Location

The Maltese Islands lie in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea to the south of mainland Europe; some 93km south of Sicily and 228kms north of Africa.

Only the three largest islands in this archipelago are inhabited – Malta, Gozo and Comino. Gozo, the largest in area beside Malta itself, lies just 6.4km to the north west of the mainland with Comino lying in between the two. The islands have numerous bays which indent the coastline and provide good harbours and wonderful sandy beaches.

Climate

The climate in Malta is generally warm and temperate.  It is an ideal location for breaks from the long, often harsh European winters.  There are no biting winds, fog, snow or frost.  Rain falls only for short periods and the average rainfall for the year is approximately 578mm.

The average temperatures for the Maltese Islands are 14.1°C in the winter (November to April) and 32°C in summer (May to October).  The sun shines for an average of 6.46 hours each day in winter and 10.11 hours in summer.  The hottest time of year is from mid July to Mid September.

History

The Maltese archipelago consists of five small islands covering some 316 square kilometres.  The position of the islands in the centre of the Mediterranean, south of Europe and north of Africa, has meant that they have been treated as a staging post between Europe and Africa.

The islands have been inhabited since Neolithic times, evidence of which can be seen by the temples at Hagar Qim and Ggantija (Gozo). The Neolitic period was followed by the Bronze Age and after that Malta became home to the Phoenicians for a long period of time who started the  trend for Malta’s sea faring and merchant heritage and, much more importantly, they laid the foundation of Malta’s language and alphabet.

The Romans followed the Phoenicians which is when Saint Paul was shipwrecked in Malta and brought Christianity to the Islands.  Saint Paul particularly referred to the “uncommon kindness” shown to him by the inhabitants of the Islands.

In 1530 the King of Spain gave the Islands as a gift to the Knights of St John of Jerusalem who contributed toward the architecture and gave Malta a glorious moment in history.  The Knights’ presence in Malta made the Islands an obvious target for the Turks and in 1565 the first Great Siege of Malta took place.  The Knights and the Maltese population drove off the Turkish invaders and for the next 268 years the Knights of Grand Master La Vallette ruled Malta.

In 1798 the French, under the control of Napoleon Bonaparte, took over from the Knights but they made no lasting contribution towards the Maltese heritage, unlike the Knights.  The French were driven out by the British under Admiral Lord Nelson.  The British then administered the Islands for the next 150 years. 

During the Second World War, the Maltese people had to endure another siege which they did with great dignity.   Because of this King George VI awarded the whole Maltese nation the George Cross for bravery beyond the call of duty.  The original cross now adorns the national flag of red and white. 

In 1964 the Maltese Islands were granted independence by the British Government which was followed in 1974 by a proclamation declaring the Islands a republic.  The British troops formally departed from the Islands in 1979.

Malta joined the EU on 1 May 2004 which marks yet another milestone in Malta’s history.  Membership of the EU will give to Malta the opportunity for social and economic growth which will enable Malta to compete with the rest of the world.  Malta is due to join the Euro in 2007.

Services

Although very small in size, the islands boast of impeccable services in many different areas. One of the most efficient is the medical sector, with facilities highly equipped and accessible day and night and specialists in various disciplines having high post-graduate qualifications obtained abroad. There is one general hospital on each of the two main islands, various health centers in strategic locations and numerous clinics and private hospitals all over the Islands. Private medical insurance companies are the same that operate in other European states.

State schooling is free but there is also optional private education. Day and boarding facilities are available in many schools and lessons in private schools are largely conducted in English. Even the curriculum is closely associated with that of the British system.

The cost of living is very low when compared to mainland Europe, resulting in reasonably priced properties and very low property maintenance costs. Moreover, skilled labourers are very efficient and have a high level of workmanship. Laundry and hairdressing bills are also very practical, while domestic staff, apart from being most dependable and hard-working, charge a very reasonable hourly rate.

New and very efficient regulations regarding the purchase of property in Malta by foreigners have made these islands a very attractive package to prospective buyers. Air and sea freight services for personal household goods are also very efficient and very sensibly priced.