Malta

Malta is a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, located between southern Italy and North Africa. It has great strategic importance because it controls the sea routes through the area.

In the 1500s the Ottoman Empire tried to take the island, but was defeated by the Knights of Malta who skillfully used their extensive fortification system.

During World War II, the British were narrowly able to hang on to the island and use it as an "unsinkable aircraft carrier". Italy and Germany were unable to sink all of its resupply convoys.

The Maltese language is a unique combination of semitic and latin influences.

It achieved independence from Great Britain in the mid 20th century.