Malta explained to kids

Malta is a small island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. It is about 80 kilometers (50 miles) south of Sicily, Italy. Malta is one of the world's smallest and most densely populated countries. The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Malta has a long history. It was first settled by people from Sicily about 5,200 years ago. The Phoenicians, an ancient people from what is now Lebanon, also settled on Malta. They built the city of Mdina, which is still standing. The Carthaginians, who were the enemies of the Romans, ruled Malta for a while. But in 218 BC, the Romans took control of the island. During World War II, Malta was bombed by the Italians and the Germans. But the Maltese people did not give up. They kept fighting. In 1942, Britain gave Malta the George Cross, which is the highest award for bravery that a country can give to civilians. Today, tourism is important to Malta's economy. People come to Malta to enjoy the sunny climate, the clear blue seas, and the historic buildings.