British rule in Malta lasted until 1964 when the island became independent. The Maltese adopted the British system of administration, education and legislation.

Ten years later, in 1974, Malta became a Republic within the British Commonwealth.

The British military presence on the island officially came to an end on March 31,1979.

Until the 1960s, the Maltese economy depended mostly on the British services and the Naval Dockyard. After independence, industry and tourism advanced at a fast pace, and today Malta and Gozo have established an industrial and services economy and flourishing tourist enterprises.

In 1990, Malta applied for membership of the European Union and formally joined the EU in May 2004.

In 2008, Malta adopted the Euro as its currency.