Malta I Belong Test key terms

The 68 local councils into which Malta and Gozo are divided for local administration. Each has an elected council that manages local services such as waste collection, road maintenance and community facilities.

The elected body governing a Maltese locality. Councillors serve five-year terms and the council is led by a mayor. Councils handle local upkeep, minor works and community services rather than national policy.

The elected head of a local council in Malta. The mayor chairs council meetings, represents the locality publicly and is accountable to residents for the council's decisions and spending.

Malta's second-largest island, lying north-west of the main island. It has its own local councils, a distinct identity and is connected to Malta by the Gozo Channel ferry and a fast ferry service.

The smallest inhabited island of the Maltese archipelago, lying between Malta and Gozo. It is largely undeveloped, known for the Blue Lagoon, and has a very small permanent population.

The group of islands forming the Republic of Malta: Malta, Gozo, Comino and several uninhabited islets. It sits in the central Mediterranean, roughly 90 kilometres south of Sicily.

The large natural harbour on Malta's north-east coast, flanked by Valletta and the Three Cities. It has been central to Malta's defence, trade and maritime history for centuries.

Malta's capital city, built by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it houses the seat of government, Parliament and the President.

The collective name for Birgu (Vittoriosa), Bormla (Cospicua) and Isla (Senglea), historic fortified towns across the Grand Harbour from Valletta. Birgu was the Knights' first base in Malta.

A religious military order that ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798. They built Valletta, fortified the harbours and left a lasting mark on Maltese architecture, law and institutions.

The Ottoman siege of Malta, resisted by the Knights of St John and the Maltese population under Grand Master Jean de Valette. The victory shaped Maltese identity and led to the founding of Valletta.

Malta's constitutional status since 13 December 1974, when the monarchy was replaced by a republic with a President as head of state. The date is marked as Republic Day.

21 September 1964, when Malta became an independent state within the Commonwealth. It is a national public holiday and a key date in Maltese constitutional history.

31 March, commemorating the withdrawal of British forces and the closure of the military base in 1979. It is a national public holiday marking the end of foreign military presence in Malta.

The supreme law of Malta, adopted at independence in 1964 and amended when Malta became a republic in 1974. It sets out fundamental rights, state institutions and the distribution of powers.

The constitutional head of state, appointed by the House of Representatives for a five-year term. The role is largely ceremonial, with duties including appointing the Prime Minister and assenting to laws.

The head of government in Malta, normally the leader of the party commanding a majority in the House of Representatives. The Prime Minister appoints ministers and directs national policy.

Malta's unicameral Parliament, made up of members elected by proportional representation for up to five years. It makes laws, approves the budget and scrutinises the government.

The national vote held at least every five years to elect members of the House of Representatives. Malta uses a single transferable vote system in multi-seat districts.

The proportional electoral system used in Maltese general and local elections. Voters rank candidates by preference in multi-member districts, and surplus votes transfer between candidates.

Protections in Malta's Constitution covering life, liberty, fair trial, privacy, expression, religion and non-discrimination. These rights can be enforced in the courts and are central to residency and citizenship duties.

The principle that everyone, including the government, is subject to the law and accountable before independent courts. Malta's Constitution and EU membership both rest on this principle.

The courts and judges that interpret and apply the law independently of the executive and legislature. In Malta, judicial independence is guaranteed by the Constitution.

Legal membership of the Maltese state, acquired by descent, birth, marriage or naturalisation under the Maltese Citizenship Act. Citizens hold a Maltese passport and the right to vote.

The process by which a non-citizen may acquire Maltese citizenship after meeting legal requirements such as residence, good character and language or integration conditions. It is granted by the Minister responsible.

Official authorisation allowing a non-Maltese national to live in Malta for a specified purpose and period, such as work, study or family reunion. Conditions differ by permit category.

A combined work and residence authorisation issued to non-EU nationals employed in Malta. It is granted under EU and national rules and ties the holder's right to stay to the authorised employment.

The entitlement of Maltese citizens aged 18 and over to vote in general and local elections and in European Parliament elections. EU citizens resident in Malta may vote in European and local elections.

Malta's national language and one of its two official languages, alongside English. It is a Semitic language written in the Latin alphabet and is central to Maltese identity and law.

Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta and may be used in Parliament, the courts and public administration. English is widely used in business and education.

The national flag, with two equal vertical bands of white and red and the George Cross in the upper hoist. The George Cross was awarded to Malta in 1942 for wartime bravery.

A British decoration for gallantry awarded collectively to Malta in 1942. It appears on the Maltese flag and symbolises the population's endurance during the Second World War.

The emblems expressing Maltese identity, including the flag, the coat of arms, the national anthem 'L-Innu Malti', the national flower and the national bird. They are protected and used on official occasions.

The blend of Mediterranean, European, Arab and British influences seen in Maltese food, music, festivals, architecture and language. Village festas, band clubs and religious traditions remain prominent.

A local religious festival honouring a village's patron saint, featuring processions, band marches, fireworks and street celebrations. Festas are a central feature of Maltese community life.

Malta's education system provides free state schooling from early years through secondary level and subsidised tertiary study. Education is compulsory between the ages of 5 and 16.

The publicly funded health system providing hospital care, specialist services and free medicines to residents. It is financed through taxation and delivered by the government health service.

Malta's contributory system of benefits covering pensions, sickness, unemployment and family support. Entitlements depend on contributions, residence and the relevant national and EU rules.

Malta joined the EU on 1 May 2004 and the euro area in 2008. Membership gives citizens free movement within the EU and subjects Malta to EU law and standards.

The single currency of the euro area, adopted by Malta in 2008. It replaced the Maltese lira and is used in everyday transactions across EU member states that have joined.

The group of European countries that have removed internal border checks. Malta is a member, meaning people can travel between Schengen states without routine passport controls at internal borders.