Population: 12,000
This figure was registered in 1948 but between 1950 and 1970 gradually decreased due to heavy emigration. It increased again to its present level of 12,000 during the last 30 years, following the construction of new housing estates.

The name "Zejtun"
Originating from Phoenician and Semetic Arab meaning the fruit of the olive tree. In Arabic "zaytun", Turkish "zejtin" and in Spanish and Portugese where Arab culture flourished found as "aceituna" and "azeituna" respectively. Of course the word "zaytun" is prevalent in North African countries. In Maltese itself the word is now used only as a place name, and the word "zebbug" is now used both for the olive tree and its fruit. Indeed the motto of Zejtun is "frott iz-zebbug ismi" (my name is the fruit of the olive tree).

The olive oil industry
As in most Mediterranean countries, olive tree cultivation and the production of olive oil was prevalent in Malta, especially during Roman times. Over the years this activity declined especially when cotton cultivation became popular around 200 years ago. There has been a renewal of interest in olive tree cultivation during recent years.

Archeological remains of such activity indicate that the area around Zejtun was already inhabited in Punic and Roman times.

Zejtun a lookout post in the South
The advantageous location of Zejtun, overlooking the harbours in the south which provided landing beaches for invasions by Mediterranean corsairs especially from North Africa, rendered it ideal as a lookout post for such attacks. Indeed the old Parish Church of the town (dating from 1200) doubled as a watch tower.

Secret passages in the south and south east walls of the Church provided shelter for sentinels who where detailed to provide advance warning by means of fire and smoke signals to the inhabitants of the locality as well as those of the old capital Imdina in the north of the island.

Town Status
Zejtun was raised to the status of town in 1797 by the German Grand Master Ferdinand von Hompesch, who honoured Zejtun with the title Citta` Bylandt (Maltese "Beland"), this being his mother's family name.

Hompesch was the last reigning Grand Master of the Chivalric Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in Malta. In fact his raising of Zejtun to town status was a diplomatic move in order to gain the support of the inhabitants during the impending invasion of Napoleon, which infact occurred in June 1798 and ushered a short period of French rule in Malta. The inhabitants of Zejtun along with the rest of the Maltese revolved against the French during the summer of 1800.

The Colours
The colours associated with Zejtun are olive green and red the colour of Saint Catherine of Alexandria who is the patron Saint of Zejtun. Indeed on some ancient maps Zejtun is referred to as Terra Santa Caterina. Week long festivities in honour of the Saint are held during the week preceeding the third Sunday in June.

Coat of Arms
A shield with a green cross on a silver background mounted by a crown with four towers (of which 3 are visible). The crown indicates the status of town and the cross a symbol of the Christian heritage in green because of the association with the olive tree.

Eventful dates
The recorded history of Zejtun goes back at least 800 years. As indicated earlier, Zejtun was the first inland point of call when north African corsairs invaded Malta and frequent attacks that used to take place during the summer months. The last incursion was in 1614 when hundreds North African pirates where met and defeated by the inhabitants of Zejtun.

After that the inhabitant enjoyed relative peace since the Knights of Saint John had not only constructed the fortifications of Valletta, but also the Coastal Towers of Saint Thomas and Saint Lucian to guard the south coast, thus providing better protection for the town. These served little hinderance to the forces of Napoleon, and Zejtun was the first town to fall to the invaders. The inhabitants were very active during the two year revolt against the French occupiers.

During the British occupation the majority of the inhabitants were employed with the British services. Still political leaders from Zejtun were in the forefront in the movement for independence from Britain.

During World War II Malta was in the centre of the Mediterranean war saga and was heavily bombed. The imminent German invasion in 1942 was halted when Hitler turned his attention to the Russian front. During these dark eventful years, the inhabitants of Zejtun were actively involved in the war effort against the Nazi and Fascist forces, and tragedy struck on the 2nd May 1942 when a German anti personnel bomb fell on the town centre killing 27 people instantly.

The end of the war brought much unemployment, and emigration between 1950 and 1970 forced the population of Zejtun down. The last thirty years marked significant progress and Zejtun is now a thriving town with good prospects for the future.

It is administered by an elected Council responsible for local affairs. The Mayor is Joe Attard.