location & language

The Republic of Malta which recently became a member of the European Union, lies in the middle of the Mediterranean. Malta which is located 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa.

The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French. More on the origins of the Maltese Language.

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climate in malta

The climate in Malta is warm and healthy. There are no biting winds, fog, snow or frost. Rain falls only for short periods, averaging about 560mm in a whole year. The average temperature in Winter (November till April) is 14C and that in Summer (May till October) is 23C. In Winter the Sun shines for an average of 7 hours and around 10 hours in Summer. The hottest period is from mid July till mid September, but hot Summer days and nights are tempered by cool breezes from the surrounding sea.

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currency & banks

On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the Euro as its official currency. From this date onwards, the Euro replaced the Maltese Lira.

Banks are normally open until early afternoon from Monday to Friday, and until midday on Saturday. Some banks/branches work longer hours. Summer and winter opening hours may differ.

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medical health

Medical care in Malta is available through both public and private hospitals and the quality of medical care in Malta is excellent. EU citizens, resident in Malta, are entitled to Free Public Health care services in accordance with entitlements, as determined from time to time by the Ministry of Health. Temporary visitors from EU member states have direct access to the health care from publicly funded health care services upon presentation of The European Health Insurance Card together with an identification document.

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transport and driving

Malta's public transport system offers a cheap and efficient way of touring the Island. The main bus terminus is at Valletta from where buses operate to all parts of Malta, although there are also direct, point to point, services. All current licenses and international driving licenses are recognized. Driving is on the left side and the speed limit is 65 kph.

Driving is on the left. There is a speed limit of 64 kilometres per hour (40 mph) on highways and 40 kph (23 mph) in urban areas. Third party insurance is advisable. International and national driving licences are acceptable

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water and electricity

Water and electricity consumption in Malta is metered. The electrical supply is 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycles. The 13 amp, and three-pin rectangular sockets are used. Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands. Local and imported bottled mineral water is also readily available.

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malta coastline

The archipelago consists of three islands being Malta, sister island Gozo and Comino all combined have a population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq kilometers, a coastline of 196.8km and another 56 km on the island of Gozo. Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre whilst Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is uninhabited.

The Maltese coastline consists of a number of bays, rocky coves, impressive cliffs and some sandy beaches. Only four percent of the island is covered with forests and woodland, and just over thirty percent is arable land. Over the years terraces have been cut into the hillsides to grow crops. Malta has no mountains or rivers. The terrain is low and rocky with coastal cliffs.

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people and culture

Throughout Malta's long and chequered history, the people in Malta came into contact with the many countries that dominated the Mediterranean. The relationships with people of many different cultures made the Maltese amongst the most cosmopolitan people in the world. The people in Malta have developed and maintained characteristics which distinguish them as a peace-loving nation with a strong sense of hospitality. Another characteristic is their joviality which springs mainly from the agreeable, warm climate with sunshine throughout the year. For the same reason, the Maltese enjoy very high standards of health.

The culture of Malta reflects the various influences of different countries, namely the United Kingdom which ruled Malta until 1964. British influences remain strong. Traffic drives on the left as in the UK. The Maltese are Roman Catholics. However, full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship is guaranteed.

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television & internet

Malta boasts an extremely modern telecommunications infrastructure, thus ensuring excellent communication both through telephone and internet.

Cable Television provides many channels which amongst others include BBC, SKY, CNN, French TV5, RAI, a number of Italian channels, German channels, discovery and many others. Satellite dishes are also available.

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yachting & golf

For a country steeped in maritime history, the Malta Archipelago has plenty of facilities for sailing enthusiasts. Whether a young sailor just starting out or an experienced, qualified sailor, the climate and Malta’s location at the centre of the Mediterranean make it an excellent base for sailing. The Msida Marina, a creek off Grand Harbour, has around 274 berths and berthing facilities. A new marina is in the south of the Island near Vittoriosa, the historic three cities area which has been used since Phoenician times as a harbour. Further berths are also available at Manoel Island ( close to Sliema) and at the Portomaso Hilton complex in the St Julians area. Small number of berths are also available in Gozo.

The main sports club in Malta is the Marsa Sports Club spread over a large area, offering facilities for tennis, an 18-hole golf course, squash, cricket, swimming pool, fitness center and lots more. The Malta golf club’s facilities include changing rooms, bar and restaurant, a well stocked pro shop, practice putting green and driving range. It is possible to hire equipment.

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getting to malta

Malta is just a few hours’ flying time from most mainland European cities and has excellent intercontinental connections. One may Choose from scheduled services or charter flights, many of which offer a convenient departure point from European regional cities.

The national airline, Air Malta, operates flights to and from all the major airports in Europe, North Africa and the Middle East. British Airways, Ryanair. Alitalia, Lufthansa are some of the airlines who operate to Malta daily.

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cost of living

Compared to other European countries Malta is considered to be one of the lowest cost of living countries. Food, water, electricity, telephone, cable TV and furniture are reasonably priced. Malta has no rates or council taxes.

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