Malta is the smallest nation in the European Union. Prior to becoming independent Malta was a member of the British Empire as a result of the 1814 Treaty of Paris following Britain's defeat of Napoleon. During WWII the Maltese people were so instrumental in protecting Allied shipping lanes in the region that in April 1942 England awarded Malta the Cross of St. George. Today the Maltese flag is the only national flag that bears an emblem awarded by a foreign country.