In 1798 Malta was surrendered by the knights to Napoleon Bonaparte. In 1814 after the French were defeated, Malta became part of the British Empire. In 1964 Malta achieved full independence, becoming a member of the British Commonwealth, the Council of Europe and the United Nations. In 1970, the island signed an Association Agreement with the European Union, and in 1990 it applied for full membership. In 1974, Malta declared itself a Republic.
Tourism keeps the Maltese economy afloat, by partially offsetting deficit spending in foreign trade.
Increasingly visitors from ex-communist countries and Asia are discovering the many delights Malta has to offer. Sadly Malta remains an untapped market for folks from North America, particularly the United States. The main culprit is a lack of sustained marketing effort by Maltese officials in the American media, which leaves out millions who are simply not aware of its existence, let alone its unique charm and extraordinary history. Malta is an ideal place to vacation for young couples on honeymoon or plain citizens in quest of historic perspective. American tourists arriving in Malta do not require an entry visa, for stays of up to three months.