Four Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Malta

1. Malta has no natural forests or rivers:

Malta's landscape is characterized by rocky terrain, coastal cliffs, and cultivated fields. The lack of natural forests is due to the island's geology and climate. Over centuries, much of the original vegetation was cleared for agriculture and construction. Despite the absence of rivers, Malta has a complex system of water management, including ancient aqueducts and modern desalination plants to meet its water needs. Today, efforts are being made to increase green areas through afforestation projects, and Rigo Malta Incentive clients have been involved in specifically designed programmes to cultivate both group participation and co-operation, whilst also learning about the island’s conservation activities.

2. Maltese language:

The Maltese language is a fascinating linguistic anomaly. It evolved from Siculo-Arabic (the Arabic dialect spoken in Sicily and Malta during the Middle Ages) but has been heavily influenced by Italian, French, and English. About 60% of its vocabulary is of Arabic origin, 30% from Italian, and the remaining 10% from English and other languages. This unique blend makes Maltese a bridge between Europe and the Arab world.  Rest assured, English is widely spoken, but we would love to teach you some key words and phrases as we show you around our beautiful home!

3. Prehistoric dwarf animals:

During the Pleistocene epoch, about 250,000 years ago, Malta was connected to Sicily and possibly the mainland. As sea levels rose and Malta became isolated, the animals trapped on the island evolved to suit their environment through a process called insular dwarfism. Fossil remains of dwarf elephants (about 1.5 meters tall) and hippopotamuses (about the size of a large pig) have been found in various sites, particularly in Għar Dalam cave.

4. Megalithic Temples:

The Megalithic Temples of Malta are truly remarkable. The oldest, Ġgantija on Gozo, dates back to around 3600 BCE. These structures are not only the oldest free-standing stone buildings in the world but also show impressive architectural sophistication for their time. They feature decorative spiral carvings, corbelled roofing techniques, and were likely used for religious ceremonies. The temples are now UNESCO World Heritage sites.