Medieval Malta saw the island ruled by the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St John of Jerusalem, a period in which the quality of life of all of its inhabitants was improved by the establishment of trade and commerce and the building of hospitals and fortifications. This period lasted from 1530 until 1798, during which time the Ottomans launched various assaults on the island which the Knights successful defended. Late in the 18th century (1798), the island was seized during an offensive by Napoleon and his forces and in the week following, a civil code was drawn up and declared effective. Among other things, the code abolished slavery and created a more structured and efficient education system. Such was the bravery and determination with which the Maltese defended their island during WWII, that King George VI awarded them the George Cross. A plaque was created which read ‘To honour her brave people I award the George Cross to the Island Fortress of Malta, to bear witness to a heroism and a devotion that will long be famous in history’. To this day, Maltese people are exceptionally proud of this award. In 1964, Malta parted from Britain (on friendly terms) and established itself as an independent state, a status which it has enjoyed until the present day. It joined the EU on May 1 2004 and hence is one of its youngest members. | 
