The Maltese Islands
The Maltese Islands are located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea, 93km south of Sicily and 290km north of Africa. The islands consists of Malta with an area of 246 sq km and Gozo with an area of 67 sq km. The other islands are Comino (with only one person living there), Cominotto, Filfla and St. Paul's island near St. Paul's Bay. Malta is 27km long and 14km wide while Gozo is 14km and 7km respectively.The population is 400,000 and the official language is Maltese, although English is accepted also as the second official language which is understood by almost everyone.
The people of Malta have developed and maintained characteristics which
distinguish them as a peace-loving nation with a strong sense of
hospitality. Another characteristic is their joviality which springs mainly from the
agreeable, warm climate with sunshine throughout the year. For the same
reason, the Maltese enjoy very high standards of health. Medical services in Malta are very good and facilities are easily
accessible, with a major general hospital (and a smaller one in Gozo)
equipped with modern facilities. There are also a number of peripheral
health centres, which are open day and night. Private medical care is
also available, and apart from general practitioner services, there are
three private hospitals and a number of small private clinics where
minor surgery can be carried out.
EU citizens, resident in Malta, are entitled to Free Public Health
care services in accordance with entitlements, as determined from time
to time by the Ministry of Health.
The climate is warm and healthy with mild, moist winters and dry, hot
summers. Frost and snow are unknown. Rain falls only for very short
periods, averaging 580mm in a whole year. Temperatures for November -
April average 14°C , and 23°C for the May - October period. Average
daily sunshine hours for winter are 6.5 hours, and for summer 10.5
hours. The hottest period is from mid-July to mid-September. Malta's
perennial sunshine and unpolluted sea make it a holiday destination to
which tourists like to return year after year.
The standard of education is very high with English being the language of
instruction for most subjects at all levels of the educational system. Many Maltese are
also fluent in Italian. Furthermore many take up French, German and Spanish.
Freedom of worship is guaranteed by the Constitution. Whilst the
great majority of Maltese profess the Catholic Faith, other religious
denominations have their place of worship in Malta.
Although a Catholic country with Masses said in Maltese as well as English, there are also services available for most other
denominations.
The Maltese Islands are a real paradise for divers and snorklers.
Even in a severe winter (which is extremely rare) the sea temperature
never drops below 13 Celcius. Sea temperatures in summer are about 23
Celcius, and divers may wear a light 3mm diving suit or even dive
without one.It is not necessary to bring along your own
equipment as it is possible to lease equipment at a very favourable
rate. The seas around Malta are virtually tideless, and due to the small
size of our Islands, divers can shift to an alternative dive site very
easily. Boat dives take the diver to sites which are not so easily
accessible, and the variety of dive sites including wrecks, caves and
others are abundant. Spear fishing is absolutely forbidden.
The Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino provide an indented coastline of
200km with clear and clean waters, making a cruise around the islands a
real delight. The sailing season stretches from April to November and
even in the remaining winter months, sunny days are the majority.
For concert and theatre lovers, the Islands offer a vast choice of theatrical and concert venues, classical
and modern. Many are held outdoors or in historic venues. There are
annual cultural events, such as the three-month summer Maltafest.
Another regular is the International Jazz Festival in July. Since 1999, it’s seen legends and newcomers perform in a spectacular
venue by floodlit Grand Harbour.
Dining al fresco is abbundant in many restaurants dotted all over the islands. Choose from
romantic palazzo’s to bustling harbour restaurants and discover the
range of Maltese cuisine, wine and beer. International cuisine is
available everywhere.
