About Malta

Every person has their own story, but many of us are united by the fact that through a twist of fate, we ended up in a new country where we need to build a new life as soon as possible. We hope that our portal Expaterra can help you!

So, Malta: a country of opportunities and warm hospitality, where everyone can find their home among picturesque landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Culture and Lifestyle

Located in the heart of the Mediterranean, Malta boasts a rich culture, unique lifestyle, and distinctive cuisine, shaped by the influence of various civilizations over centuries.

Malta has been influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and the British, leading to a unique cultural blend. This diversity is reflected in the island's architecture, language, and traditions.

Maltese people are deeply religious, and each community celebrates annually a feast in honor of their patron saint, known as a "festa." These events are accompanied by processions, fireworks, and brightly decorated streets.

The locals are known for their friendliness and hospitality, which makes staying on the island particularly enjoyable for guests.

Maltese cuisine is a combination of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culinary traditions, reflecting the rich history of the island. Main dishes: pastizzi (savory puff pastries filled with ricotta or pea puree); stuffat tal-fenek (stewed rabbit, considered Malta's national dish); lampuki pie (a fish pie made from lampuki fish, whose season falls in autumn). Snacks and bread: hobz biz-zejt (traditional Maltese bread spread with tomato paste and olive oil, often with tuna, capers, and olives); bigilla (thick bean paste served with bread or crackers). Sweets: cannoli (crispy tubes filled with sweet ricotta).

With a warm Mediterranean climate, Malta offers a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, diving, and sailing. Locals and tourists enjoy beaches and marine activities. Cafes and restaurants play an important role in Maltese social life. Evenings are often spent dining with family and friends, emphasizing the importance of culinary traditions in the island's culture. Maltese people take pride in their heritage and actively participate in preserving traditions, whether crafts, music, or dance. Local festivals and events provide an opportunity to get acquainted with the island's rich culture.

Malta holds leading positions in various fields, from cultural heritage to economic achievements, making it an attractive destination for tourists, students, and investors.

The capital Valletta is entirely included in the UNESCO World Heritage List as an outstanding example of Baroque architecture. Additionally, Malta's megalithic temples and the Hypogeum of Ħal-Saflieni also hold this status. Malta regularly ranks among the best tourist destinations in Europe thanks to its historic cities such as Mdina and Valletta, as well as natural beauties, including the Blue Lagoon and the beaches of Gozo. The island has served as a film set for many well-known movies and series, which has increased its popularity among tourists.

Malta is recognized as one of the leading centers for learning English in Europe. Malta is a leading hub for the online gaming industry in Europe, providing licenses to many international operators. The Maltese shipping register is one of the largest in Europe, attesting to the country's developed maritime infrastructure.

Despite its achievements, the country faces certain challenges reflected in international rankings. In 2023, Malta ranked 46th out of 53 countries, receiving low scores for quality of life, job satisfaction, and interaction with administration. The country was ranked 8th among the worst countries for relocation in 2024, considering safety, education, cost of living, and quality of medical services. Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, leading to overburdened infrastructure, especially in the tourist season. Prices in Malta are higher than in some European countries, such as Greece, Spain, and Portugal. Housing and utility costs continue to rise, affecting the affordability of living on the island. These indicators point to areas requiring attention and improvement to enhance Malta's overall welfare and appeal on the international stage.

Local Language

Learning the Maltese language comes with several challenges. The Maltese language is based on Arabic dialects, making it completely different compared to most European languages. The Maltese language has a significant number of borrowings from Italian (especially in culture and cuisine) and English (in business and technology). This creates a mixed vocabulary composition that can be confusing. The Maltese language has a melodic sound, but the intonational features often seem complex to reproduce. Maltese nouns have several types of plural formations, requiring memorization of each specific case. The change in the form of the definite article depending on the initial letter of the word is another difficulty. The Maltese language is not widely studied, so resources for learning are limited compared to popular languages. Maltese people often switch to English when communicating with foreigners, complicating language practice. Learning Maltese can be challenging, but with the right approach, it becomes exciting and rewarding. Knowledge of the language provides access to culture, traditions, and closer interaction with the local community.