Malta

The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. The main island of Malta is a popular holiday destination because of its secluded bays and sandy beaches, washed by unpolluted clear blue waters. Set against the backdrop of the island’s scenery and its honey-coloured stone buildings, Malta is alluring and fascinating.

The island’s compact size is a plus for visitors. It takes no more than an hour to drive between any two points on the main island, and there is very little open space. The dense population means that the island is virtually one large urban area, with buildings occupying every inch.

Inspite of the small size, Malta offers a variety of settings; seaside resorts, inland towns and rural locations. In most places, rich seams of history and culture can be found.
The capital Valetta reflects some of Malta's rich heritage of archaeology, history, architecture, art and culture. There are plenty of restaurants, cafes and nightclubs to please everybody.

There are a number of sandy beaches, mainly in the northern part of the island; the best known are at Mellieha Bay and Golden Sands . Bathing is safe anywhere around the Islands, as there are no tides. During summer most beaches have facilities such as bars, restaurants and sea sports hire

Fast facts

Population: 399000
Capital: Valletta
Language: Maltese and English
Religion: Roman Catholic 98%
Currency: EUR
Electricity: 240 V
Calling code: 356
GMT: +1

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	History	Culture
	The strategic importance of Malta was recognized by the Phoenicians, who occupied it, as did, in turn, the Greeks, Carthaginians, and Romans. The apostle Paul was shipwrecked there in A.D. 60. With the division of the Roman Empire in A.D. 395, Malta was assigned to the eastern portion dominated by Constantinople. Between 870 and 1090, it came under Arab rule. In 1091, the Norman noble Roger I, then ruler of Sicily, came to Malta with a small retinue and defeated the Arabs. The Knights of St. John , who obtained the three habitable Maltese islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino from Charles V in 1530, reached their highest fame when they withstood an attack by superior Turkish forces in 1565. Napolιon seized Malta in 1798, but the French forces were ousted by British troops the next year, and British rule was confirmed by the Treaty of Paris in 1814. Malta was heavily attacked by German and Italian aircraft during World War II but was never invaded by the Axis powers. It became an independent nation on Sept. 21, 1964, and a republic on Dec. 13, 1974, but it remained in the British Commonwealth. In 1979, when its alliance with Great Britain ended, Malta sought to guarantee its neutrality through agreements with other countries. Although Malta applied for membership in the European Union, when the Labour Party won the election in Oct. 1996, it froze Malta's EU application and withdrew from the NATO Partnership for Peace program in an effort to maintain its neutrality. When the Nationalist Party won the Sept. 1998 elections, however, it revived the EU accession bid, and in May 2004 Malta joined the EU.	Mediterranean culture is dominant in Malta, but nearly 150 years of British rule have left their mark. English is an official language, along with Maltese. The Catholic Church is the custodian of national traditions, and its churches are the biggest landmarks in most towns and villages. The Maltese have several festas were they celebrate their local patron saints, filling the streets with confetti Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to the Phoenician occupation of the islands. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of Romance languages for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of Sicilian, Italian, Spanish, French and English. Malta is noted for its fine crafts - particularly its handmade lace, handwoven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in music are very strong, and Malta holds a folksong competition every year. The strongest influence on Maltese cuisine is Sicilian. Local specialties include pastizzi (savoury cheese pastries), timpana (a macaroni, cheese and egg pie), and fenek (rabbit), which is usually fried or baked in a casserole or pie.

	Destinations in Malta Bugibba Gozo Sliema Valletta

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