The Maltese Archipelago, which consists of Malta, Gozo, Comino and two other uninhabited island, is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea with Malta 93 km from Sicily and 290 km from North Africa.
The total area is 316 square kilometres (Malta 246, Gozo and Comino 2.7). The longest distance in Malta from South-East to the North-West is about 27 km and the longest distance at its width is 14.5 km in an east-westerly direction. The corresponding figures for Gozo are 14.5 km and 7.2 km.
Malta has neither mountains nor rivers, however a series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes characterize the islands. The coastline of Malta is well indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The length of the shoreline round Malta is 137 km and 43 km round Gozo.
The people of Malta are her greatest treasure. The people have developed and maintained characteristics which distinguish them as a peace-loving nation with a sense of hospitality for which they are renowned.
This national trait manifests itself also in the safety and security of life in Malta where one can walk or drive around at night without fear. Another characteristic of the people is their joviality.
This springs mainly form the agreeable warm climate with sunshine throughout the year.
For the same reason, the Maltese enjoy one of the highest standards of health in the world.
Malta has been described as the island of contrasts ; here, east meets west and the old blends harmoniously with the new.
But the Maltese are distinguished as a decidedly separate nation by their ancient tongue.
Usually open 8.30 am to 12.30 pm Mondays to Fridays and up to 11.30 am on Saturdays.
Foreign exchange facilities are available at The Malta International Airport at Gudja on a 24-hour basis all the year round and up to 4 pm at most banks.
SHOPPING
Shops are usually open between the hours of 9 am and 7 pm with a three of four-hour lunch break.
Shops are generally not open on Sundays and Public Holidays. However the main shopping areas namely Sliema, Paceville, St Julians, Qawra, Bugibba, Mellieha, St Paul's Bay, Xemxija and St Andrews may remain open until 10.00 pm and Sundays up to noon from 1 June to 30 October.
There are open-air markets, one day a week, in most towns and villages.
The largest is the Valletta market on Sunday mornings. Major Credit Cards, Travellers' cheques and Eurocheques are accepted at most leading shops and restaurants.
TIME
Malta time is one hour ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) but two hours ahead during summer-time.
ELECTRICITY AND WATER
Electricity supply is 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycle. The square-fitting standard three-pin British plugs and sockets are used. Tap water is perfectly safe for drinking.
LANGUAGE
The official languages are Maltese and English. Almost all the Maltese speak English, Maltese is a semitic language written in the Roman script comprising a vast element of words of Italian, French and English origin.
Italian is also widely spoken.
HEALTH CARE
Health care facilities are up to international standards and treatment is available in modern hospitals and polyclinics, as well as private doctors' clinics. Pharmaceutical drugs are freely available. As a result of reciprocal health agreements, British and some E.C Nationals are only subject to nominal hospitalisation charges.
Sports facilities in Malta are up to international standards.
The 1993 Small Nations Games were held in Malta and for the event various news facilities were built on IOC guidelines.
Among the new facilities one can mention the national swimming pool, an athletics track, basketball and volleyball courts, a shooting range and tennis courts.
Malta also has a horse racecourse, 18-Hole golf course, squash courts, an international standard footballs stadium and various gymnasia and health & fitness centres.
The Federation of underwater activities organises various underwater sports meetings. Ideal conditions exist in Malta for this spot.
Yachts of various nationalities are already appreciating at first hand the available yachting amenities which include water, telephone, electricity, weather forecasts, D F Beacon, ship-to-shore radio, chart depot, supply of bottled gas, etc.
A yacht yard comprising of 9 modern slipways is in full operation and has facilities for slipping repairing converting and servicing of yachts of all sizes up to 500 tons.
Malta - London 3.05 hrs
Malta - Rome 1.15 hrs
Malta - Paris 2.35 hrs
Malta - Zurich 2.15 hrs
Malta - Frankfurt 2.35 hrs
Malta - Amsterdam 3.05 hrs
Malta - Cairo 2.25 hrs
Malta - Dubai 5.00 hrs
Malta - Sicily (Catania) 1.5 to 6 hours sailing time, depending on the craft used.
