The Republic of Malta is a small and densely populated island nation consisting of an archipelago in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Although Malta geophysically constitutes a part of North Africa — lying on the African continental plate directly south of Italy and north of Tunisia and Libya — the country is geopolitically located in Southern Europe. The Maltese language is the only Semitic language of the Afro-Asiatic language family native to a geopolitically European country.
These strategically located islands have been ruled and fought over by various powers over the centuries. Malta is the smallest EU country in terms of both population and area. Malta has many museums, shops, beaches, and leisure activities in a densely packed area. It is a well-known popular vacation destination among Europeans.
Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean Sea, some 93 km south of Sicily. Only the three largest islands Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Għawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The highest point, which even many locals have no idea how to locate, is the Ta' Dmejrek on Malta Island at 253 m near Dingli.
The local climate is Mediterranean temperate climate with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. Effectively there are only two seasons, which makes the islands attractive for tourists especially during the drier months.
Contrary to popular belief, the south of Malta is not Europe's most southern point: Malta is Europe's 4th southernmost country; Spain (Punta de Tarifa), Cyprus and Greece (island of Gavdos), rank 3rd, 2nd, and 1st respectively.
Since 1993, Malta has been subdivided into 68 local councils or localities. These form the most basic form of local government. There are no intermediate levels between local government and national government.
The culture of Malta reflects the various influences of different countries, namely Italy and the United Kingdom, which ruled Malta until 1964. The Maltese are overwhelmingly Roman Catholic and the influence of the Church is strong, with divorce and abortion still being banned by law.
Maltese folklore, traditions and legends still live in the minds of the older-generations, and these are slowly being studied and categorized, like any other European tradition.
The use of Italian has declined as a result of British influence and official anti-Italian policy, with English becoming the official language of education, along with Maltese in 1934. However, television from Italy is widely watched in Malta, having been available before the country introduced its own service in the early 1960s. Consequently, Italian television has brought about a comeback for Italian in Malta. Since Independence, closer links with the Italians (known in Maltese as taljani) have developed, especially due to tourism. Local festivals, similar to those in southern Italy, are commonplace, celebrating weddings, christenings and, most prominently, saints' days.
On saints' days, or festas, the ceremonies start with religious prayers and are followed by, usually, three days of band processions, fireworks, and stalls. On the final day a statue of the religious patron is taken around the local streets with the faithful following in respectful prayer.
British influences remain strong. Many Maltese avidly follow English football matches, even though the Italian Football League is also followed. Traffic still drives on the left, as in the UK, and many visitors from the UK are surprised to see British-made cars from the 1960s and 1970s still driving on the road. Many old vehicles are old Malta Buses, which in reality are ex-British Armed Forces carriers, which were pressed into public transport as long ago as the early 1950s.
Roman Catholicism is the official state religion of Malta. However, full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship is guaranteed. An estimated 90% of the population are Roman Catholic, though only 60% practise the religion. Malta has two official languages: Maltese and English, but Italian is also widely understood.
Things you should know when travelling to Malta
Most Canadian visitors to Malta do not experience problems. Violent crime is rare. However, petty crime, including pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft of vehicles or their contents, occurs. Exercise normal safety precautions and ensure personal belongings, passports, and other travel documents are secure.
