About Malta
The Republic of Malta is an island nation in southern Europe. It consists of an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea directly south of Italy. These strategically located islands have been ruled and fought over by various powers over the centuries.
Malta has been inhabited since around 5200 BC and a significant prehistoric civilization existed on the islands prior to the arrival of the Phoenicians who named the main island Malat, meaning safe haven. The islands later came under the control first of Carthage (400 BC) and then of Rome, before being conquered by Arabs in AD 870, who would greatly influence local culture, notably in the Maltese language. In 1127, they were finally replaced by the Sicilian Normans, after which Malta became Christian again. After this time, the Maltese nobility was created; it dates back to the Norman Conquest in 1090. The nobility is still around today. 32 titles are still used by the Maltese, of which the oldest is: Barons of Djar il Bniet and Buqana.
In 1530 the islands were given to the Order of Knights of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem by Spain (Aragon having owned the island as part of their Mediterranean empire for some time), who had been driven out of Rhodes by the Ottoman Empire. This militant monastic order, now known as the "Knights of Malta", withstood a siege by the Ottoman Turks in 1565, after which they increased the fortifications, particularly in the new city of Valletta. Their reign ended when Napoleon conquered the islands in 1798. The British then took the islands in 1800, when French commander General Claude-Henri Belgrand de Vaubois surrendered. The country was presented by several Maltese leaders to Sir Alexander Ball.
In 1814, as part of the Treaty of Paris, Malta officially became a part of the British Empire and was used as a shipping way station and fleet headquarters until the mid 1930s. Malta played an important role during World War II, owing to its proximity to Axis shipping lanes, and its people's bravery led to the awarding of the George Cross now seen on its flag. After the war, Maltese independence was granted on September 21, 1964. Under its 1964 constitution, Malta initially retained Queen Elizabeth II as sovereign of Malta and a Governor-General exercised executive authority on her behalf, but on December 13, 1974, Malta became a republic within the Commonwealth, with the President as head of state. But full independence was obtained on March 31, 1979, when the last British troops left the island. This event is celebrated as Freedom Day. It joined the European Union on May 1, 2004.
Geography of Malta
Malta comprises of an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, some 93 km south of Sicily. Only the three largest islands Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours, whereas the landscape of the densely populated islands themselves is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The highest point is the Ta'Dmejrek on Malta Island at 253 m, located near Dingli, but the highest point is not easy to locate, and many locals have no idea where it is.
The local climate is a Mediterranean temperate climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Effectively there are only two seasons, which makes the islands attractive for tourists especially during the drier months.
Economy of Malta
Malta's major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade (serving as a freight trans-shipment point), manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism
Malta has recently privatised some state-controlled firms and liberalised markets in order to prepare for membership in the European Union, which it joined on May 1, 2004. Malta and Tunisia are currently discussing the commercial exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries, particularly for oil exploration.
Demographics of Malta
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with about 1,250 inhabitants per square kilometre. The population is mostly composed of the descendants of Phoenician, Italian, Spanish and British peoples. Most of the foreign community in Malta consists of British nationals, a group centred around Sliema and the surrounding suburbs.
Roman Catholicism is established by law as the official religion of Malta; however, full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship is guaranteed, and a number of faiths have places of worship on the island. An estimated 90% of the population are Roman Catholic. Malta has two official languages: Maltese (a Semitic language) and English, but Italian is also widely understood, mainly due to Italian media reaching Malta.
Weather
The climate in Malta is generally warm and temperate. It is an ideal location for breaks from the often long and harsh European winters. There are no biting winds, fog, snow, or frost. Rain falls for only short periods and averages about 578 mm in a whole year. The temperature averages 14.1° C in winter (Nov-April) and 32° C in summer (May-Oct). The sun shines for an average of 6.46 hrs each day in winter and 0.11 hrs in summer. The hottest period is from mid July to mid September.
The average temperatures for September are 27.8o C (max.), 20.4o C (min.), and 25.0° C (sea).
Language
The official languages are Maltese and English. Many Maltese also speak Italian, and some also speak French, German, Spanish and/or Arabic. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from Italian, French and English.
Religion
Most Maltese are Catholic, but other religious denominations are also represented.
Currency
The Maltese Lira (Lm) is divided into 100 cents. Lm1.00 is equivalent to about euro 2.33. As from 1st January 2008, the base currency will be the EURO.
Banks and ATMs
Banks are normally open between 08.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and up to 11.30a.m. on Saturday. Some banks work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ. Exchange Bureaus at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. Most International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaus can be found all over the Islands. The ATMs are connected to the major international networks (MasterCard, VISA, Cirrus, Maestro, Eurocard, VISA Electron, PLUS, etc).
Credit Cards
Most hotels and restaurants, as well as many shops, accept Access, American Express, Carte Blanche, Diners Club International, MasterCard, Eurocard and Visa.
Time
Difference Malta is on Central European Time (CET) which is 1 hour ahead of GMT in winter and 2 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March and the last Sunday in October. Malta is 6 hours ahead of EST in winter and 7 hours ahead between the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.
Electricity
The electrical supply is 240 Volts, 50 Hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.
Health
Malta has an excellent health service. Hospitals are modern and supported by a regional network of health centres. Travellers do not normally require certificates of vaccination or insulation to enter the Maltese Islands. It is advisable to take out a personal medical insurance policy (and E111) . Visitors receiving special medical treatment should bring a medical prescription or a letter of introduction from their family doctor, in case they need to purchase particular medicines. Tap water is not always safe to drink.
Public Transport
Public transport is efficient and reasonably priced. The main bus terminus is in Valletta. From here, buses go to practically every corner of the Island. The average length of a bus trip is 20 to 30 minutes and the longest trip takes 50 minutes. Many bus services operate until 11pm, however the service to/from the smaller villages may stop considerably earlier.
Taxis
In general, taxis in Malta tend to be quite expensive. All of them have a taximeter displayed on the dashboard, however it is prudent to inquire about the approximate fare for a journey before embarking on a trip. Taxis are identifiable by their all-white livery. Taxis must normally be ordered by phone, and cannot be flagged down from the roadside.
Sport, Leisure and Entertainment
There are several sport and water sport centres. Sports practised on the Islands include sailing, water skiing and windsurfing. There are also a number of diving schools. One can find facilities for all types of land-based sports including golf and tennis. There is something for everybody from the beginner to the expert. Restaurants, bars and cafes are normally open from 9.00 a.m. to 1 o'clock in the morning. Maltese beer is excellent and a large selection of local and foreign wines is available. Night entertainment is at its best in St. Julian's (Paceville), Sliema, St. Paul's Bay, Bugibba and Gozo. Shopping Commercial centres and shops are usually easily accessible by public or private transport. Shops are normally open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 p.m. and between 4.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. In tourist areas, many shops remain open till 10.00 p.m. Shops are normally closed on Sundays and Public Holidays.
