Malta, at the crossroads of the Mediterranean,
is replete with history and colour. Blessed with year-round sunshine
and a temperature climate, it is a popular, friendly destination. It
is also possible to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as golf,
tennis, and cycling. Water sports enthusiasts will find all they need:
swimming, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving and sailing. Trekking
and walks around the Maltese countryside in winter provide a glimpse
of the islands innate beauty. Maltese "Festas" a combination of religious
festivity and popular celebration, are colourful and spectacular events
that should not be missed..
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 288 kilometers north of North Africa. The total area
is 316 square kilometers (Malta-216, 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 kilometers
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 kilometers 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 snorkeling and diving. There
is a regular ferry service to Comino.
Climate
There is no fog, snow, or frost in Malta. There is an average rainfall
of 51 centimeters annually. Sunshine averages 6.46 hours in winter and
10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is mid-July to mid-September.
Nights are regularly tempered by cool breezes from the Mediterranean.
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 island until 1530 when
Charles V of Spain ceded Malta to the Knights of St. John. The most
well known even in Maltese history occurred 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.
People
Today, the population of Malta is approximately
380,000, of these 354,000 people live in Malta and approximately 26,000
people live in Gozo.
Language
Maltese and English are both official languages
in Malta.
Religion
The great majority of Maltese are Roman
Catholic but the Maltese Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. There
are also churches belonging to various other religious denominations,
that hold religious services on Sundays in various localities.
Dining/Drinking
Maltese gastronomy is varied and offers a number of local dishes
and delicacies worth tasting. They include various fish, meat and other
Mediterranean specialities. There are a wide variety of good and reasonably
priced Maltese wines. Foreign wines are also available. Bars, restaurants,
and cafes open between 9.00 and 13:00 and beyond. Restaurants are not
open before 11:30 and between 15:00 and 19:00 . There is a great selection
of bars, wine bars, nightclubs and entertainment spots that one can choose
from around the Maltese islands. These places are open until the early
hours of the morning. Most bars close between 13:00 and 16:00 , and some
open after 18:00.
Health Regulations
Malta has reciprocal agreements with various countries for health
treatment. Prescribed medicines are available. Shops Shops are open
between the hours of 09:00 and 19:00 with a three to four hour afternoon
break.
Shops
Shops are open between the hours of 09:00 and 19:00 with a three to
four hour afternoon break. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays.
