Geography

The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino and two other uninhabited islands. They lie in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 95 kilometers south of Sicily and 288km north of North Africa. The total area is 316 square kilometers (Malta - 246; Gozo - 67; and Comino - 3). Malta has neither mountains nor rivers. Characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields on its slopes, Malta's coastline has harbours, bays, creeks, sandy and rocky beaches and coves. There are 137 square kilometres of shoreline. The longest distance in Malta, from the south-east to the north-west, is about 27 kilometers, and the widest distance is 14 kilometers in an east-westerly direction.

Gozo, the Island of the nymph Calypso, is smaller than its sister Island Malta. The countryside is greener, more spectacular, and has a distinct character. Flat-topped hills dot the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays. More rustic and quieter than Malta, it is 14 kilometers long and 7 kilometres at its widest point. The smallest island, Comino, is home to a handful of farmers. Neither cars nor noisy activities disturb the peace. The many bays and rocky coves in Comino, plus the crystal clear water, are ideal for water-sports such as snorkelling and diving.

History

The first inhabitants of Malta originated from Sicily, and settled there circa 5000 BC. The megalithic temple builders reached the Island circa 4000 BC. The unique megalithic temples, which pre-date England's Stonehenge, were erected between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. However, the civilisation which built them soon collapsed, and Bronze age settlers moved in. The Phoenicians, who used Malta's harbour as a centre for their trading activities, arrived in the 8th century BC. The entry of the Carthaginians increased the Island's strategic importance and attracted the attention of Rome. In 218 BC Titus Sempronius Longus captured it for Rome, starting an occupation that lasted more than 1,000 years.

Christianity was introduced to Malta by St Paul, who was shipwrecked here in AD 60. History is not clear about the later stages of the Roman occupation, but it is generally believed that the fourth and fifth centuries AD were a prosperous era for the Maltese. Once again, ownership of the island changed hands, with the Byzantine Empire taking over this time, towards the conclusion of the sixth century until AD 870 when they capitulated to the Aghlabid governor of Moslem Sicily. The influence of the Arabs lasted long after the incursion in Malta by the Norman Count Roger in 1091.

A succession of European dynasties ruled the islands until 1530 when Charles V of Spain ceded Malta to the Knights of St John. The most well known event in Maltese history occured in 1565, when the Maltese, together with the Knights, heroically resisted the Turkish attacks, popularly known as the Great Siege of Malta. The Knights eventually capitulated to Napoleon in 1798, but the French occupation was very brief. The Maltese, together with the British naval forces, ousted Napoleon's troops out of the Island.  British rule lasted from 1800 to 1964, when the Maltese Islands gained their independence. Malta became a Republic in 1974.

Travelling to Malta

Malta is just a few hours away from most European cities, and direct scheduled flights are serviced by the national carrier, Air Malta, and other foreign carriers. Air Malta's ever-expanding fleet currently consists of 13 aircrafts. In addition to scheduled services between Malta and major gateways in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, Air Malta also operates an extensive charter programme. Other services include group pre-allocation of seats, dedicated check-in counters, customised in-flight menus and announcements.

Currency

Malta's currency is decimal. The Lira (LM) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency visitors may bring into Malta, providing it is declared upon arrival. However, the maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into Malta is LM 50. Visitors may take out of Malta any unspent foreign currency but not more than LM 25 in Maltese currency.

Entry Requirements

Commonwealth countries, UK dependencies, members of the European Union and visitors from the USA do not require a visa.

Language

Maltese and English are both official languages in Malta. Italian is widely spoken, with a good knowledge of French and German available.

Time

Malta is one hour ahead of GMT.

Banks

Maltese banks offer all the services that are offered in the main financial centres. All major banks in most countries have either a direct contact or a correspondent relationship with local commercial banks and the Central Bank of Malta. There is a network of over 100 branches in Malta that offer all the recognised banking services, making this sector a modern and efficient one.

Foreign exchange facilities are available at the Malta International Airport on a 24-hour basis all year round, and at most banks during the week until 4.00 pm. There are also a number of automated foreign exchange machines and automated teller machines throughout the Islands. Banking hours are usually between 8.30 am and 12.00 noon from Mondays to Fridays; on Saturdays banks are open until 11:30 am.

Shopping

Shops are open between the hours of 9.00 am and 7.00 pm with a three to four hour afternoon break. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Major Credit Cards, Travellers' Cheques and Eurocheques are accepted at most leading shops and restaurants.

Places of Interest

Malta has a number of impressive and interesting sites, buildings, museums, and other places which shed light on the Island's cultural heritage. Places of particular importance are: