History

The Republic of Malta is a small and densely populated island, consisting of an archipelago of five islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is the largest, followed by Gozo, Comino, Filfla and other smaller islands. Ever since this archipelago was colonised, thousands of years ago, Malta always played a major part in many important events due to its strategic geographical position in the heart of the Mediterranean. Among these historical events are the wars between Rome and Carthage, the rise of Islam, the Crusades, the wars between Christians and Muslims, the rise and fall of Napoleon and of the British Empire, and World War II.  Its many conquerors and settlers each left their own distinct marks on the islands through fortresses, towers and Malta’s capital city, Valletta, which gets it name from the Grand Master of the Knights of the Order of St John, Jean de la Valette, who built it.

The George Cross on the Maltese flag was awarded to the Maltese for the level of courage they showed in World War II. In 1964, Malta gained its independence from Britain, and from a military-based economy, the island was transformed into a freight transshipment point, a financial centre, and a tourist destination.  In 1974, Malta became a Republic, and in 1979, the British troops formally left the Islands. However, Malta has kept good relations with the British, and English is, in fact, one of its official languages. Today, Malta forms part of the European Union – the smallest country in both population and size.

Having a warm climate and a talented workforce, it attracts many foreign investors and over one million tourists a year. It does not only offer a friendly environment to foreign companies, but also a blend of Mediterranean culture, language versatility and friendliness to its visitors.  
 

Climate

Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is similar to that of southern Italy and southern Greece, being typically Mediterranean. It enjoys an average of six hours of sunshine a day in mid-winter and over 12 hours in mid-summer.

Temperatures are quite stable, with an annual average of 18ºC. Winds are usually quite strong and frequent, the most common being the cool northwesterly wind (Majjistral), followed by the dry northeasterly wind (Grigal) and the hot, humid southeasterly wind (Xlokk). Humidity is quite high and almost never falls below 40 per cent.

Winters in Malta are mild, with occasional spells of cold weather brought by the north winds. Winter temperatures almost never fall below 10ºC during daytime, and 0ºC at night. Most of Malta’s rain falls in autumn and winter (October to March), averaging 600mm a year, meaning a mild climate, with lots of sunshine and, sometimes, hitting temperatures of around 20ºC during the day.

Summers are hot and dry with daytime temperatures usually above 30ºC and, sometimes, also above 35ºC. These are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes, especially along the coast. However, in spring and autumn, temperatures could be uncomfortably high due to the hot and dry southeasterly winds from Africa.

Activities & Leisure

Malta has something to offer anyone in terms of leisure and entertainment, particularly from the cultural point of view, with a rich heritage, showcased in its many museums, 366 churches (one for every day of the year) and cathedrals, fortified towns and prehistoric remains.

Outdoor activities are also popular due to favourable weather conditions, and sports include water skiing, windsurfing, sailing, swimming, walking, horse riding, golf and diving, among others. Sea and land lend themselves to a variety of activities from rock-climbing to gentle rambling.

Excellent underwater visibility, as well as warm and current-free waters – both in summer (average 26ºC) and in winter (average 15ºC) – ensure that the sport can be carried out any time of the year. Due to its geographical structure, it is possible to train novice divers in the sea in safety from the first day. Certified divers can enjoy a range of dive sites, including wrecks, caves and reefs in shallow waters.

With almost year-round sun, outdoor living at its best can be indulged in. In just 48 hours and a couple of kilometres away, you can try a new sport, laze on an island cruise and tour the most important historic sites…

And you would still have time to join in the nightlife.
Great times to be in Malta include the summer festa season, Easter and carnival.

Restaurants offer a wide variety of fare, ranging from local to exotic, fast food and top class, indoors and al fresco.

For more information visit:
www.visitmalta.com

Education

The educational system in Malta is divided into three main branches: primary, which extends from age five to 11; secondary, stretching from 11 to 16; and tertiary. Malta has one university, recognised by its major foreign counterparts. Education is compulsory from age five to 16 and parents can opt to send their children to State, Church, or private schools. The Maltese educational system is based on the British model, and a new national curriculum was drawn and implemented between 2000 and 2001.

Medical services

Malta’s medical services are considered to be excellent and facilities are easily accessible, with a new, major, state-of-the-art general hospital about to open (and a smaller one in Gozo), as well as private hospitals, equipped with modern facilities. Specialists in various disciplines have obtained their highest post-graduate qualifications mainly from the UK. The services also include a number of peripheral health centres, open day and night. Private medical care is also available and, apart from general practitioner services, a number of private clinics exist, where minor surgery may be carried out. Private medical care is provided at a charge, as in the case of non-Maltese citizens treated in the government hospitals. However, Malta has reciprocal healthcare agreements with a number of countries as regards urgent medical care for temporary visitors. British permanent residents, who possess a residence permit issued by the Office of the Prime Minister, are entitled to free treatment in government hospitals. Temporary residents, whose stay in Malta is authorised by the Police Commissioner, are entitled to a reduction of 85 per cent of hospital fees.