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Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean
Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)
Geographic coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
Map references: Europe
Area:
total: 316 sq km
land: 316 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of
Washington, DC
Land boundaries: 0 km
Coastline: 140 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone: 24 nm
continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone: 25 nm
territorial sea: 12 nm
Climate: Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot,
dry summers
Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many
coastal cliffs
Elevation extremes:
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Ta'Dmejrek 253 m (near Dingli)
Natural resources: limestone, salt, arable land
Land use:
arable land: 38%
permanent crops: 3%
permanent pastures: 0%
forests and woodland: 0%
other: 59% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 10 sq km (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: NA
Environment - current issues: very limited natural fresh
water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
Environment - international agreements:
party to: Air Pollution, Climate Change, Desertification,
Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test
Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified: Biodiversity, Climate Change-Kyoto
Protocol
Geography - note: the country comprises an archipelago,
with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and
Kemmuna or Comino) being inhabited; numerous bays provide good harbors
Geography
Malta, independent republic in the Commonwealth of Nations, consisting
of a small group of islands-Malta, Gozo, Kemmuna, Kemmunett, and
Filfla-located in the Mediterranean Sea south of Sicily.
The area of the largest island, Malta, is 246 sq km (95 sq mi),
of Gozo, 67 sq km (26 sq mi), and of Kemmuna, 3 sq km (1 sq mi).
The combined area of Kemmunett and Filfla is 0.3 sq km (0.12 sq
mi). The total area is 316 sq km (122 sq mi).
Climate
Warm most of the year. The hottest months are between July and September,
but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes.
Rain falls for very short periods, mainly in the cooler winter months.
Background:
Malta is an island country near the centre of the Mediterranean
Sea, about 95 kilometres south of Sicily. It is an archipelago (group
of islands).
It contains three inhabited islands viz Malta, Gozo, and Comino,
and three uninhabited islets viz Cominotto, Filfla, and Selmunett
(St. Paul's Isle).
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Low hills with slopes cut by terraced fields make much of Malta
resemble a series of giant steps.
The balmy Mediterranean climate attracts many visitors. Tourists
also come to Malta to see the remains of some of the world's oldest
Neolithic temples, as well as some of the world's finest examples
of Baroque and Renaissance art and architecture .
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. Over the last 15 years,
the island has become a major freight transshipment point, financial
center, and tourist destination. It is an official candidate for
EU membership.
Malta is an island country near the centre of the Mediterranean
Sea, about 95 kilometres south of Sicily. It is an archipelago (group
of islands). It contains three inhabited islands viz Malta, Gozo,
and Comino, and three uninhabited islets viz Cominotto, Filfla,
and Selmunett (St. Paul's Isle).
Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Low hills with slopes cut by terraced fields make much of Malta
resemble a series of giant steps. The balmy Mediterranean climate
attracts many visitors.
Tourists also come to Malta to see the remains of some of the world's
oldest Neolithic temples, as well as some of the world's finest
examples of Baroque and Renaissance art and architecture. Malta
was once a British crown colony. In 1964, Malta became an independent
country.
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