Malta

Malta

area:	316sq km (122sq mi)
population:	382,400
capital (population):	Valletta (195,500)
government:	Multiparty republic
ethnic groups:	Maltese 96%, British 2%
languages:	Maltese and English (both official)
religions:	Christianity (Roman Catholicism 99%)
currency:	Maltese lira = 100 cents

Archipelago republic in the Mediterranean Sea, c.100km (60mi) s of Sicily; the capital is Valletta (on Malta). Malta consists of: two main islands, Malta (area: 246sq km/95sq mi) and Gozo (67sq km/26sq mi); the small island of Comino, located between the two large islands; and two tiny islets. The islands are low-lying. Malta island is composed mostly of limestone. Gozo is largely covered by clay, and as a result its landscapes are less arid. The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. In spring, the sirocco may raise temperatures and damage crops. Malta has no forests, and 38% of the land is arable.

History and Politics

Malta has evidence of Stone Age settlement dating back c.4000 years. In c.850 bc, the Phoenicians colonized Malta. The Carthaginians, Greeks, and Romans followed. In ad 395, Malta became part of the e Roman (Byzantine) Empire. In 870, the Arab invasion brought Islam, but Roger I, Norman King of Sicily, restored Christian rule in 1091. A succession of feudal lords ruled Malta until the early 16th century. In 1530, the Holy Roman Emperor gave Malta to the Knights Hospitallers. In 1565, the Knights, who had fought in the Crusades, held Malta against a Turkish siege. In 1798, the French captured Malta but, with help from Britain, they were driven out in 1800. In 1814, Malta became a British colony and a strategic military base. In World War II, Italian and German aircraft bombed the islands. In 1942, in recognition of the bravery of the Maltese resistance, King George VI of Britain awarded the George Cross to Malta. In 1953, Malta became a NATO base. In 1964, Malta gained independence, and in 1974 it became a republic. Britain's military agreement with Malta expired in 1979, and all British forces withdrew. In 1990, Malta applied to join the European Community, but the newly-elected Malta Labour Party halted the application in 1997. The Nationalist Party, led by the pro-European Edward Adami, regained power in 1998.

Economy

Malta is an upper-middle-income developing country (2000 GDP per capita, US$14,300), although it lacks natural resources. Machinery and transport equipment account for more than 50% of exports. Manufactures include chemicals, electronic equipment and textiles. The largest sector is services, especially tourism. The rocky soil makes farming difficult, and Malta produces only 20% of its food. Malta has a small fishing industry.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.gov.mt; http://www.discover-malta.com