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Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has become a freight transshipment point, financial center, and tourist destination. Malta is scheduled to become an EU member in May 2004.
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Country
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Surface Area: 316 sq km
Population: 396,851 (July 2004 est.)
Located in: Southern Europe
Capital City: Valletta
Head of State: Eddie FENECH ADAMI
Prime Minister: Lawrence GONZI
Independent since: 21 September 1964 (from UK)
Currency: Maltese lira (MTL)
Flag (image): 
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