Facts about the Maltese Islands
The MALTESE ISLANDS are Malta, Gozo, Comino, Filfla and Fungus Rock. Only the first three are inhabited, but the other two are well known for their flora and fauna. The main Islands however are MALTA and its sister island, GOZO. Malta is virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. Population is approximately 400,000, with twice as many (and more) first and second generation Maltese having settled in several areas, notably in the UK, Australia, Canada, United States, Italy and elsewhere.
Malta is the third most densely populated country in the world. Its natural resources are nearly non existent, except for the famous golden limestone used for our buildings. We produce only 20% of our food requirements and have no domestic energy sources. The main industries of the Maltese Islands are Tourism, Construction, Agriculture and various small industries. with Information Technology and Telecommunications are becoming really active industry today. Malta remains just one of two countries in the world along with the Philipines to prohibit divorce.
Malta is a nation state, and these Islands are Members of the United Nations, European Union, the British Commonwealth of Nations, the Council of Europe, and several other important treaty organisations. Malta and Gozo have political, social and commercial relations with several countries and contributes people and know-how in many fields.
Malta and Gozo are famous for their ancient history, actually predating 'history due to the evidence of some colossal and well-preserved stone Temples from prehistoric times, some of these being dated older than the Pyramids of Egypt. But their fame is also due to the Two Great Sieges, one in 1565 when the Turkish Empire with all its might could not conquer little Malta, with its tall bastions, the brave Knights of St John and the local people whose support and determination were crucial; the other momentous event being the Second World war (1939 -1942) when Malta's successful stand-off against the aggressive and fearful airplane attacks of the Nazis, contributing in a massive way towards the final armistice, with Malta's people besieged, hungry but proudly helping the Allies to victory.
Malta was governed over the century by several powers including the Romans, the Byzantines, the Angevins, the Castillians, the Arabs, the Normans, the Kingdom of the two Sicilies, the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, the Napoleonic French, the British. Independence within the British Commonwealth came on 21st September 1964. Malta was declared a Republic on 13th December 1973, but British influence is still very evident. English is registered as an official language together with its native Maltese. In May 2004 Malta joined the European Union, another important date in its long and chequered history.
As a TOURIST ATTRACTION Malta offers history, culture, the arts, beautiful beaches and water-sports activities, religion and many other attractions.
The WEATHER IN MALTA has a characteristically Mediterranean feel with long hot summers and a short mild winter, similar to that found in Southern Italy.
The weather starts to warm up in early April and the temperature increases gradually until the very hot and humid months of August and September. This is a long and dry season for Malta with very little rain if ever any. Annual rainfall is rather low with an average of 600mm and the dry season is rather long. Right in the middle of summer Malta experiences hot and humid winds from the African coast called the Sirocco. July and August are often the hottest months with temperature ranging from 30 degrees Celsius to 37 degrees Celsius. The highest ever recorded temperature was 44 degrees Celsius in August with a highly humidity this temperature can be unbearable and it is advised to keep out of the direct sun between 11 am and 4 pm. During the spring and summer months Malta experiences long days of sunlight with the sun rising round about 6am and setting at about 7.30 pm. At night the best place to be is by the seaside where one can enjoy the cooling sea breeze. Most of the winter rain falls between November and March.
Winters are mild with the rare spell of cold weather brought by North and North Eastern minds from Central Europe. In fact day time temperature rarely falls below 10 degrees Celsius and night time temperature never falls below 0 degrees Celsius, so it never snows in Malta. Being a small Island strong winds are of regular occurrence in Malta all the year round. When it gets very windy it often lasts for 3 days with strong gale force winds coming from the North West, Malta's most common wind.
As we have a strong sun with high UV rays it is advised to ensure that a high protection is used when out in the sun.
