History and Geography of Malta

Malta’s strategic location right in the middle of the Mediterranean, the Maltese Islands are rich in culture, offer a dynamic history, welcoming and friendly people and various attractions.

With an area of just 316sq km, the Maltese Archipelago is one of the smallest in the world. Yet, it is also one of the most densely populated, with over 425,384 residents. The Islands are advantageously located in the passageway between Africa and Europe, 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Libya. The proximity of Malta to the African continent and to the rest of Europe has always made the island as an attractive location to people coming from the Middle East and North African region, however this does not exclude different individuals coming from the other countries like the Asian continent, South Africa, Russia and the US. Malta’s strategic location is not the only advantage, but, other factors like the lifestyle, low-cost of living and the legal system.

Malta is the largest of the three islands, and remains the cultural, commercial and administrative hub. Gozo is the second largest island and more rural, as it is known for its countryside and open spaces, while Comino is uninhabited, and with its crystal clear water is a popular destination for bathers, day-trippers and hikers.

Visitors to the Islands are often attracted to the Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. But there is a lot more to keep them busy, including expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history.

• Capital City: Valletta
• Population: 425,384 (2014)
• Size: 316km2
• Language: Maltese and English (both official)
• Religion: Roman Catholic
• Currency: Euro
• Electricity: 230 Volts, 50Hz. UK-style three pin square plugs
• Country Code: +356
• Time Zone: GMT +1
• Government Type: Republic
• EU Member: As at 1^st May, 2004

Main reasons why you want to move to Malta:

• Favourable weather with average temperature of 19⁰c and over 300 days of sunshine
• Given Malta’s surface area is only 316sqm, travel distances are usually short saving commuters a lot of time
• Maltese people are known to be amongst the friendliest, welcoming and happiest in the world
• English is an official language, with Italian, German and French being also widely spoken
• The cost of living is known to be amongst the lowest in Europe
• Malta has a very low crime rate and is known as one of the safest countries
• Variety of social events and places for all tastes and cultures