Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has become a freight transshipment point, financial center, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for EU membership.

 

Location Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Geographic coordinates 35 50 N, 14 35 E

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