Malta
Population
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers.
Local Time
- Greenwich Mean Time plus 1 hour (G.M.T. + 1)
Language
The official languages of Malta are Maltese and English. Maltese, a language of Semitic origin written in the Latin script, is the national language of Malta. Over the centuries, it has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French. Italian is also widely spoken.
Visa Requirements
Nationals of Australia, Canada, U.K., and United States do not require a visa to travel within the territory of the European Union Member States applying the Schengen provisions for a period not exceeding three months in any six-month period provided they fulfill the entry conditions.
Currency
On 1st January 2008 Malta adopted the euro as its currency. On 1st February 2008 the euro became the only legal tender currency in Malta and Gozo.
Exchange bureaux at Malta International Airport are open 24 hours a day. International bankcards are accepted and foreign currency is easily exchanged. Banks, Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) and exchange bureaux can be found all over the Islands. The majority of hotels, larger shops and restaurants also accept payment in the main international currencies. Conversion charges may be applied where outlets opt to accept payment in currencies other than the euro.
Electrical Current
The electrical supply is 230 volts /- 10%. The frequency of the supply is 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used, as in Britain. Adapters are very easy to find.
Malta Weather
Malta's climate is typical of the Mediterranean and is strongly influenced by the sea. The Maltese Islands have a pleasantly sunny climate with a daily average of around 12 hours sunshine in summer going down to 5 to 6 hours in mid-winter.
Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. Day-time temperatures in summer are often mitigated by cooling sea breezes. Spring and autumn are cooler, except when the occasional Scirocco wind from Africa brings unseasonably high temperatures and humidity. Winters are mild, with the occasional short cold spells brought about by the north and north-easterly winds from central Europe.
Annual rainfall is low, averaging 568mm a year. Bathing in the sea is quite possible well into the ‘winter' months, and the peak beach season can last until mid- to late October.
For up to date weather forecasts: http://weather.maltairport.com/en/home-weather.htm
Water
Tap water is safe to drink throughout the Maltese Islands. Local and imported bottled mineral water is available from shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars.
Attire
Malta is quite the liberal destination in terms of clothing and attire. Due to its geographical positioning and its Mediterranean climate, what to wear is a direct result of the temperature and laid back culture. International fashion trends tend to be the norm.
Religion
The majority of the Maltese are Roman Catholic, but many other religious denominations are also represented on the islands with small but well established and active communities.
Information courtesy of Malta Tourism Authority.
Learn more... www.visitmalta.com