Key Facts
- Duration
- 21 September 1964 – 13 December 1974
- Area
- 316 km²
- Peak population
- 314,216
- Head of State
- Queen Elizabeth II (as Queen of Malta)
- Enabling legislation
- Malta Independence Act 1964
Imperial Zenith Metrics
Historical Trajectory
Phase I: Rise
Malta gained independence from Britain on 21 September 1964 under the Malta Independence Act 1964, passed by the British Parliament. A new constitution, approved by referendum in May 1964, established Malta as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth. Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of Malta, with her constitutional functions exercised locally by a governor-general, marking the end of over 150 years of British colonial rule.
Phase II: Zenith
During the decade as a constitutional monarchy, Malta maintained close ties with Britain and the Commonwealth while developing its economy and institutions. The country worked to reduce dependence on British military spending, which had long dominated the local economy, and began diversifying into tourism and manufacturing. Queen Elizabeth II made a state visit in November 1967, the sole royal visit during this period.
Phase III: Decline
Political momentum under Prime Minister Dom Mintoff's Labour government, elected in 1971, pushed toward full republicanism and greater independence from British influence. On 13 December 1974, the constitution was amended to abolish the monarchy, replacing the Queen as head of state with a president. The State of Malta was dissolved and succeeded by the Republic of Malta without disrupting governmental continuity.
Notable Imperial Reigns
Selected rulers mapping the empire’s trajectory