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Malta

Malta is an island country near the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, about 95 kilometres south of Sicily. It is an archipelago (group of islands). It contains three inhabited islands viz Malta, Gozo, and Comino, and three uninhabited islets viz Cominotto, Filfla, and Selmunett (St. Paul's Isle).

Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Low hills with slopes cut by terraced fields make much of Malta resemble a series of giant steps. The balmy Mediterranean climate attracts many visitors...More Information on Malta

Also Read: A short feature on background of Malta

Full country name: Republic of Malta
Area: 316 sq km
Population: 400,000
Capital City: Valletta
People: Maltese
Language: Malti, English, Italian
Religion: Roman Catholic (90%)
Government: Republic
Head of State: President Edward Fenech Adami
Head of Government: Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi

History of Malta

Malta was an important cultic center for earth-mother worship in the 4th millennium B.C. Recent archeological work shows a developed religious center there long before those of Sumer and Egypt. Malta's written history began well before the Christian era. Originally the Phoenicians, and later the Carthaginians, established ports and trading settlements on the island. During the second Punic War (218 B.C.), Malta became part of the Roman Empire. During Roman rule, in A.D. 60, Saint Paul was shipwrecked on Malta at a place now called St. Paul's Bay...More on Malta's History.

Overview of Malta Economy

GDP: US$6.81 billion
GDP per capita: US$17,200
Annual Growth: 4%
Inflation: 2.4%
Major Industries: Tourism, electronics, ship repair, construction
Major Trading Partners: Italy, Germany, UK
Member of EU: Yes

Also Read: A short feature on Economy of Malta

Political System of Malta

- Government of Malta
- Political Condition in Malta
- Foreign Relationship of Malta
- Defense and Military of Malta

Climate, Vegetation and Fauna

The Maltese archipelago consists of five islands lying in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93km (57mi) south of Sicily and 350km (217mi) north of Libya. Malta, the largest, is shaped like a bottle of port, and is indented by many bays and harbours. Aside from a few low ridges and outcrops, Malta is pretty flat and composed mainly of limestone. Gozo, the second largest island, is greener and hillier than Malta, and its coast has high rugged cliffs.

The islands' soil is generally thin and rocky, yielding very little flora. The main exception is Buskett Gardens, a lush valley of trees and orange groves protected by the imposing Dingli Cliffs on the southwestern coast of Malta.

Malta has an excellent climate, reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in midsummer (July to August) and when the hot scirocco winds blow in from Africa. The lowest average daily high temperature, about 15°C (59°F), occurs during January. Rainfall is heaviest from November to February, though it's low year-round.


Population: The Maltese are predominantly Roman Catholic and speak a language similar in vocabulary to Arabic, although its alphabet...Malta's Population.

Culture: Mediterranean culture is dominant in Malta, but nearly 150 years of British rule have left their mark. English is an official language (along with Maltese)...More about Culture of Malta.


Facts for the Traveler

Visas: Visas are not required for holiday visits of up to three months by Americans, Australians, Britons, Canadians, Japanese, New Zealanders or nationals of most EU countries.
Time Zone: GMT/UTC +1
Dialling Code: 356
Electricity: 240V ,50Hz
Weights & measures: Metric

Also Read: Money and Cost Required

When to Go to Malta

The best time to visit Malta is the lull from February to June, between the rainy season (such as it is) and the hot Mediterranean summer. This is also when room rates drop by as much as 40% from their late June to August high. September and October are also good months to visit.

Also Read: Getting Around Malta | Malta: Getting There and Away

What to See in Malta

Major Tourist Attractions in Malta
- Valletta: While travelling through the Mediterranean, Sir Walter Scott described Valletta as ‘the city built by gentlemen for gentlemen'...
- Gozo: Gozo has a distinct character all its own. The countryside is prettier than that of its larger neighbour, the pace is slower...
- Mdina: This 3000-year-old city, once the political centre of Malta, is filled with Norman and baroque buildings and narrow cobblestone streets...

Other Tourist Attractions in Malta
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