Capital Valletta 1964–1974 Elizabeth II 1971–1974 Anthony Joseph Mamo Founded 1964 | Languages English
Maltese 1964–1971 Maurice Henry Dorman Area 316 km² Date dissolved December 13, 1974 | |
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Government Constitutional monarchy Currencies Pound sterling (1964–1972), Maltese lira (1972–1974) | ||
The State of Malta (Maltese: Stat ta’ Malta), known in common parlance as Malta, was the predecessor to the modern-day Republic of Malta. It existed between 21 September 1964 and 13 December 1974.
Contents
The Malta Independence Act 1964 passed by the British Parliament transformed the Crown Colony of Malta into an independent Commonwealth realm with fully responsible government. Under the new Constitution of Malta, approved in a referendum held May of that year, Queen Elizabeth II became Queen of Malta (Maltese: Reġina ta' Malta). The monarch's constitutional roles were delegated to the Governor-General of Malta. As Queen of Malta, Elizabeth II visited Malta once in November 1967.
Governors-General
The following Governors-General held office in Malta between 1964 and 1974:
- Sir Maurice Henry Dorman (21 September 1964 – 4 July 1971)
- Sir Anthony Mamo (4 July 1971 – 13 December 1974)
Prime Ministers
The following held office as Prime Minister (and head of government) of the State of Malta during this period:
- George Borg Olivier (September 21, 1964 – 21 June 1971)
- Dom Mintoff (21 June 1971 – 13 December 1974)
Transition to republic
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.