These days are to be observed as public holidays and it is by law that the National Flag of Malta is flown on public buildings on such days. There are 5 national holidays during the year: Independence Day, Republic Day, Freedom Day, Feast of Our Lady of Victories and Sette Giugno.
Today, the EURO is the Malta currency. The Euro replaced the old currency of Malta (i.e. the Maltese Lira) on the 1st of January 2008.
Malta has had a system of local government since 1993, based on the European Charter of Local Self-Government. There are at present 68 local councils (54 in Malta and 14 in Gozo). Sixteen "hamlets", which form part of larger councils, have their own Administrative Committee.