The island of Malta, a nonaligned power, received full independence from Great Britain in 1964. Malta's consequent classification as a developing nation compelled its government to initiate many changes in its political, social, and economic ideologies. Central to its efforts for redevelopment was a stronger emphasis on expansion of its international educational environment, which included vocational, technical, and academic training. The island has continued to prepare and maintain itself to accommodate the emerging multinational business community, recognizing the importance and impact it would have on the country's future. In post-secondary education, emphasis was placed on career-oriented (work-study) programs, and included the mastery of four foreign languages. In its search for economic, social, and political stability, Malta's destiny was strongly influenced by situational factors--societal, cultural, religious, foreign, and political. Viewing Malta as a case study, this volume sheds light on the functioning of an educational system in a developing nation, demonstrates education's role in improving a nation's socioeconomic system, and supports economic theories that maintain that investment in education is a natural tool for economic development. It also provides information on approaches and techniques other countries use to resolve their educational problems and adds to the knowledge of international and business education.

This second edition of the Historical Dictionary of Malta compiles the unusually rich and long history of the islands comprising the country of Malta. This is done through a chronology, an introductory essay, a bibliography, and hundreds of cross-reference dictionary entries describing all of the major places, persons, institutions, and events that have shaped the history of the archipelago.

A handy reference that provides an introduction to the history of the strategic archipelago of Malta. The entries cover the political, economic, and social situation in the country since its independence from Britain in 1964. Invaluable to those in the scholarly professions, many laypersons, and even casual tourists.

Malta is an archipelago consisting of three islands (Gozo, Comino and Malta itself) located in the central Mediterranean. The strategic location of the islands has meant that they have long enjoyed an importance out of all proportion to their small size. Malta has a history of control by colonial powers and this is reflected in the ethnic background of its population, which comprises Arabs, Normans, Sicilians, English, Spanish and Italians. Occupied at various periods by the Thoenicians, the Greeks, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Knights of St. John and the French, Malta became a crown colony of Britain in 1814. During the Second World War, the islands played a crucial role for the Allies, and the bravery shown by the people prompted King George VI to award the entire colony the George Cross, Britain's highest honour for valour. The nation achieved full independence in 1964 and became a republic in 1974. This revised bibliography fully updates the first edition, published in 1985, and pays particular attention to Malta's chequered history and strategic position.