The Maltese Archipelago consists of Malta, Gozo and Comino and two other smaller, uninhabited islands. Malta is situated in the centre of the Mediterranean, a bridge between Southern Europe and North Africa. In fact Malta is 93 Km south of Italy and 290 KM north of Africa.

The island, as of 1st May 2004, is a member of the European Union. The total area is a mere 316 square km with the longest distance being 27 km in length and 14.5 km width. The population is approximately 400,000 that make Malta one of the most densely populated countries in world.

Malta has a history that is the envy of many. There are very little places in the world where one can find archaeological sites (some dating to 3500 BC) cultural monuments and architecture that span the centuries. Malta is almost a museum in itself, from Valletta, its capital city built by the knights of St John, Mdina, the old Citadel built by the Arabs and modified by many over the years, the natural grand harbour, sought after by many old empires and its pretty village cores.

The climate is sub-tropical that makes Malta's weather generally kind though it could be rather hot in the summer months ( temperatures are known to touch 40 degrees in July and August).Winters are mild with little rainfall (560mm yearly average).

The people are known for their hospitality and are by and large bi-lingual. For more information about Malta visit www.visitmalta.com