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.

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 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.[2]

Governors-general

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

  1. Sir Maurice Henry Dorman (21 September 1964 – 4 July 1971)[3][self-published source?]
  2. Sir Anthony Mamo (4 July 1971 – 13 December 1974)[3]

Prime ministers

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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)[4]
  2. Dom Mintoff (21 June 1971 – 22 December 1984)[4]

Transition to republic

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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.[5][non-primary source needed] The last governor-general, Sir Anthony Mamo, was appointed the first president of Malta.

References

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  1. "Orders of the Day — Malta Independence Bill". TheyWorkForYou. Retrieved 2026-01-16.
  2. "The Queen of Malta Visits Malta (1967)". The Royal Channel. 1 March 2022. Retrieved 28 March 2026.
  3. 1 2 "Malta: Heads of State: 1964-1974". archontology.org. Retrieved 22 May 2021.
  4. 1 2 Dieter Nohlen & Philip Stöver (2010) Elections in Europe: A data handbook, p1302 ISBN 978-3-8329-5609-7
  5. Articles 51, 96 and 78 of the Constitution of Malta

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