State of Malta facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
State of Malta
Stat ta’ Malta (Maltese)
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| 1964–1974 | |||||||||
Location of Malta in dark green
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| Capital | Valletta | ||||||||
| Common languages | English, Maltese | ||||||||
| Government | Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy | ||||||||
| Queen | |||||||||
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• 1964–1974
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Elizabeth II | ||||||||
| Governor-General | |||||||||
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• 1964–1971
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Maurice Henry Dorman | ||||||||
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• 1971–1974
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Anthony Mamo | ||||||||
| Prime Minister | |||||||||
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• 1964–1971
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George Borg Olivier | ||||||||
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• 1971–1974
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Dominic Mintoff | ||||||||
| Legislature | Parliament | ||||||||
| Historical era | Cold War | ||||||||
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• Independence
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21 September 1964 | ||||||||
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• Republic
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13 December 1974 | ||||||||
| Currency | Sterling (1964–1972) Maltese pound (1972–1974) |
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The State of Malta (Maltese: Stat ta’ Malta) was the name of Malta for a short time. It existed from September 21, 1964, to December 13, 1974. This period was an important step for Malta, leading to the modern-day Republic of Malta.
Before 1964, Malta was a British colony. It became an independent country in 1964. This happened after the British Parliament passed a special law. Under Malta's new Constitution, Queen Elizabeth II became the queen of Malta.
Even though she was Queen, her duties in Malta were carried out by a person called the governor-general of Malta. Queen Elizabeth II visited Malta once during this time, in November 1967.
Leaders of Malta (1964-1974)
During the time of the State of Malta, the country had two main types of leaders. These were the Governor-General and the Prime Minister.
Governors-General
The Governor-General was the Queen's representative in Malta. They acted on her behalf. Here are the people who held this important role:
- Sir Maurice Henry Dorman (September 21, 1964 – July 4, 1971)
- Sir Anthony Mamo (July 4, 1971 – December 13, 1974)
Prime Ministers
The Prime Minister was the head of the government in Malta. They were in charge of running the country's daily affairs. Here are the Prime Ministers during this period:
- Giorgio Borġ Olivier (September 21, 1964 – June 21, 1971)
- Dom Mintoff (June 21, 1971 – December 22, 1984)
Malta Becomes a Republic
On December 13, 1974, Malta changed its government. The Labour government, led by Dom Mintoff, made some changes to the Constitution. The idea of having a Queen was ended.
Malta then became a republic. This means that the head of the country is a president, not a king or queen. The president is chosen by the Parliament. Sir Anthony Mamo, who was the last Governor-General, became the first president of Malta.
