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The Republic of Malta is located in the centre of the Mediterranean, 100 km south of Italy. The Maltese archipelago consists of three major islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino. The total area of the islands is 316 square kilometres, with a population of approximately 400,000.
Malta has a healthy, typically Mediterranean climate, offering warm dry summers and mild winters. The island enjoys over 300 days of sunshine each year. The average annual rainfall is 590mm and temperatures range between 12 degrees Celsius in winter and 30 degrees Celsius in summer. Valletta, the capital, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour.
Malta's international airport is situated five kilometres from the capital. Gozo is topographically quite different from Malta. Quaintly attractive for its less industrialised way of life, Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa and Pieta, near Valletta, and by helicopter from the airport. Comino, which is straddled between Malta and Gozo, sustains a very tiny population. Turned into a popular resort because of a couple of very fine beaches, Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa, either by boat or by excursion ferries during the summer months. The distance between Malta and the nearest point in Sicily is 93 km. The distance from the nearest point on the North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288 km. Gibraltar is 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria is 1,510 km to the east.
This strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean's leading ports for container transhipments. Malta boasts one of the oldest Mediterranean civilisations with its Neolithic temples dating back some 5000 years. As a stepping stone between Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, Malta has been at the crossroads throughout its existence. Malta had been under the influence of the British rule for 165 years until it achieved full independence in 1964.
This influence can mostly be seen in the legal and political system. Malta is an established parliamentary democracy with Maltese and English being the official languages. English is spoken fluently by virtually all Maltese citizens and is the language primarily used in the business sector. In addition to the official languages, most Maltese people are fluent in Italian and knowledge of French is common. Malta is a Republic with a democratic system of Government. The titular head of state is the President who is appointed by the House of Representatives.
Legislative power lies in the hands of the House of Representatives which currently has sixty five members drawn from the two major political parties. Elections are held every five years. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. The Prime Minister is usually the party leader commanding the greater support in the House. Since achieving independence in 1964, Malta has been committed to the development of a strong and stable economy.
In 1974, Malta declared itself a Republic. Malta is a member of the British Commonwealth, the Council of Europe, the United Nations and in May 2004 became a member of the European Union. The Maltese economy is a very open one where foreign direct investment in many of its sectors remains crucial. The economy is largely based on the manufacturing sector, particularly high technology industries, and tourism. The presence of an advanced telecommunications infrastructure and a highly educated professional community supports the success of the economy. Building on the strengths of its economy, Malta is fast developing as an international financial and business centre.
Financial services is now the fastest growing sector of the Maltese economy. For a comprehensive analysis of the local economic scenario, you can download a copy of the latest ‘Economic Survey’. This is available from the website of the Ministry of Finance. Further statistics on the Maltese economy can be obtained from the Quarterly Review of the Central Bank of Malta. For more information about Malta visit the CIA World Factbook Profile. Other useful links about Malta and its main institutions, visit the Useful Links page on our site.
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