Malta For Kids

Interesting Malta Facts for Kids

Here are some interesting facts about Malta for Kids. These facts were chosen and researched by kids especially for kids.

Facts about Malta

Flag of Malta

Population: 515,000 people live in Malta (2021)
Capital: Valletta (the metropolitan area houses about 220,000 inhabitants)
Name: Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta'Malta)
Government: parliamentary republic
Official Languages: Maltese and English
Religion: more than 90% are Christians
Literacy: 95% of the population over 15 years of age can read and write
Currency: 1 Euro = 100 cents
National Symbols: Maltese Cross (eight pointed cross) and the national colours are red and wh
National Day: 21 September (Independence Day)

Anthem of Malta

National Anthem: 'L-Innu Malti', means in English: Anthem of Malta, is written in form of a prayer
History: The islands are inhabited for over 7,000 years and was ruled by many different powers among them the Romans, the Greeks, Arabs, Normans and the British. In 1813 Malta became a British colony and reached independence from Britain in 1964 and became a republic then years later.

Malta for Kids | Geography
Where is Malta? - Malta Map

Malta is a small island country in southern Europe. The archipelago is located in the Mediterranean Sea to the south of Italy.

The capital city is called Valletta and is located on the main island of Malta.

Map of Malta

The three largest islands of the country are Malta, Gozo and Comino, the archipelago consists of islands, however only the three largest islands are inhabited.

Malta is about twice the size of Liechtenstein or twice the size of Washington DC/ USA or less than half the size of Singapore.

A flight to Valletta takes about 3 hours from London/UK, or 11 hours from New York/USA.

Malta for Kids | Geo Superlatives

Malta is the main island of the Malta archipelago.
Malta is the smallest country of the European Union (EU) by land area and population. Malta is also one of the smallest countries in the world (ranking 10th) and one of the most populated countries in the world (ranking 4th).
Valletta is the smallest capital city of the EU.

Malta's capital city Valletta in evening light - image by shutterstock

Malta's capital city is Valletta

The highest point in Malta is Ta'Dmejrek which are parts of the Dingli Cliffs. It is 253 m/ 830 ft high.
Malta has some hills as well as many cliffs and rocky shores as well as golden sandy beaches.

Malta's Golden Bay

No river on the island carries water all year round.
Malta belongs to Europe, but is located on the African tectonic plate though the islands of the archipelago are closer to Italy on the European continent than to Tunesia on the African continent.
The country has a mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers.

Malta for Kids | Attractions and Landmarks

Here are our favourite attractions in Malta for kids:

Valletta: The capital city and commercial centre of the islands was founded in 1566 by the Knight of the Order of St. John who was called Jean Parisot de la Valette. The city has lovely narrow streets and historic buildings as well as quaint gardens, parks and artfully decorated churches such as the Co-Cathedral of St. John.

St Johns Cathedral

Blue Grotto: The crystal clear waters of the Blue Grotto attract thousands of visitors every year. There are many caverns that can be discovered and the phosphorous coloured waters are an amazing sight.

Blue Grotto

Gozo: The azure window in Gozo was a limestone arch that was over 28m/ 92 ft tall but that collapsed in 2017. Today the surrounding pools are still a major attraction on the island.

Azure Window in Gozo

Comino, the smallest of the three main islands, is largely inhabited, but is known for its stunning aquamarine-coloured clear waters by snorkelers and divers. The blue lagoon is one of the best swimming spots in the waters surrounding the islands. The lagoon actually is between the islands Comino and smaller islet Caminotto. Children will enjoy splashing in the crystal clear shallow waters.

Blue Lagoon in Comino

Saint Agatha's Red Tower: The fortress dates back to 1649 and is one of the major attractions in Mellieha.

Saint Agatha Red Fortress in Malta at sunset

Saint Agatha Red Tower in Malta

Marsaxlokk: The picturesque fishing village in southern part of the island is renewed for the traditional fishing boat called luzzu. The boats are painted in bright colours and have a pair of eyes painted on their bow. These eyes are believed to protect the fishermen at sea. The tradition refer to the ancient tradition of the Eyes of Horus.

Marsaxlokk harbour with traditional fishing boats

Hypogeum: Prehistoric structures can be admired in Malta. The Hypogeum shows some of the best preserved megalithic temples and stone circles. It was discovered in 1902 by archeologists and today is world heritage site with a museum complex.

Megalithic temples

Malta for Kids | Maltese People

Most people live on the main island of Malta. There the largest towns are located in the eastern and northern areas.

Spinola Bay between St Julian's and Sliema

The Maltese people are mainly Christians, however, there are a Muslim mosque, a Jewish synagogue and other religious congregations at home in Malta too. Malta has three patron saints: Saint Paul, Saint Publius and Saint Agatha.

Mellieha Parish Church

The majority of the Maltese population live along the eastern coastline. Almost 80% of the Maltese work in the services sector including among others banking, tourism and information technologies.

The largest town of Malta is called St Paul's Bay which is located in northern Malta.

Malta for Kids | Malta Animals

The national animal of Malta is the Pharaoh hound, which is an ancient dog breed.

Malta is well known for its many lizards or geckos, the colourful ruby tiger moth and the Maltese goats that you can see everywhere in the countryside.

Goats in Malta

Malta for Kids | Malta Economy

The natural resources of Malta include limestone and salt.

Saltpans on Gozo island

The main agricultural crops are potatoes, vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli or fruits such as melons and strawberries.
Manufactured goods such as electronics as well as refined petroleum, packaged pharmaceutics and toys are the main export products.
The main trading partners of Malta are Germany, France, Italy, Russia and the UK.
Malta's national airline is called Air Malta.
Malta's currency is the Euro which was adopted in 2008.

Malta for Kids | Food in Malta

The Maltese cuisine is a mix of Mediterranean dishes and

Typical Maltese food includes:

Aljotta: fish soup made with a variety of fish such as bass, red mullet, grouper or lampuka, a Maltese dolphin fish.
Kapunata: Maltese traditional stew similar to ratatouille
Gbejniet: small sheep or goat's cheese balls
Cannoli: dessert pastry rolls or tubes filled with creamy ricotta, almonds, coconut, pistachios and other sweet fillings and even ice-cream.

Galletti: Maltese crackers
Pastizzi: puff pastry filled with ricotta or peas
Imqarrun il-forn: Baked Maltese macaroni casserole made with macaroni pasta, tomato bolognese sauce and melted cheese on top

Malta Facts for Kids
Useful Resources

Malta Tourism. "Traditional Maltese Cuisine." VisitMalta. Last accessed 28 May 2021.
Central Intelligence Agency. "Europe: Malta." World Fact Book. Update 17 May 2021. Accessed 28 May 2021

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