Mal·ta (môl t ) An island country in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily, comprising the island of Malta and two smaller islands. Occupied successively by Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians, Romans, Saracens, and Normans, Malta was granted to the Knights Hospitalers in 1530 and passed to France in 1798 and Great Britain in 1800. The country became independent in 1964 but has remained part of the British Commonwealth. Valletta, on Malta Island, is the capital. Population: 402,000. |   |
Malta [ˈmɔːltə]
n
(Placename) a republic occupying the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, in the Mediterranean south of Sicily: governed by the Knights Hospitallers from 1530 until Napoleon's conquest in 1798; French driven out, with British help, 1800; became British dependency 1814; suffered severely in World War II; became independent in 1964 and a republic in 1974; a member of the Commonwealth. Official languages: Maltese and English. Official religion: Roman Catholic. Currency: Maltese lira. Capital: Valletta. Pop.: 381 000 (2001 est.). Area: 316 sq. km (122 sq. miles)
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  Malta - a republic on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964Malta - a strategically located island to the south of Sicily in the Mediterranean Sea capital of Malta, Valetta, Valletta - the capital of Malta; located on the northeastern coast of the island Maltese - a native or inhabitant of Malta |
| 2. |  Malta - a strategically located island to the south of Sicily in the Mediterranean SeaMalta, Republic of Malta - a republic on the island of Malta in the Mediterranean; achieved independence from the United Kingdom in 1964 Mediterranean, Mediterranean Sea - the largest inland sea; between Europe and Africa and Asia |
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