Malta

Description of Malta

Malta is an archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea, located 90 km south of Sicily and 230 km from the North African coast. The country includes the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, Filfla, Manoel and others. Its total area is of 316.6 square kilometers. The coastline is heavily indented and abounds in bays, coves and cliffs. The relief of the islands is elevated, cliffy limestone rocks come out to the surface all over the area and completely form the landscape of the islands. Generally, barren hills with terraces occupy most of the island; only in Gozo the vegetation is denser.

Malta is an independent parliamentary republic. It is included in the Commonwealth. The head of the country is the president (has mostly representative authority). The executive power is held by the Government under the Prime Minister, who is the head of the winning party. The legislative body is represented by the House of Representatives (65 members).

The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language which has absorbed a lot of Italian, Arabic, English and Spanish vocabulary structures. There are 30 letters in the Maltese language and its pronunciation is rather complicated, so in all tourist areas English and Italian are spoken (about 50% of the population are fluent in Italian.)

The official monetary unit is Maltese Lira (Lm, MTL) which is equal to 100 cents, and a cent to 10 miles. There are banknotes with a face value of 2, 5, 10 and 20 liras; coins of 1 lira and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cent; and also of 5, 3 and 2 miles of "new" and "old" coinage. Also new coins of 25, 50 and 100 liras (in gold), and of 1, 2 and 5 liras (in silver) are entered into circulation. Lira is the only legal tender in the country. Foreign currency can be exchanged at most banks, as well as in hotels (the rate is usually less profitable), in specialized exchange offices at the airport (around the clock) and the seaport. When exchanging, it is advisable to keep your checks for subsequent reverse exchange. Only the main world currencies are subject to exchange, with the U.S. dollar exchange usually with less favorable rate than the euro. Credit cards and traveler’s checks are accepted without restrictions in most hotels, restaurants and shops; there is also an extensive network of cash dispensers.

Some facts about Malta

Gallery of Malta

Malta video guide

More information about Malta

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