Geography & Population – The Republic of Malta is the smallest EU member state, located 80Km south of Italy, 284Km east of Tunisia and 333Km north of Libya. The country covers 316 km2, with a population of 450,000 that is steadily increasing with many ex-pats settling here for the buoyant economy, superb climate and exceptionally positive returns from property investments.
History – Malta’s location in the middle of the Mediterranean has historically given it great strategic importance as a naval base, and a succession of powers, including the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, French and British, have ruled the islands. However the history of the Maltese Islands of Malta, Gozo and Comino goes back much farther, with the earliest archaeological pottery discoveries suggesting the first settlements probably from Italy dating as far back as 5200 BCE.
Culture – Due to the geographic proximity, Italian influences in Malta remained strong throughout much of its long and illustrious history, perhaps waning only slightly during the 150 years in which Malta formed part of the British Empire, until gaining independence in 1964. To this day, Maltese language, art and culture, architecture, cuisine and lifestyle are a very interesting melange of Italian and British with some Arabic influences. The Maltese are renowned to be a very friendly people who often speak fluent English and Italian apart from their native Maltese language, which sounds like a modern form of Latin Arabic.
Climate – Malta enjoys an agreeable Mediterranean climate with very mild winters and warm to hot summers. Rain occurs mainly in autumn and winter, with summer being generally dry. According to International Living, Malta is the country with the best climate in the world.
Economy – The Maltese economy depends on foreign trade consisting mostly of freight trans-shipment, manufacturing of electronics and other goods and services and tourism. According to Eurostat data, Maltese GDP per capita stood at 88 per cent of the EU average in 2015 with €21,000.
Some useful links:
GOVERNMENT
Government of Malta – Official website of the Government of Malta
Malta Embassies – Embassies, Consulates and other Malta representations in other countries
Malta Tourism Authority – MTA regulates, develops and promotes Malta’s tourism industry
Health Services – Official page of the National Health Service
BUSINESS
Malta Enterprise – the national development agency entrusted with promoting and facilitating international investment in Malta
Education in Malta – National education and employment website
Malta Chamber of Commerce – The independent voice of the private sector in Malta.
Finance Malta – FM is the public-private initiative set up to promote Malta as an International Financial Centre
Malta Financial Services Authority – MFSA is the single regulator for financial services activities in Malta
Malta Gaming Authority – MGA is the single regulatory body responsible for the governance of all gaming activities in Malta
Malta Developers Association – MDA is the highest body and voice of private Real Estate developers in Malta.
WEATHER & MEDIA
Weather in Malta – Malta Airport weather observations and forecast
Television Malta – National TV and radio broadcaster
Times of Malta – English language newspaper
Malta Today – English language newspaper
The Malta Independent – English language newspaper
