Background

The country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited. Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transhipment point, a financial centre, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May 2004.

Flag

Two equal vertical bands of white (hoist side) and red; in the upper hoist-side corner is a representation of the George Cross, edged in red

Capital

Valletta

Area

316 sq. kms.

Population

405,880 (July 2007 est.)

Languages

Maltese (official), English (official). Italian is widely spoken. German and French are common especially in the Tourist industry.

People

The majority of the population are native Maltese with a small (2%), mainly British, amount of expatriates.

Religion

Roman Catholic

Government

Democratic Republic

Chief of state: President Dr. George ABELA (since 4 April 2009)
Head of government: Prime Minister Lawrence GONZI (since 23 March 2004)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister
elections: president elected by the House of Representatives for a five-year term; election last held 8 March 2008; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or leader of a majority coalition is usually appointed prime minister by the president for a five-year term; the deputy prime minister is appointed by the president on the advice of the prime minister

Economic Profile

Major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and pharmaceuticals), and tourism.

Currency

Malta has adopted the euro ( € ) on 1st January 2008.

Time Zone

Central European Time

Climate

Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

National and Public Holidays

The following is the list of national holidays:

31 March  -  Freedom Day
1 May  - Worker's Day
7 June  -  Sette Giugno
8 September  -  Victory Day
21 September  -  Independence Day
13 December  -  Republic Day

The following is the list of public holidays:

1 January  -  New Year's Day
10 February  -  Feast of St Paul's Shipwreck
19 March  -  Feast of St Joseph
Good Friday
29 June  -  Feast of St Peter and St Paul
15 August  -  Feast of the Assumption
8 December  -  Feast of the Immaculate Conception
25 December  -  Christmas Day

Weights and measures

Metric system

Electricity

Voltage is 240 volts AC at 50 Hz