When you stroll around Valletta or ride a bus through any of Malta’s towns, you may spot something strangely familiar, like a red phone box, a Union Jack flying above a hotel, or vehicles driving on the left side of the road. These are all subtle and not so subtle reminders of a colonial history that spanned more than 160 years. Malta, nicknamed the ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’ due to its military role, was a crucial British stronghold from 1800 until its independence in 1964. However, even after the British lowered their flag, their presence remains in ordinary Maltese life. 

Maltese authorities understood that they required a major power to assist them eject the French and safeguard the islands in the months after the insurgency. They initially appealed to the King of Naples, but because Naples was in conflict with Napoleon, assistance was provided by the British.  British administration also provided an instant boost to the economy, resulting in improvements to the education and medical sectors. However, a bubonic plague outbreak in 1813 killed around 4,000 people and impeded commerce, as neighbouring nations put restrictions on commodities from Malta. 

The linguistic legacy left behind from the British reign is evident. English is still an official language, alongside Maltese, and is extensively used in school, government, and industry. The majority of Maltese people speak both languages fluently, making Malta a unique bilingual country in the Mediterranean. This linguistic dualism was reinforced throughout British control, particularly during the Sette Giugno riots of 1919, which pushed for more Maltese self-government while simultaneously cementing English as a language of authority.  
Today, Malta’s bilingualism has established it as an international hub for English-language study, welcoming thousands of students each year. The combination of English and Maltese is also visible in ordinary conversations, ads, and signs.