Located at the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta has always been
a flourishing hub for business and trade since the early days of the
Phoenicians. After having been dominated by the 'Knights of
Malta' for centuries, the country came under the rule of the
British Empire in the early 19th century. Malta acquired its
independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 after a
referendum. Malta became a member of the European Union in
May 2004 and adopted the Euro currency in 2008.