The Sovereign Military Order of Malta has issued diplomatic passports since the 14th century. The Order has a flag, composes its government and has a permanent observer seat at the United Nations.
Only 100 of the 13,500 knights, ladies and chaplains, scattered around the world, live on the Maltese archipelago. Placed under the control of the Vatican in September 2022, the Order has maintained tense relations with the Holy See for several years. It provides assistance to anyone who needs it, regardless of their origin or religion.