The islands of Malta, which include sister islands Gozo and Comino, are situated in the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles south of Sicily. With a history spanning over 7000 years, and at the crossroads of strategic maritime routes, Malta has been a home, stronghold, trading post and refuge to many civilizations.

The Islands have been described as a melting pot of cultures: Neolithic temple builders, seafaring Phoenicians, the traveller Apostle Paul, the Knights of St. John, Napoleon and the British royalty – all have left their indelible mark. Malta is now an independent sovereign nation and a member of both the EU and the Commonwealth.

Malta’s philatelic history goes back to 1860 and, with access to such a rich source of material, Maltese stamps are renowned around the world for their unique depiction of a wide variety of popular themes: history, architecture, art, maritime, flora and fauna to name but a few. Many Maltese stamps are mini reproductions of artwork produced by local artists, and are much sought after by collectors and philatelists, both locally and internationally.

Website: www.maltaphilately.com