60: Maltese Independence

Independence Day (Maltese: Jum l-Indipendenza)

60 years ago today (September 21, 1964) Malta gained its Independence from the United Kingdom.

Throughout its existence, Malta had a long and complex history which resulted in the Island being ruled by a plethora of Foreign Rulers: the Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, Swabians, Aragonese, Hospitallers, French, and the British.

In 1947. the British granted Malta Self-Governance after Malta became the most bombed Territory in turns of number of bombs dropped and the size of the Island (122 square miles.)

The Germans and the Italians bombed Malta 3,000 times from June 11, 1940 until November 20, 1942.

2,734 Allied Soldiers were killed and 1,300 Maltese Civilians were killed.

A Referendum was held in 1956 where 77% of the Maltese voted in favor of Integration with the UK however the British Parliament turned the offer down.

On September 21, 1964 Malta became an Independent Country and joined the Commonwealth of Nations as a Commonwealth Relam with Elizabeth II as the Queen of Malta from 1964-1974 (having been the British Queen Over Malta from 1952-1964.)

Malta became a Republic on December 13, 1974. The Queen of Malta was replaced by the Maltese President. Malta remained in the Commonwealth of Nations.

Malta joined the European Union on May 1, 2004 and joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2008.