Order of Malta

The Order of Malta is deemed to be a sovereign entity under international law, with permanent observer status at the United Nations and diplomatic relations with over 100 countries.

It is based in Rome, Italy - but holds no territory of its own.

It issues its own stamps, coins, passports and license plates.

However it does not have the panoply of telecommunications designators that countries have - there is no ITU telephone code, no top-level internet domain, etc.

For more on this fascinating entity see its web site http://www.orderofmalta.org/english

Note that there are no hits for "e-learning" on site:orderofmalta.org

For the latest newsletter see http://www.orderofmalta.org/site/pdf/pub/2008_Malteser_Int_Highlights.pdf

More details

(quoted from http://www.orderofmalta.org/site/missione.asp?idlingua=5)

The Order of Malta is one of the oldest institutions of Western and Christian civilisation. Present in Palestine in around 1050, it is a lay religious Order, traditionally of military, chivalrous, noble nature. Its 12,500 members include Professed Friars and others who have made vows of obedience. The other Knights and Dames are lay members, devoted to the exercise of Christian virtue and charity. What distinguishes the Knights of Malta is their commitment to reaching their spiritual perfection within the Church and to expending their energies serving the poor and the sick. The Order of Malta remains true to its inspiring principles, summarised in the motto "Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum", defence of the Faith and assistance to the poor and the suffering, which become reality through the voluntary work carried out by Dames and Knights in humanitarian assistance and medical and social activities. Today the Order carries out these activities in over 120 countries.

Characteristics of the Order

The Sovereign Order of Malta is a sovereign subject of international law, with its own constitution, passports, stamps, and public institutions. The 79th Grand Master, Fra' Matthew Festing, was elected Head of the Order for life on March 11th 2008. The Order has diplomatic relations with 103 countries - many of which non-Catholic - and missions to major European countries, as well as to European and international organisations. The Order of Malta is neutral, impartial and non-political, which is why it can successfully act as a mediator between States.

The Order and the Republic of Malta

The Order has recently returned to Malta, after signing an agreement with the Maltese Government which granted the Order the exclusive use of Fort St. Angelo for a term of 99 years. Located in the town of Birgu, the Fort belonged to the Knights from 1530 until the island was occupied by Napoleon in 1798. Today, after restoration, the Fort hosts historical and cultural activities related to the Order of Malta.

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