Malta - 50 years Independent

PM George Borg Olivier as Malta is declared Independent Sept 21,1964

Malta was ruled over the past 2 millennia by the Romans, the Arabs, the Normans, the Spanish, the Knights of St John, the French and the British. Following a Maltese constitutional referendum in 1964, approved by 54.5% of voters, on September 21st 1964, Malta became an independent state as a Constitutional Monarchy, with Queen Elizabeth II as its Head of State. 

Stamps issued in 1964 to celebrate Independence from England

So September 21st every year is celebrated as Independence Day or Jum l-Indipendenza in Maltese, this year being the 50th anniversary. One can say that both Labor Leader Dom Mintoff, as well as Nationalist Leader and Prime Minister George Borg Olivier contributed towards the attainment of Independence.

Prince William at the celebrations yesterday in Malta with PM

On December 1st 1964, Malta was admitted to the United Nations. In 1965 Malta joined the Council of Europe, and in 1970, Malta signed an Association Treaty with the European Community. Malta was declared a republic on December 13th, 1974 and in 2004, Malta finally became the 25th nation to join the European Union.

Fireworks during the 50th anniversary celebrations