (see the article Pu-no-che-wars), the island was for-hva-chen rim-la-na-mi , in the next-st-vie subjected to a significant ro-ma-ni-za-tion. In the 2nd century AD, Malta was po-lu-chi-la status mu-ni-tsi-piya.

Na-cha-lo christia-ni-za-zion of Malta from-no-sit-sya to the 1st century (consider that Malta was set-til apos-tol Pa-vel), hri -sti-an-sky communities for-fic-si-ro-va-ny from the 4th century. In the 5th-6th centuries, Malta, in a vi-di-mo-mu, served as a sea base for van-da-lov. In 533-535, it became part of Byzantium, used-pol-zo-va-las as a place of exile of disgraced dignitaries. In 870, the Maltese ar-khi-pe-lag was for-voyo-van ara-ba-mi, part of hri-sti-an-sko-go on-se-le-nia you-ve-ze- on the territory of the modern Tu-ni-sa and on the Si-qi-liu. The city of Mdi-na (Me-di-na) became a hundred-le-tsey of Malta.

In 1091, the islands of Mal-ta and Go-tso were for-hwa-che-ny by Count Rod-ger I of Si-qi-li-sky, in 1127 they ended-cha-tel- but they went into the composition of the Si-qi-liy-ko-ko-ro-left-st-va. Mu-Islamic on-se-le-niye of the islands was-lo about-lo-same-but tya-yellow-mi on-yes-tya-mi, in the 1240s on-sil-st-ven -but cre-sche-but (from-ka-zav-shie-sya to-no-mother christ-sti-an-st-vo you-sla-na to South Italy). In 1191, the king of Si-qi-lii Tan-cred (1190-1194) gave Malta to the flax to one of his ad-mi-ra-lov, ge-nu-ez -tsu Mar-ga-ri-to di Brin-di-zi, in-lu-chiv-she-mu ti-tul count of Malta. After-the-st-wii ko-ro-li Si-qi-lii more than once returned Malta to the domain (windows-cha-tel-but in 1350), then again da-ri-li-bo pro-da-va-li to your ad-mi-ra-lam or ba-ro-nam and this ti-tul, and the half-no-mo connected with it -chia and do-ho-dy.

As part of the Si-qi-liy-sko-go ko-ro-lev-st-va Malta in 1194 pa-la under the rule of the Stau-fen, in 1266 - Carl I An-zhui-sko-go , in 1283 - Ara-gon-sky di-na-stiya. In the XIV-XV centuries in Malta there was a hundred-precisely strong Catalan influence. In 1398, the administration of Malta was pe-re-da-no mu-ni-qi-pa-li-te-tu (uni-ver-si-tas) of Mdi-na, from-bi-rav-she- mu-sya me-st-nym pat-ri-cyat-tom, led by the-significant-tea-my ko-ro-ka-pi-ta-nom (ana-logic av- to-no-miyu po-lu-chil the island of Go-tso). Malta ex-por-ti-ro-va-la cotton-pok, cumin, honey, its zhi-te-whether for-ni-ma-lis also fish-bo-lov-st-vom and pi-rat- st-tion. Na-chi-naya since the 15th century Malta for-vi-se-la from a hundred grains, olive-ko-vo-mas-la and wine from Si-qi-lii. In 1429, the Tu-nis Arabs were under-performed on the pas-de-ni-yam, in 1488 and 1526 - tou-rock. In 1492, from Malta there was a large number of Jewish na-se-le-nie .

In 1530, Emperor Charles V re-gave the Maltese Islands to the len-noe vla-de-nie Or-de-nu io-an-ni-tov (gos-pi-tal-e-ditch). In 1551, the Turks for-hwa-ti-li the island of Go-tso and took into slavery almost all of it on-se-le-nie. With the aim of pre-d-from-re-turning new-on-pa-de-niy io-en-ni-you-ve-were powerful uk-re-p-le-niya in district of Ve-li-koi Ga-va-ni. In 1565, Malta, led by the Grand Master J. Pa-ri-zo de La Val-let-tom (La Valette), held a 3-month-old wasp -du of the 40-thousand-thousand-th Turkish army, several times superior to the ho-div-she-go-ly of the Mal-ti-tsev (the first large military non- good luck-cha to-rock in the Middle-di-earth-but-sea).

Under io-an-ni-tah, Malta for the first time became a sa-mo-sto-state state-su-dar-st-vom. Was-la-in-order-on and ok-ru-same-on the power-us-mi-uk-re-p-le-niya-mi new hundred-li-tsa of Malta - Val-let-ta, created- Yes, we are a re-gu-lar-ny fleet and the state naval in-fra-structure-tu-ra, system sick; che-ka-ni-las ka-che-st-ven-naya mo-not-that, it was in-ten-siv-noe urban construction. For-met-noe development in-lu-chi-whether agriculture, co-slave-le-building. In 1592, the opening of the ie-zu-it-ska se-mi-na-ria in Val-let-te (in 1769, on its basis, the university-ver-si-tet was raised) , in 1642 on-cha-moose books-go-pe-cha-ta-nie. In the 16th-17th centuries, the population of Malta grew 6 times (approximately up to 120 thousand people).

Management of the island-ro-va-mi osu-sche-st-in-la-moose ry-tsa-rya-mi or-de-na, pro-is-ho-div-shi-mi from different nyh Western European countries; Italian-Jan-sky was recognized as the state language. Maltese, most of the small rural households and rent-da-to-ry on neighboring lands or lands of the Catholic Church (person -naya for-vi-si-bridge disappeared-chez-la by the end of the 13th century), ras-smat-ri-va-lis io-an-ni-ta-mi in ka-che-st-ve you-sa- fishing or-de-na. Not less than 10% of the population of ar-hi-pe-la-ha with-stav-la-whether ra-by, mostly with-above-le-zhav-shie or-de-nu (rowers on ha- le-rakh, workers at shipyards, in weapons and other workshops, in construction-tel-st-ve, servant), but ra-bo-tav -shie also in estates and houses of private individuals.

In 1798, Malta was without a fight for-hwa-che-na Na-po-le-o-nom Bo-na-par-tom (see Na-po-le-on I Bo-na-part). Part of the knights-ts-rei or-de-na pri-nya-la hundred-ro-well franc-tsu-call, another, led by the Great magician F. von Gom-pe -shom, po-ki-nu-la Malta. French authorities from-me-no-whether feudal privileges-vi-le-gy, for-pre-ti-whether slave-st-in, whether-to-vi-di-ro-va-li in-qui- zi-tion. Ra-di-kal-nye pre-ob-ra-zo-va-niya, as well as evil-upot-reb-le-niya French-call, in part-no-sti introduced-de- their taking you-so-taxes, you-carrying valuables from churches, closing the university-ver-si-te-ta, you-call-not-to- will-st-in me-st-no-go on-se-le-niya. Fran-zu-zy would be from-gna-ny with Go-tso and wasp-zh-de-ny in Val-let-those. Rising about-ra-ti-lied for help to the commanding officer of the British es-kad-roy G. Nel-so-nu. In September 1800, Val-let-ta was surrendered, over ar-hi-pe-la-go us-ta-nov-len British control.

Malta from 1800.

According to the conditions of the Parisian world-but-go-to-go-in-ra in 1814, Malta would-la-know-on-ko-lo-no-it Ve-li-ko -bri-ta-ni. She became the main British naval base in the Middle-di-earth-but-sea, active-but-used-zo-wa-las in the course of armed con- flik-tov, including the Greek national-tsio-nal-no-os-vo-bo-di-tel-noy re-vo-lu-tion of 1821-1829, the Crimean war of 1853 -1856 and the 1st World War. The knowledge of Malta for-met-but you-grew-lo after the opening in 1869 of Su-etz-ko-go ka-na-la. By the beginning of the 20th century, in Malta, there were up to 17 thousand soldiers, in its ports there were more than 80 military ko-slave; a significant part of the on-se-le-niya would-la for-nya-ta in the military and civilian in-fra-structure-tu-re.

In 1819, there was a li-k-vi-di-ro-van or-gan of the local self-government (uni-ver-si-tas), the power of re-re-da-na British gu-ber-na-to-ru. In 1829, a jury trial was introduced, in 1839 - freedom of speech. In 1835, the State Council was created from 7 famous governors of the Maltese. In 1849, ko-ro-le-va Vic-to-ria da-ro-va-la Malte con-sti-tu-tsiu, in co-ot-vet-st-vie with someone swarm from me -did-sya in a row-dock of a complex of-to-va-tion of the State so-ve-ta (8 from-bi-rai-my and 10 on-know-tea-my members). In 1868, the Civil Code began to operate (it was based on the Na-po-le-o-na Code). According to the con-sti-tu-tion of 1887, the State Council became, according to the pre-im-shche-st-vu, elected (14 members out of 20). Saved op-re-de-lyon-naya dis-kri-mi-na-tion of the Malti-tsev when you-st-p-le-nii to the public service, Malti- The Russian language did not have the status of a state language.

At the end of the 1st world war, the growth of oppositional attitudes among the places of the 1st world war began , called, including co-beautiful number of ra-bo-chih places, growth in prices for basic products. On June 7, 1919, to suppress the street demons in rows, would the British troops be bro-she-ska, after what de-pu-ta-you for- blo-ki-ro-va-li ra-bo-tu of the State Council. In 1921, Malta in-lu-chi-la sa-mo-management, according to the new con-sti-tu-tion, Italian-Jan-sky and English became official languages -sky (since 1934 - English and Maltese). Were there sfor-mi-ro-va-ny two-pa-lat-ny par-la-ment and pra-vi-tel-st-in led by pre-mier-mi-ni-st-rum . Gu-ber-na-tor kept significant half-but-mo-chia, the right to start up steam-la-men-ta; external po-ti-ka and both-ro-on the os-ta-was in the ve-de-nii met-ro-po-lii. Were the first political parties of the Maltese, including the Lei-bo-ri-st-sky party of Mal-ty (LPM; 1920) ) and the Nationalist Party (NP; 1926). In 1930 and 1933, in the conditions of the ob-st-re-niya of the internal-ri-poly-political struggle, We-li-ko-bri-ta-nia for the time of arrival -ta-nav-li-va-la dei-st-vie con-sti-tu-tion; in 1936, the administration of Malta re-went to the British governor-na-to-ru, opi-rav-she-mu-sya on from-bi-rai-my Governmental co- vet.

A state in southern Europe, located on the islands (Malta, Gozo, Cominotto, Comino, Filfla) in the Mediterranean Sea south of the island of Sicily. Length coastline- 140 km. total area 316 km2. Most of the country is located on a limestone plateau. Coasts with low cliffs, with a large number of coastal cliffs. The country has numerous bays with convenient harbors. Minor natural resources (limestone, table salt). Arable land occupies 38% of the country's territory.

Population

The population is 400,000 people, the average population density is about 1,155 people per km2. The inhabitants of the island - the Maltese - are descendants of Italians, French and Arabs. There are two in the country official languages- Maltese (based on the Latin alphabet, but the vocabulary is mostly borrowed from Arabic) and English. The state religion is Catholicism.

Climate

The climate of the country is Mediterranean, with wet winters and hot dry summers. The average annual temperature on the island is about 19 "C. Precipitation is about 530 mm per year.

Vegetable world

The mountain slopes are dominated by stony wastelands, on which low, dry-loving shrubs grow. There are islands of pines and hard-leaved oaks characteristic of the Mediterranean. Thorny cacti and prickly pear often form hedges. The flora of Malta is also typical of laurel, sage, different kinds chamomile.

Animal world

Wild animal world countries are quite poor. Many seagulls live off the coast, migratory birds rest on the islands in spring and autumn. In coastal waters, there are mullet, mackerel, tuna, sardine, mackerel, as well as a variety of shellfish.

State structure

Full name - Republic of Malta. The state system is a republic. The capital is Valletta. Malta gained independence from Great Britain on September 21, 1964, but British troops remained in the country until 1979. Legislation is based on English common law. National holidays: September 21 - Independence Day, December 13 - Republic Day, September 8 - Victory Day, March 31 - Freedom Day, June 7 - Martyrs' Day. Executive power belongs to the president (head of state) and the government headed by the prime minister.

Economy, transport communications

Flaw natural resources in Malta is offset by a favorable geographic location and the availability of a highly skilled workforce. The main sectors of the economy are transit and transport operations, foreign tourism. Among the leading industries (production provides 25% of GNP) are shipbuilding and ship repair, textile, clothing, footwear, electrical engineering, food, limestone mining occupies an important place in the country's economy. Agriculture (4.1% of GNP) is dominated by small peasant farms, the main areas are agriculture (cereals and vegetables are grown), viticulture, fruit growing, and floriculture. Dairy cattle breeding predominates in animal husbandry. Most of the food is imported, Malta meets only 20% of its food needs from its own resources. One of the most important sources of income is foreign tourism. Currency unit- Maltese lira (1 Maltese lira (LM) is equal to 100 cents). Main trading partners: Germany, Great Britain, Italy. There are no railways, total length motorways - 291 km (180 km - asphalt roads). main port country - Valletta.

Story

Having a strategic location since ancient times, the island of Malta belonged to the 9th century. BC e. Phoenicians, in the 8th c. to i. e. - the Greeks. Possession of Carthage from the 6th century. BC e., the island was captured during the Punic Wars by the Romans in 218 BC. e. After the collapse of the Roman Empire, Malta was captured by the Vandals, then by the Ostrogoths, and in 533 became part of Byzantine Empire. In 869, the island was occupied by the Arabs, and in the 11th century. passed to the Normans, who annexed Malta to Sicily. From the 16th century the island was transferred to the knights of the order of St. John, who became known as the Knights of Malta. Beginning in 1680, French influence grew on the island, and in the 18th century. Malta was France's major commercial center in the Mediterranean. In 1798, Napoleon Bonaparte captured the island, which, however, in 1800 passed into the hands of the British. Being a colony of Great Britain, Malta was subjected to massive bombardments by Italian and German air force, however, did not give up and in 1943 served as a springboard for the landing of allied troops in Sicily. Having gained independence in 1964, Malta was declared a republic in 1974, but British troops remained on the island until 1979.

Attractions

There are many in the country sea ​​resorts with beautiful beaches. In the capital of the country, the palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta and the cathedral with the tombs of the knights are interesting.

Valletta. General information

The capital of Malta, Valletta, is named after the master of the Order of St. John, J. Parisot de La Valletta, who founded the city. The Maltese call their capital Il-Belt, which means "city".

natural conditions

Valletta is located on northeast coast islands of Malta, on a rocky peninsula between two natural bays of the Mediterranean Sea: Marsamuschetto and Grand Harbor, on the shores of a small bay of Great Harbor. Part of the streets of the city rises along the slopes of Mount Sciberras. The capital has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers (in July the temperature reaches +36 ° C) and mild rainy winters (the temperature does not fall below +4 ° C). The annual rainfall is about 550 mm. In the city, as in the whole country, there are no rivers; groundwater is partly saline, so the population has to collect rainwater for agricultural needs and use desalination plants. The vegetation is poor, mostly shrubs. Some herbs are used in pharmaceutical and perfumery-cosmetic production.

Population, language, religion

More than 9 thousand inhabitants live in Valletta, who are mainly Maltese - descendants of the Phoenicians who colonized Malta in ancient times. Residents of the city speak two languages ​​- Maltese and English. The Maltese language is one of the dialects of the Arabic language that has been influenced by the later Italian language, especially the Sicilian dialect. The vast majority of the townspeople profess Catholicism.

History of development

The coast of the island of Malta is a winding line, indented with many convenient bays. This geographical feature explains the fact that the settlement that existed on the site of modern Valletta has been known since the 9th century. BC when the island was colonized by the Phoenicians. Over the centuries, Malta passed from hand to hand: in the VIII century. BC e. it belonged to the Greeks, from the VI century. BC e. - Carthage, from 218 AD e. - Rome, then it was captured by the Vandals, who were replaced by the Ostrogoths, and in 869 by the Arabs. The Normans, who joined in the XI century. Malta to Sicily, became its last owners, giving the island at the beginning of the 16th century. the Order of St. John. The history of Valletta begins from the moment when small detachments of the Knights of Malta, led by Master Jean de La Valletta, repelled the attack of Turkish troops led by Suleiman the Magnificent. The victory went to the inhabitants of Malta quite expensively, leading the master to the decision to create a well-fortified city, which in the future will help to withstand the onslaught of enemies. However, Jean Parisot de La Vallette planned to build not just a watch fortress, but a city “for gentlemen”, which would become an economic, political and cultural capital. The Grand Master personally laid the first stone of the new city on March 28, 1566. Generous donations from all over the Christian world allowed construction work very quickly. The construction was led by the Italian architect Francesco Laparelli, who developed the plan of Valletta and, for the first time in the history of urban planning in Europe, received the opportunity to do everything in accordance with the norms and rules of architecture. Special systems were built to drain wastewater and remove debris from the city, which made it possible to carry out work without accumulating construction waste. The layout of the streets was carried out in such a way that the sea breeze, penetrating everywhere, purified the air and created the effect of conditioning. Immediately, the existing and now special Department of Urban Planning was created, which strictly regulated everything related to development. The department ordered to put the houses along one line, decorate them with sculptures in the corners, and arrange a well in the courtyard to collect rainwater; it was forbidden to plant gardens in front of facades. Simultaneously with the construction of housing and public buildings, engineering defensive structures were created around the capital. In five years, these works were completed, including the excavation of a wide moat that separated Valletta from the main part of the island. The length of the moat was 1000 m, depth - 18 m and width - 20 m. Since 1570, the construction of the city was continued by Laparelli's student, Giloramo Sazzar. Under his leadership, beautiful palaces and churches were built in Valletta. Gradually new town acquired its significance as the center of political, economic and cultural life Europe. Trade, crafts and art developed in Valletta. The decoration of Valletta was facilitated by the fact that, having got rid of the threat of Turkish conquests, the Knights of Malta soon began to take care exclusively of the comfort of their own living and started building luxurious mansions and palaces. In 1798, the knights, who had lost their morale and discipline, could not, and did not want to repulse Napoleon's troops. On the contrary, many of them gave the emperor an enthusiastic reception, as they had French roots. This behavior of the knights helped Valletta avoid destruction and preserve its original appearance. In 1800, Valletta, along with the entire island, passed into the hands of the British and remained under their rule until 1974. During World War II, the city was seriously damaged due to German air raids . Since 1974, Valletta has become the official capital of the Republic of Malta, which gained independence.

cultural significance

Nowadays, Valletta can be seen not only as Cultural Center Malta, but also as a museum under open sky. Very few medieval fortified cities have survived in Europe, one of which is Valletta. The central street of the capital is Republic Street, which received its name in 1974 (previously it was called Strada San Giorgio, and under the British - Strada Reale or Kingsway), - runs through the center and bisects the city, ending at Fort St. Elmo, which was one of the main defensive forts of Valletta. Today, the fort houses a military museum. The building of Republic Street is a vivid example of the southern European style. The city gate leads to Freedom Square, where the tower of St. James Cavalier is located on the right, followed by the "Auberge (knight's compound) de Castille", which is the residence of the Prime Minister of Malta. Opposite Freedom Square is Palazzo Ferreria - one of the most beautiful palaces built in the style of Italian classics, which previously housed the armory of the knights. A little further you can see the building of the Royal Opera House. The Auberge de Provence building, built in 1574, during the English rule was the center of social life in Malta and was called the Union Club. Now located here National Museum archeology. Republic Street crosses several squares: Great Siege Square, Republic Square and Palace Square, where the Palace of the Grand Master is located, which was built from 1570 to 1580. Currently, this building houses the residence of the President and Parliament of the Republic of Malta. Part of the halls of the palace is open to tourists, of particular interest is the Armory Hall, which exhibits weapons and armor of the XIV-XVIII centuries. The National Museum of Archeology of Malta is located in a building that was built for young knights of the Order of Malta who did not have their own housing. Today it is the only building of its kind that is not occupied by government agencies and is open to visitors. The museum contains collections of finds from the Neolithic and late Neolithic periods, bronze age, the era of Phoenician colonization, as well as exhibits of the Punic period of the history of the Maltese archipelago. Museum expositions fine arts Malta includes all the best works of art that could be found on the islands of the Maltese archipelago, and represent different periods of cultural development. Two art galleries owned by the museum constantly organize exhibitions of works by contemporary artists and sculptors from Malta and other countries of the world. The conference center, located in the former hospital for the knights, hosts an audio and video show "Maltese Impressions" every day, which tells about the history and cultural traditions of Malta. Valletta is home to the only university in the entire country, founded in 1769 and internationally recognized for the quality of teaching medical sciences.

Information for tourists

The Maltese capital is a paradise for lovers of ancient architecture. There is not a single building in Valletta that would be uninteresting. In Valletta, the Maltese lira is in circulation, the import of foreign currency is not limited. You can exchange it in banks that work longer in summer than at other times of the year. The exchange office at the airport operates around the clock. The city has the only fair in the country, which operates every day. Shops for tourists are open until late.

Malta(Republic of Malta) - a state located in southern Europe in the Mediterranean Sea. The state is a member of the European Union, but is not part of the Schengen area. A visa is required to visit the country. Malta is the smallest country in the European Union, both in terms of population and area. The population of Malta is 452,000 people. Malta is in the same time zone. The capital of the country is the city of Valletta. Another major city in Malta is Birkirkara. It is larger than Valletta and is the most major city countries. There are no cities with a population of more than a million people in Malta, since the population of the whole state is only almost half a million inhabitants. The difference with universal time is two hours.

Malta is Island state. Like Iceland, Malta is surrounded on all sides by the Mediterranean Sea. It has a maritime border with Italy. Malta is located on seven islands. The country is only 27 km long and 15 km wide. The two smallest islands in Malta are uninhabited.

Despite its small size, Malta has several forest areas. The largest forest area is Busquette Forest - favorite place walks and recreation of the Maltese.

There are no mountain ranges in Malta, there are many low hills. The highest point in the country is located at an altitude of 253 meters above sea level.

Malta is considered the only country in Europe (except for city-states) in which there are no permanent rivers and lakes. Temporary rivers form in the spring season during the period of massive precipitation and dry up by the beginning of summer. There is no fresh water in Malta, it is brought into the country from Italian Sicily.

Despite its small size, the country has its own administrative-territorial units. It is divided into six districts: Inner Harbor, North, Outer Harbour, West, Southeast, Gozo and Comino.

Map

Roads

Malta has no railways.

State of the Maltese highways- satisfactory. Most of the roads are in need of major repairs. There are no autobahns in the country.

Story

Malta has gone through several historical periods of its development:

A) Ancient Malta- the settlement of the island by the first people, the emergence of colonies of the Phoenicians and Greeks (VIII century BC), joining Persia, joining Carthage, joining the Holy Roman Empire, joining the Byzantine Empire, joining the Arab Caliphate, joining the composition of the Norman state, becoming part of Spain;

b) Malta in the Middle Ages and in the New Age - the formation of the Order of Malta (1530), the aggression of the Ottoman Empire (1565), the capture of Malta by Napoleon and the French occupation (1798), the entry of the Order of Malta under the patronage Russian Empire(December 1798), the occupation of Malta by Great Britain (1800), the entry of Malta into the UK (1814), the introduction of local government (1921);

c) Malta during the Second World War (1939-1945) - air and sea blockade of the country, German and Italian air raids;

d) Independent Malta - the declaration of formal independence from Great Britain (1964) with the preservation of the power of the Queen of England, the proclamation of the Republic (1974), the establishment of full state sovereignty (1979);

e) Malta in modern times - a referendum on accession to the European Union (2003), accession to the European Union (2004).

Minerals

Malta has no minerals. There is no oil, gas and coal in the country at all, energy carriers are imported from other countries. Of the other minerals in the country, there are large reserves of building limestone. A technology for extracting salt from sea water is being developed.

Climate

The climate of Malta is subtropical Mediterranean, very hot. Winter is mild and rainy, there is no snow here. In the coldest month - February - the temperature is up to 20 degrees Celsius. Summer is dry and hot with occasional rain. In 2011, Malta was recognized as the country with the best climate in the world.