Malta and the British connection
You may have heard of The Knights of Malta, an ancient order of warriors sworn to protect the Pope. You might have even heard that starting up a business in Malta is super easy and that there’s so much to explore in the way of history and culture.
But, what you may not have known is that Malta shares a rather strong connection with Great Britain. Read on as we explore Malta’s connection to Britain and why it’s so important today.
History
Historically, England and Malta have a rich history which stems from the time when Britain defended Malta from the French in the 1800's. Malta would continue to play a significant role in British affairs as it served as a depot and military base for the British in war.
Queen Elizabeth even lived in a Maltese villa during the late 1940’s in a residential suburb of Valletta.
Communication
Linguistically, Britain left its mark on the Maltese islands as we see how English stands side-by-side with Maltese as the official languages of Malta. Various heritage sites still retain British artefacts and one can physically see the history shared between the two nations.
The Law
Legally, it is easy to see Britain's influence. The law in Malta contains elements that are British in nature and we see English law playing a major role in the way the islands are governed.
Blending In
Britons feel right at home in Malta, everything from the way traffic flows to the very cars that roam the roads, it is all very British.
Some of the companies, products and services that the British enjoy are also enjoyed in Malta. There aren't any taboos and cultural norms that are alien to the British. This means it’s easy to fit into the islands if you come from Britain, as even some of the shops maintain original British names.
Some of the architecture in Malta is noticeably British, with buildings like apartments and churches still boasting of those period features that the British are known for.
Certain buildings were actually built by the Knights of Malta who were lead by the Queen. The Upper Barraca Gardens, for example, were built by the knights and admired so much by British troops that they eventually took them for themselves.
Getting There
Malta is a stone's throw away from Britain. It will take you no more than three hours to fly from Britain to Malta and taking a direct flight is very affordable. Once you're in Malta it’s easy to access city centers and any other places of interest from the airport.
Saved the Queen Malta
Malta is home for the Queen of England, quite literally. She has lived there before and nowhere else apart from England. Her husband was a naval officer assigned to Malta and the couple lived on the islands as a 'normal' couple before ascending to the throne.
The Queen has also governed Malta before as its Queen and continued to exercise her authority upon it until the country became a republic.
All's Fair in Love and War
War museums and war rooms in Malta still have tons of British paraphernalia for tourists to explore. You can see with your own eyes just how invested the British were in Malta and just how much this place meant and still means for Britain.
Money Talks
The ease of business in Malta is something worth considering for anyone doing business in Britain. If you can make it in Britain, then you can make it in Malta because Malta is basically an extension of Britain.
If your business is wallowing in Britain, consider expanding to Malta, where you're likely to have less competition and the costs of running your business might be lower. The very fact that you come from Britain might be exciting for Maltese locals who like to associate themselves with Britain- a country they consider to be a close relative. You might even reel clients in through the appeal that you have as a Brit.
The best part is that you don't have to struggle with language or learning the laws; you don't have to anticipate cultural differences; and you don't even need to bring decorations from home to make you feel more at home. In a way, Malta is like a smaller Britain with extra features.
Malta and Britain for Life!
Whether you're backpacking around the world, looking to go international with your business or trying to find a place to retire, Malta is as British as they get. Rest assured that you won't feel much like a foreigner, and will instead be treated like royalty, much like the Queen is whenever she visits her beloved Malta. Politics might change diplomatic relationships, but Malta and Britain will always have a special bond.
