General Information

The Maltese archipelago, made up of Malta, Gozo, Comino and two tiny uninhabited rocky islands of Cominotto and Filfla, is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. The distance between Malta and the nearest point in Sicily is 93 km. The distance from the nearest point on the North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288 km. Gibraltar is 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria is 1,510 km to the east. 

Malta has no mountains or rivers, but a series of low hills and terraced fields that grow an abundance of vegetables. The longest distance from north-west to south-east is approximately 27 kms and the widest distance is 14.5 kms in an east-westerly direction. Yet for its size, Malta is a real treasure trove of culture and heritage. The megalithic temples with their mystery of origin and purpose, the awe-inspiring fortifications, the majestic palaces and churches, all contribute to make Malta a nation of rich and pleasant surprises. The coastline is indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. This strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean’s leading ports for container transshipments. 

The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its name. It has a population of just over 402,000. Valletta, the capital city, is the cultural, administrative, and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, the most important and impressive being the Valletta Grand Harbour. Its international airport is at Gudja, a mere five kilometres from the capital. 

The second largest island is Gozo. It is topographically quite different from Malta, and is quaintly attractive for its less industrialized way of life. Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa and Pietà, near Valletta. 

Comino, Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul’s Islet are the other major features of the archipelago. Of these, only Comino, straddled between Malta and Gozo, sustains a very tiny population. Turned into a popular resort because of a couple of idyllic beaches, Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa, either by boat or by excursion ferries during the summer months. Malta’s strategic position has allowed it to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean’s leading ports for container transshipments. 

Malta Fact File at a glance:

Population: 402,000 +
Capital: Valletta
Airport: Malta International Airport at Gudja
Seaports: Grand Harbour in Valletta, and Freeport in Marsaxlokk
Offical languages: English and Maltese
Lifestyle: European
Currency: Maltese Liri (Euro likely to be adopted in January 2008)