People, Culture & Religion
Malta’s population stands at around 400,000, making it one of the most densely populated countries in the world with an average density of 1,200 people per square kilometre. Most Maltese live in the satellite towns around Valletta - Malta’s capital and the country’s political and commercial centre, Sliema, St.Julians and the Grand Harbour with only 15% in the rural areas.
The people today are extremely cosmopolitan and because of their past history. Are able to interact very easily with overseas visitors helped by the fact that English, which is one of the most world-wide known languages, is also the second official language in Malta. This is due to the fact that Malta was a British colony for more than 200 years. Italian is widely spoken, while French and German are also commonly spoken.
The people of Malta are very well known for their sense of hospitality.
Most Maltese are Roman Catholic, and tradition has it that this dates back to the conversion of the Island back to AD 60 when St. Paul was shipwrecked on Malta on his way to Rome. The Church still plays important role in most communities on the Island and this is reflected in the number of churches in Malta: 365 in all, more than one church for every square kilometre. While Catholicism is the main religion, other denominations are also represented such as Anglican, Church of Scotland, Greek Orthodox, Jewish, Methodist and Muslim communities.
