Valletta

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Capital and port of Malta; population (2005) 6,300.

It was founded 1566 by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem and named after their grand master Jean de la Valette (1494–1568), who fended off a Turkish siege May–Sept 1565. The 16th-century palace of the grand masters survives. Malta was formerly a British naval base and came under heavy attack in World War II.

The flags of Qatar and Bahrain are very similar, reflecting the countries' historical links. The proportions of the Qatari flag are unique. Effective date: c. 1949. >>