MALTA

The Maltese Islands are situated in the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km from Sicily and 290 km from North Africa. They consist of Malta (390 sq km) Gozo (65 sq km) and Comino (2.5 sq km). They are one of the oldest civilisations in the Mediterranean dating back to circa 5000 years B.C. The population is around 350,000 and is homogeneous with its own identity and language. The official languages are Maltese and English with most of the people also fluent in Italian.

RELIGION

The Maltese are predominantly Roman Catholic. Apart from the Cathedrals and large Parish Churches in each village, the countryside of Malta and Gozo is dotted with little wayside chapels.  You will have the opportunity to visit churches built in different architectural styles, some dating back to the days of the Order of Saint John, some even earlier.
 
CLIMATE

Malta's weather and climate are strongly influenced by the sea and have a very characteristic Mediterranean flavour, similar to that found in southern Italy and southern Greece. The climate is typically Mediterranean with hot, dry summers and short, cool winters.  Most rainfalls occur between October and March.  The summer months are usually warm and very dry.

CAPITAL CITY

Valletta is the capital city of Malta and houses the seat of Government.  Malta has a parliamentary democracy with executive power resting with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.  Parliament is composed of 65 representatives elected every 5 years.  The President represents the unity of the nation.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Malta's public transport system offers a cheap and efficient way of touring the Island. The main bus terminus is at Valletta from where buses operate to all parts of Malta, although there are also direct, point to point, services. The cost of a bus route ranges from 20 cents to 50 cents. The longest bus journey takes about fifty minutes; the average ride is between 20 and 30 minutes. For further details please view the Public Transport Authority Web Site.

ELECTRICITY