The Maltese Lira (MTL), also referred to as the Maltese Pound or simply Liri, served as the official currency of Malta, an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea, until it was replaced by the Euro (EUR) on January 1, 2008. The Central Bank of Malta was in charge of issuing and managing the Maltese Lira prior to the Euro's introduction.

The Maltese Lira was divided into 100 smaller units known as cents, which were further divided into 10 smaller units called mils. Coins were issued in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50 cents, as well as 1 Lira. Banknotes were available in denominations of 2, 5, 10, and 20 Liri.

Before the transition to the Euro, Malta’s economy was primarily fueled by tourism, manufacturing, and financial services. The country’s strategic position in the Mediterranean Sea, along with its historical landmarks, made it a popular destination for tourists. Malta’s manufacturing sector encompassed electronics, textiles, and pharmaceuticals. Additionally, the financial services sector played a significant role in the economy, with Malta emerging as an increasingly attractive hub for international businesses.

Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004, and after fulfilling the necessary convergence criteria, it adopted the Euro as its official currency on January 1, 2008. The Euro is overseen by the European Central Bank, and its introduction in Malta was intended to enhance economic stability, facilitate trade, and draw in investment.

The Maltese Lira was the official currency of Malta until its replacement by the Euro in 2008. The currency was divided into cents and mils, with various coins and banknotes issued in different denominations. Prior to adopting the Euro, Malta’s economy was driven by tourism, manufacturing, and financial services. The move to the Euro aimed to foster economic stability, ease trade, and attract investment in the country.