Country Guide • Malta
Malta is an archipelago of five islands located in the central Mediterranean Sea. It consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto Filfa and St. Paul. The islands are generally low lying with no mountains or rivers and the coastlines of Malta and Gozo are well indented with numerous bays and rocky coves.
| Official Name | Malta |
|---|---|
| Area | 320km² (124mile²) |
| Population | 400,000 |
| Continent | Europe |
| Population per mile² | 3282 |
| Capital City | Valletta |
| Religions | 97% Roman Catholic, 1% are Anglican |
| Language | Maltese and English |
| Government | Republic |
| Member of EU | No |
| Currency | Maltese Lira |
| GDP | $7 billion |
| GDP per Head | $17,000 |
| Natural Resources | Limestone, salt, arable land |
| Land Use | Arable Land 31% |
| Agriculture | Potatoes, cauliflower, grapes, wheat, barley, tomatoes, citrus fruits, cut flowers, green peppers; pork and poultry |
| Industry | Agriculture, Beverages, Clothing, Electronic Equipment, Foodstuffs, Footwear, Leather, Rubber and Plastic, Shipbuilding and Repairs, Textiles, Tourism, Tobacco Products |
| Tourism | Malta enjoys a Mediterranean climate and as such attracts tourists year inyear out. But Malta has Norman cathedrals and baroque palaces scattered all over the island. So if it's a bit of culture you're after as well as a tan plus the months of festivities then Malta should be a place to visit |
| Natural Hazards | None |
| Health Risks | None |
| Climate | Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate characterised by a dry summer season and a mild rainy winter season with occasional fog from November to March. Average annual rainfall is 22 inches and occurs almost entirely between October and April. Average temperature ranges in Valletta are from 10 to 14°C in January to 23 to 29°C in August |
| Time | GMT/UTC+1 hour (GMT + 2 hours from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October) |
| National Days | September 21 |
| Visas | Visas are not required for holiday visits of up to three months by Americans, Australians, Britons, Canadians, Japanese, Libyans, Moroccans, New Zealanders, South Africans, Tunisians or nationals of most EU countries |
| British Embassy | Embassy Details |
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