Malta - travel to Malta

Useful information about Malta.

Geography: The country Malta is a small group of islands in the Mediterranean Sea, situated south of Italy and north of Africa. It consists of three main islands Malta, Gozo and Comino, as well as the islands of Cominotto and Filfla that are uninhabited, along with a few small islands.

Climate: Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate with very warm summers and mild winters that sometimes become rainy. The months of July and August can get extremely hot and unpleasant.

Attractions: There are many great attractions in Malta. Valetta, the capital of Malta, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with hundreds of Architectural monuments dating back for centuries. Malta also has a grasping rugged landscape with all types of rocks, caves, cliffs and beaches.

Travel and holidays: The months between April and June are the best time to visit the Islands of Malta. The summer months can become too hot. The winter months are the cheapest time to visit the islands. Taking a cruise is a great way of seeing the islands.

Accommodation: There are many different types of accommodation for tourists in Malta. They range from self-catering apartments and villas to hotels and guesthouses. There is a very large number of top class hotels in Malta. The cheapest time to stay in Malta is during the winter months.

Culture and people: The people of Malta are an island people with rich ties to the sea as their ancestors did.

Religion: The majority of people living in Malta are Roman Catholic

Flag: The flag of Malta has two equal vertical bands, one white and the other red. In the white band there is also a cross in the upper right left-hand corner, which is a representation of St Georges Cross - the cross has an red edge.

Government: Malta is a republic and is a member of the European Union and the Commonwealth. Malta has a democratic system of government. Elections are held every five years. The Prime Minister and the Cabinet implement power and national policies.

Exports: For such a small group of islands, Malta has a large amount of different exports. Malta is ideally located for the export of goods to Africa, Europe and the Middle East. They include clothing, footwear, furniture, plastic products and electronics.

Food: Fish, bread, pasta and meat are the main foods of the Maltese. Rabbit stew is the national dish along with certain fish dishes.

Drink: Wines and beers are produced locally in Malta.

Facts: The population of Malta is estimated at 400,214 in 2006. The capital city of Malta is Valletta.

Sport: Soccer is the most popular sport in Malta, but all water sports are common along the coastline.

Economy: The Maltese economy depends largely on foreign investment and tourism. Malta has a very productive work force making it an attractive location for foreign companies. Manufacturing and the financial services sector also contribute to the economy.

History: Malta has a fascinating history that dates back well before Christ. Its location has made it a very popular spot for sea traders for thousands of years. Malta was the scene of one of the bloodiest conflicts known to man, when the Christian Knights from the Order of St John defended the Island from the Muslim invaders.

The Knights of St John ruled the island of Malta from 1530 until 1798. During this period the knights constructed many great churches and castles. Because of Maltas rich history there are many great architectural sites of importance especially around the capital Valetta. Valetta is a UNESCO World Heritage site with hundreds of Architectural monuments dating back for centuries.

Currency: Currency in Malta is the Maltese lira (Lm).

Time Zone: Standard Time is 1 hour ahead Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+1).

Country Telephone code: The international country calling code of Malta is +356

Visa: Visas are not required if you are living within the borders of the European Union. If you are living outside the EU you should consult your local Maltese Embassy .

Arts and crafts: A visit to some of the crafts shops is a must if you are ever in Malta. If you are lucky enough you may see the making of traditional souvenirs, such as glass or wrought iron,

Languages: Maltese is the national language of Malta; English is widely spoken and is the second official language.