State of Malta

State of Malta
Stat ta’ Malta
Commonwealth realm
←
1964–1974 →
Flag Coat of arms
Motto
"Virtute et Constantia"
"[By] virtue and constancy"
Anthem
L-Innu Malti
The Malta Hymn
Royal anthem
God Save the Queen
State of Malta in Dark Green.
Capital Valletta
Languages English
Maltese
Government Constitutional monarchy
Queen
 •  1964–1974 Elizabeth II
Governor-General
 • 1964–1971 Maurice Henry Dorman
 • 1971–1974 Anthony Joseph Mamo
Prime Minister
 • 1964–1971 George Borg Olivier
 • 1971–1974 Dom Mintoff
Historical era Cold War
 •  Independence 21 September 1964
 •  Republic 13 December 1974
Area
 •  1967 316 km² (122 sq mi)
Population
 •  1967 est. 314,216 
     Density 994.4 /km²  (2,575.4 /sq mi)
Currency Pound Sterling (1964–1972)
Maltese Lira (1972–1974)

The State of Malta, known unofficially in common parlance as Malta, was a predecessor to modern-day Malta. It existed between 21 September 1964 and 13 December 1974, when Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth.

When British rule ended in 1964, the Malta Independence Act 1964 transformed the British Crown Colony of Malta into an independent Commonwealth realm, with the British monarch, Elizabeth II, becoming Queen of Malta (Reġina ta' Malta in Maltese) in addition to being Sovereign of a number of other Commonwealth realms. The monarch's constitutional roles were delegated to the Governor-General of Malta.

The following Governors-General held office in Malta between 1964 and 1974:

  1. Sir Maurice Henry Dorman (21 September 1964 – 4 July 1971)
  2. Sir Anthony Mamo (4 July 1971 – 13 December 1974)

The following held office as Prime Minister (and head of government) of the State of Malta during this period:

  1. George Borg Olivier September 21, 1964 – 21 June 1971
  2. Dom Mintoff 21 June 1971 – 13 December 1974

Elizabeth II visited Malta in 1967 (14–17 November). She also visited in:

On 13 December 1974, the monarchy was abolished and the Republic of Malta came into existence with the last Governor-General, Sir Anthony Mamo, as the first President.

References

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