State of Malta

State of Malta
Stat ta' Malta
1964–1974
Motto: Virtute et constantia (Latin)
"Strength and persistence"
Anthem: L-Innu Malti (Maltese)
"The Maltese Hymn"
Location of Malta in dark green
Location of Malta in dark green
CapitalValletta
DemonymMaltese
GovernmentUnitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
Queen 
• 1964–1974
Elizabeth II
Governor-General 
• 1964–1971
Maurice Henry Dorman
• 1971–1974
Anthony Mamo
Prime Minister 
• 1964–1971
George Borg Olivier
• 1971–1974
Dominic Mintoff
LegislatureParliament
Historical eraCold War
• Independence
21 September 1964
• Republic
13 December 1974
CurrencySterling (1964–1972)
Maltese pound (1972–1974)
Preceded by
Succeeded by
Crown Colony of Malta
Malta

The State of Malta (Maltese: Stat ta’ Malta), commonly known as Malta, existed between 21 September 1964 and 13 December 1974. It is the predecessor to the modern-day Republic of Malta.

The Crown Colony of Malta became independent under the Malta Independence Act 1964 (c. 86) passed by the British Parliament.[1] Under the new Constitution of Malta, approved in a referendum held in May of that year, Queen Elizabeth II became the Queen of Malta. Her constitutional roles were delegated to the governor-general of Malta. Between 1964 and 1974, Elizabeth II visited Malta once, in November 1967.

Governors-general

[edit]

The following governors-general held office in Malta between 1964 and 1974:

  1. Sir Maurice Henry Dorman (21 September 1964 – 4 July 1971)
  2. Sir Anthony Mamo (4 July 1971 – 13 December 1974)

Prime ministers

[edit]

The following held office as prime minister (and head of government) of the State of Malta during this period:

  1. Giorgio Borġ Olivier (21 September 1964 – 21 June 1971)
  2. Dom Mintoff (21 June 1971 – 22 December 1984)

Transition to republic

[edit]

On 13 December 1974, following amendments to the Constitution by the Labour government of Dom Mintoff, the monarchy was abolished and Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth with the function of head of state vested in a president appointed by Parliament. The last governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo, was appointed the first president of Malta.

References

[edit]
  • "Orders of the Day — Malta Independence Bill: 23 Jul 1964: House of Commons debates". TheyWorkForYou. 1964-07-23. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta Independence: 22 Jul 1964: House of Commons debates". TheyWorkForYou. 1964-07-22. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta Independence Act 1964". Legislation.gov.uk. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "MALTA INDEPENDENCE BILL (Hansard, 28 July 1964)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 28 July 1964. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "MALTA REPUBLIC BILL [LORDS] (Hansard, 5 May 1975)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 5 May 1975. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "MALTA REPUBLIC BILL [H.L.] (Hansard, 20 March 1975)". Parliamentary Debates (Hansard). 20 March 1975. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta Republic Act 1975". Legislation.gov.uk. 1974-12-13. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta: Polity Style: 1964-2017". Archontology.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta: Heads of State: 1964-1974". Archontology.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "Malta: Governors-General: 1964-1974". Archontology.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • Ben Cahoon. "Malta". Worldstatesmen.org. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  • "STATE OF MALTA 01". Steno.webs.com. Retrieved 2017-01-26.
  1. ^ "Orders of the Day — Malta Independence Bill". TheyWorkForYou. Retrieved 2026-01-16.


35°53′N 14°27′E / 35.883°N 14.450°E / 35.883; 14.450