Basic Country Data:
Country ISO Code: MT
Official Languages: Maltese (Malti) and English
Language ISO Codes: mt (Maltese), en (English)
Current Official Currency: Euro
Current Currency ISO Code: EUR

Official Languages — Maltese and English

• Maltese and English are the two official languages of Malta, both used in administration, education, legislation, and daily life.

• Maltese is a Semitic language with strong influences from Italian and English, written in the Latin alphabet.

• English is widely used in government, business, and education, serving as a lingua franca and international language.

• Both languages have equal official status under Maltese law and the Constitution of Malta.

Currency History of Malta

Maltese Lira (MTL) — Historical Currency

ISO Code: MTL
Singular Name: Maltese lira
Plural Name: Maltese lira
Monetary Subdivision: 1 lira = 100 cents
Subdivision Name Singular: cent
Subdivision Name Plural: cents
Initial Production Date: 1972 (after independence)
Final Production Date: 2007
Initial Circulation Date: 1972
Final Circulation Date: January 31, 2008
Mint: Coins and banknotes produced by various international mints and printers
Issuing Bank: Central Bank of Malta
Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 25 cents; ½, 1, 2 lira
Banknote Denominations: 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 lira
Designs / Symbols:

• Coins and banknotes featured Maltese cultural symbols, historical figures, and national emblems.

• The Maltese lira replaced the British pound sterling at par in 1972.
  Economic Historical Context:

• The Maltese lira was Malta’s official currency until the adoption of the euro.

• Malta joined the Eurozone on January 1, 2008, transitioning fully to the euro.
  Status Current Circulation: withdrawn from circulation since 2008
  Issuing Authority: Central Bank of Malta
  Relevant Legislation: Maltese currency laws, EU treaties

Euro (EUR) — Current Official Currency

ISO Code: EUR
Singular Name: euro
Plural Name: euros
Monetary Subdivision: 1 euro = 100 cents
Subdivision Name Singular: cent
Subdivision Name Plural: cents
Initial Production Date: 1999 (electronic), 2002 (physical)
Initial Circulation Date in Malta: January 1, 2008
Final Production Date: ongoing
Final Circulation Date: currently in circulation
Mint: Coins produced in various Eurozone mints; Maltese euro coins bear national symbols
Issuing Bank: European Central Bank and Central Bank of Malta
Coin Denominations: 1, 2, 5, 10, 20, 50 cents; 1 and 2 euros
Banknote Denominations: 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 euros (500 euro note no longer issued since 2019)
Designs / Symbols:

• Maltese euro coins feature the Maltese cross, a national symbol, and the name “Malta” in Latin script.

• Banknotes follow the common European design without national images.
  Economic Historical Context:

• Adoption of the euro facilitated Malta’s economic integration with the EU and ensured monetary stability.

• Malta participates in the Eurozone’s monetary policy through the European Central Bank.
  Status Current Circulation: active and widely used throughout Malta
  Issuing Authority: European Central Bank and Central Bank of Malta
  Relevant Legislation: EU treaties, ECB regulations, Maltese national legislation
  Signatories on Banknotes: President and Vice-President of the European Central Bank
  Persons Honored on Coins and Banknotes: Maltese national symbols and European architectural motifs

This report provides a comprehensive overview of Malta’s official languages, the historical Maltese lira, and the current use of the euro as the official currency, including details on coin and banknote designs, historical context, and current status.