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Malta
Tourist Attractions
Famous Beaches of Malta
These are some of the clearest waters in the world. It is called Blue Lagoon located on one of the 7 Maltese islands called Comino. One of their major tourist attractions b/c of their famous beaches.
National War Museum:
The National War Museum was a museum located in part of Fort Saint Elmo in the city of Valletta, Malta from 1975 to 2014. Its collection mainly focused on World War I and World War II, and it was one of the most popular museums in Malta.
Manoel Theatre
The Manoel Theatre is a theatre and important performing arts venue in Malta. The theatre is often referred to as simply "The Manoel", and is named after Grand Master of the Order of the Knights. It opened in 1732 and is located in the capital city of Malta, Valletta
Ħaġar Qim:
Ħaġar Qim is a megalithic temple complex found on the Mediterranean island of Malta, dating from the Ġgantija phase. Located in Qrendi, Malta
Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions
- Power distance
This dimension deals with the fact that all individuals in societies are not equal – it expresses the attitude of the culture towards these inequalities amongst us
- Individualism
The fundamental issue addressed by this dimension is the degree of interdependence a society maintains among its members.
- Masculine
this dimension indicates that the society will be driven by competition, achievement and success, with success being defined by the winner/best
- Uncertainty Avoidance
has to do with the way that a society deals with the fact that the future can never be known: should we try to control the future or just let it happen?
This dimension describes how every society has to maintain some links with its own past while dealing with the challenges of the present and future, and societies prioritise these two existential goals differently
- Indulgence
One challenge that confronts humanity, now and in the past, is the degree to which little children are socialized. Without socialization we do not become “human”.
Currency
- Malta's currency is the euro
- Their average wage per hour is $5 .64 USD , which is around 717.95 Euros/month
- Conversion: 1 Euro = 1.3-1.5 CAD depending on the day it fluctuates but usually stays around this price range
Business Protocol
- Very friendly and hospitable
- Effort with Maltese language is appreciated
- Small symbolic gifts
- Punctuality is expected and appreciated
- scheduling beforehand is very important
- Business attire should be smart and conservative
- Formal greeting is a handshake
- Exchange of business cards
- Maltese cuisine has an Italian, Spanish, African and East Mediterranean influence
- Accepting invitations for lunch or dinner are a good way to gain trust
Mannerisms
A Swedish psychologist who taught English in Malta wrote this about Maltese mannerisms
“On several occasions, my kids mistook a friendly conversation between two locals as a fight! I suppose the loud tone of voice, the vivid hand gestures and the occasional physical contact gave that impression. “
Language
English Greetings Maltese Greetings:
Hi! Hello
Good morning! L-ghodwa t-tajba/ Bongu
Good evening Wara nofs inhar it-tajjeb
Welcome! (to greet someone) Merhba
How are you? Kif int?
I'm fine, thanks! Tajjeb, grazzi!
And you? U int?
Good/ So-So. Tajjeb/ Imsomma
Negotiation Style with Businesses in Malta
- Be prepared and have patience
- Communication is direct
- Prefer pragmatism (an approach that will assess the truth of meaning of theories or beliefs in terms of the success of their practical application)
- Reserved and polite. Do not interrupt a speaker!
- Formal and written agreements
- Present with appropriate material, sometimes in advance
- Detail shows you are willing to work
- Expect many questions
Politics in Malta
- Malta is a Parliamentary Republic.
- Legislative power is held by a unicameral Parliament (House of Representatives), made up of 65 members elected for five years.
- This single member constituency system permits a plurality premium.
- The Head of State is the President, elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term and who has an essentially ceremonial and symbolic role.
- Executive power lies with the Prime Minister and his Cabinet. The Prime Minister, appointed by the President for a five-year term, is the leader of the majority party or of a majority coalition in Parliament.
- Ministers are appointed by the President on the advice of the Prime Minister.
- The Constitution of Malta was adopted in 1964 and substantially amended in 1974 and again in 1987.
- Malta became a member of the European Union on 1 May 2004.
- Malta's current Head of State is President George Abela since April 2009.
Major Religions
- The predominant religion in Malta is Roman Catholicism.
- The Constitution of Malta establishes Catholicism as the state religion and it is also reflected in various elements of Maltese culture.
- Malta's patron saints are St Paul, St Publius and St Agatha.
- 98% of the population is Catholic.
- Entrenched provisions for the freedom of religion are found within the constitution of the country.
- Freedom of religion is guaranteed as a constitutional right and is generally respected.
- There is evidence of increasing secularization and minority religions are growing as further ethnic groups settle down on the island.
Geography
Holidays
- January 1 - New Year's Day
- February 10 - Feast of Saint Paul's Shipwreck in Malta
- March 19 - Feast of Saint Joseph
- March 31 - Freedom Day
- Friday before Easter - Good Friday
- May 1 - Worker's Day
- June 7 - Sette Giugno
- June 29 - Feast of Saint Peter & Saint Paul, patron saints
- August 15 - Feast of the Assumption of Our Lady
- September 8 - Victory Day
- September 21 - Independence Day
- December 8 - Feast of the Immaculate Conception
- December 13 - Republic Day
- December 25 - Christmas Day
- Southern european country,comprising of an archipelago of seven islands in the Mediterranean Sea.
- It lies 80 km (50 miles) south of Sicily
- Malta has a Subtropical-Mediterranean climate according to the Köppen climate classification with very mild winters and warm to hot summers.
- Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being generally dry.