Valletta is the capital of which island nation?

Valletta is the capital of the island nation of Malta. The city stands on a narrow peninsula between Grand Harbour and Marsamxett Harbour in the Mediterranean.

Valletta was founded in 1566 by the Knights Hospitaller, also known as the Knights of Malta, after their defense of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. It was named for Jean Parisot de Valette, the order’s grand master. The city became Malta’s capital in 1571, replacing Birgu as the seat of government.

Its streets, bastions, churches, and palaces reflect the city’s military and religious origins. St. John’s Co-Cathedral is among its best-known landmarks, while the Grandmaster’s Palace has long been associated with Malta’s national government.

A common mix-up is confusing Malta the country with Malta the main island. Valletta is on Malta, the largest island in the Maltese archipelago, and serves as the capital of the entire country. Valletta was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980.