Malta

The island of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea , approximately 50 miles south of the Italian island of Sicily and a slightly longer distance from N. Africa . The Maltese archipelago is comprised of the islands of Malta , Gozo, and Comino, as well as the uninhabited Cominetto and Filfla islands. Malta is approx. 26 km from NW to SE, and 14km from west to east.

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Know Before You Go:
FCO Country Advice for Malta
 

The population of the islands is mainly Maltese (descended from ancient Phoenician and Carthaginian peoples, mixed with Italian/Mediterranean). The official languages are Maltese and English, although Italian is also spoken. (Maltese is a Semitic language, although it is written in the Roman alphabet). The dominant religion is almost 100% Roman Catholic.

Malta has an interesting history, partly due to its important location between N. Africa and Europe . Malta ’s past has been influenced by Phoenicians, Romans, Normans , French and British, among others. Malta gained its independence from the British in 1964 and ten years later became a Republic within the Commonwealth, with a president as head of state instead of Queen Elizabeth II. The president, however, remains a constitutional head only and executive power lies with the prime minister. Malta joined the European Union in 2004

Napoleon Bonaparte had a short and disastrous occupation of Malta , and Hitler bombed the island during WWII. It was because of the nation’s courageous resistance against Hitler’s efforts that King George VI awarded the George Cross medal, which is now a part of the Maltese flag. Malta ’s history was also influenced by a religious order of soldiers, the Knights of the Order of St. John . The well known Maltese Cross was the insignia of the Knights. Many of the churches, palaces, and monuments on the island were installed during the more than 250 years of rule by the Knights. They eventually lost Malta to Napoleon and the French Empire. Their occupation was brief due to pressures by British and Maltese forces and Malta later became part of the British Empire via the Treaty of Paris in 1814.

The islands of Malta and Gozo were inhabited during prehistoric times of the Neolithic, Copper and Bronze ages and some ruins and remains of those eras can still be seen. Malta with its picturesque limestone buildings, is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.

Malta ’s capital city, Valletta , known as the Fortress City , is a marvel of baroque architecture, art, churches, palaces, fountains, statues, courtyards and gardens. Built by the Knights, it is the administrative centre of the islands and the seat of government. This is the place to go for cultural events, as well as to browse the narrow streets and shops and sit in the cafes for some people-watching. Also located in the centre of Malta is Birkirkara, the largest town on the island which has many interesting historical sites. Malta ’s famous and spectacular Blue Grotto can be seen by boat tour.

The ancient town of Mdina used to be Malta ’s capital before Valletta was built. It sits high up on the island and has a wonderful medieval walled city which is entered via a drawbridge made of stone. The narrow streets have all sorts of fascinating places to explore as well as many churches, palaces and museums.

The Maltese archipelago is a popular place for water sports, and scuba diving is particularly popular with beginners and experienced divers alike, as well as cave divers. Malta , Gozo and Comino, with its Blue Lagoon are the most popular and there are a variety of underwater terrain, with natural harbours, reefs, caves and shipwrecks. The waters are clear and warm, approx. 22C in summer, 14C in winter, which make it an ideal destination for underwater photographers. The most popular beaches and resorts are along the north coast, where there is also great sailing, water skiing, diving and other water sports.