GEOGRAPHY

Malta’s location in the Mediterranean

Malta is an archipelago located in the Mediterranean Sea nearly 93km south of the Italian Island Sicily, and approximately 300km North of Libya. Even though Malta is a European island, it is located further south than some African countries such as the capital of Tunisia and Algeria. However, Malta is not Europe’s most southern point; the Greek Island of Gavdo is even more to the South.

The Maltese Islands, how many?

There are 18 uninhabited islands forming part of the archipelago, and three inhabited - Malta, Gozo (Għawdex) and Comino (Kemmuna). Then there is Manoel Island, Filfla and the Fungus Rock which are historically and ecologically very significant. The others are mere large rocks.  The Maltese islands were formed from the higher points of the land bridge that connected Sicily with North Africa. The land bridge became isolated when sea-levels rose after the last ice age, leading to the formation of the archipelago that now lies at the edge of the African tectonic plate, where it meets the Eurasian one.

The landscape of the Maltese Islands

The landscape of Malta and the other islands are characterised by terraced fields, dry vegetation, rock and limestone. This is due to the long hours of strong sunshine that the Islands receive throughout the year and because there are no permanent rivers or lakes in Malta. However, there are a few waterways that supply limited fresh water throughout the year such as Lunzjata Valley in Gozo. Occasional temporary small rivers appear after times of heavy rainfall. The Maltese woods were cut down centuries ago and the only trees that survive today are the olives, ficus, citrus, pine, tamarisk and carob trees. On Malta and Gozo, hills are cultivated for both grapes and vegetables.

The coastline of Malta, Gozo and Comino

Just like the islands themselves, the coastline of Malta, Gozo and Comino is primarily rocky. Sandy beaches can be found mostly on the North side of the islands such as Golden Bay and Mellieha Bay  in Malta, and Ramla Bay in Gozo. While the North boasts sandy beaches the south side is just the opposite, remarkably high cliffs drop straight down to the sea. The eastern side of the island is divided by three large bays, while in the West there is a concentration of natural harbours.

• *  Area: 316 km2
• *  Name: Republic of Malta (Repubblika ta' Malta)
• *  Population: 412,966 estimate 2010
• *  Flag: White and red background, with the George Cross in the upper left corner of the white part.
• *  Capital City:  Valletta
• *  Largest city: Birkikara, with a population of 26,000
• *  Coastline: 140 m
• *  Highest point: Ta’ Dmejrek 253m (close to Dingli)
• *  Official Languages: Maltese and English
• *  Ethnic groups: Maltese 95.3%, British 1.6%, Other 3.1%
• *  Demonym:  Maltese
• *  Member of the EU: from 1st May 2004
• *  Time Zone: CET (UTC+1)
• *  Drive: on the left 
• *  Calling code: + 356
• *  Currency: Euro(€)
• *  GDP (PPP) 2010 estimate: Total €6.95 billion
• *  GDP (PPP) 2010 estimate: Per capita €16,564
• *  Government: Parliamentary Republic, President: George Abela, Prime Minister: Lawrence Gonzi
• *  Independence: from the United Kingdom 21 September 1964 
• *  Coat of Arms: Shows the flag of Malta in the form of a shield, on the top of which is a fortification with five turrets, representing all the fortifications of the island. There are two branches around the shield, and olive and a palm tree, which symbolize peace.
  
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  HISTORY

  Maltese Prehistory and early civilisations

  Maltese Islands were inhabited since 5200 BC in the Stone Age, by nomad hunters most probably coming from Sicily. Since its Prehistory, Malta has been shaped by several civilisations throughout the centuries: it has been colonised by Greeks, falling then under the control of Carthage and then Rome. Between the populations that influenced Malta the most with their culture there are definitely the Arabs and the Normans, who ruled the archipelago respectively for 220 and 440 years.
  
  

  The Knights of St. John in Malta

  Malta is universally known for the Order of the Knights of St. John, originally instituted to cure wounded soldiers at the crusades, they were given the island of Malta by Charles V. They introduced Italian language on the island, built the city of Valletta and plenty of fortifications, and developed the cultural heritage. They resisted the Great Siege of the Ottoman Empire, but surrended to the French conquest of Napoleon on his way to Egypt.
  
  

  Malta as a British Colony

  Malta voluntarily became part of the British Empire in 1800, and its strategic location in the Mediterranean Sea increased its importance especially after the opening of the Suez Canal. Malta was under the protection of Britain during the Second World War, but it was still heavily bombarded by Italian and German aviation.
  
  

  Malta's Independence and EU membership

  Malta considered forwarding integration with Britain, but after subsequent British government, Malta was declared independent on the 21st of September, 1964 and a Republic on the 13rd December, 1979. The country flourished during the last decades of the twentieth century and Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008.
  
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  ECONOMY

  Malta has limited resources but a thriving economy

  Malta does not have any natural resources and experiences a limited fresh water supply; and it only produces around 20% of the food requirements. Thus, the economy is dependent on the human resources and foreign trade. Malta’s economy is practically driven by financial services, tourism, real estate, Igaming and manufacturing, particularly of electronics. Other significant sectors are pharmaceuticals, information technology, and call centres.
  
  

  The development of Malta’s Economy

  Before the 1800, most Maltese were farmers or fishermen, even if there was considerable commerce. At the time there were very few industries apart from cotton, tobacco and shipyards. During wars, Malta's economy flourished because of its strategic location in the Mediterranean. With the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, Malta saw a substantial rise in the number of ships entering the port, as the Mediterranean became the main trade road.
  
  

  Malta's Economy after the Second World War

  By the end of the Second World War, Malta lost its strategic importance and the British had to wonder about alternative ways of income. When Malta got its independence in 1964, economic activity was minimal, but huge government efforts to start up the manufacturing and tourism industry yielded good results. Aided by agreeable international economic conditions and policies that supported foreign investment, the Maltese economy sustained fast growth right to the end of the 20th century.
  
  

  Malta's Economy in the aftermath of EU membership

  Malta joined the European Union in 2004 and the Eurozone in 2008. When comparing the per capita GDP in the EU, the country falls just above the middle with respect to wealth. The Maltese Government has pursued a policy of gradual economic liberalization and privatisation, taking some steps to shift the emphasis in trade and financial policies from reliance on direct government intervention and control to policy regimes that allow a greater role for market mechanisms. While change has been very substantial by international standards, the economy remains fairly regulated and continues to be hampered by some longstanding structural weaknesses.
  
  

  The Economy in Malta today

  Malta managed to maintain a relatively low unemployment rate, mainly because of the constant growth and by policies encouraging continuous training for the labour force. Globally, Malta ranks sixth in inward Foreign Direct Investment and amongst the top twenty among countries most likely to sustain economic growth over the medium and long term.