Malta (GPS: 35 50 N, 14 35 E) is located in Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy). The country’s area measurements are total: 316 sq km; land: 316 sq km, water: 0 sq km. This sovereign state is slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC. The total irrigated land is 35 sq km (2012).
One of the crucial features of Malta: The country comprises an archipelago, with only the three largest islands (Malta, Ghawdex or Gozo, and Kemmuna or Comino) inhabited. Numerous bays provide good harbors. Malta and Tunisia discuss oil exploration on the continental shelf between their countries, although no commercially viable reserves have been found as of 2017.
It’s significant, and at the same time, the principal city, Valletta’s GPS coordinates are 35 53 N 14 30 E. Valletta’s local time is 6 hours ahead of Washington DC during Standard Time. The capital’s time difference: UTC+1, note; Daylight saving time: +1hr begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October.
For more information on Malta, please scroll down below the Google Maps.
Google Maps Malta and Valletta, Europe
About Malta in detail
Flag of Malta
Map of Malta
With a civilization that dates back thousands of years, Malta boasts some of the world’s oldest megalithic sites. Situated in the center of the Mediterranean, Malta’s islands have long served as a strategic military asset, with the islands at various times have come under the control of the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Moors, Normans, Sicilians, Spanish, Knights of St. John, and the French.
Most recently, a British colony (since 1814), Malta gained its independence in 1964 and declared itself a republic ten years later. While under British rule, the island staunchly supported the UK through both world wars. Since the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination while its key industries moved toward more service-oriented activities. Malta became an EU member in May 2004 and began using the euro as currency in 2008.
Malta’s names conventional long form: the Republic of Malta, traditional short form: Malta, local long form: Repubblika ta’ Malta, local short state: Malta, etymology: the ancient Greeks called the island “Melite” meaning “honey-sweet” from the Greek word “meli” meaning “honey” and referring to the island’s honey production. The ancient Greeks called the island “Melite,” meaning “honey-sweet” from the Greek word “meli,” meaning “honey,” and referring to the island’s honey production.
Malta’s terrain is typically mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs. The country’s mean elevation: N/A, elevation extremes; lowest point: the Mediterranean Sea 0 m, highest point: Ta’Dmejrek 253 m.
The general climate in the country; Mediterranean: mild, rainy winters: hot, dry summers.
The total number of border countries is 0; none are the neighboring nations with the indicated border lengths. Malta’s coastline is 196.8 km (excludes 56 km for the island of Gozo). At the same time, its marital claims are territorial sea: 12 nautical miles, contiguous zone: 24 nautical miles, continental shelf: 200-m depth or to the depth of exploitation exclusive fishing zone: 25 nautical miles. Waterways: N/A. Land use: agricultural land: 32.3%; arable land 28.4%; permanent crops 3.9%; permanent pasture 0%; forest: 0.9%; other: 66.8% (2011 estimate).
The population in Malta 449,043 (July 2018 estimate), urban population: 95.4% of total population (2015), major urban area’s population: VALLETTA (capital) 197,000 (2014), while Malta has most of the population lives on the eastern half of Malta, the largest of the three inhabited islands. Their spoken languages are: Maltese (official language) 90.1%, English (official language) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9% (2005 estimate). Malta’s main religions are Roman Catholic (official), more than 90% (2011 estimate). The nation uses a mixed legal system of English common law and civil law (based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes). It is a(n) parliamentary republic, National holiday(s) Independence Day, 21 September (1964); Republic Day, 13 December (1974).
Economic overview for the country: Malta’s free-market economy, the smallest economy in the euro-zone, relies heavily on trade in both goods and services, principally with Europe. Malta produces less than a quarter of its food needs, has limited freshwater supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. Malta’s economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing, and tourism. Malta joined the EU in 2004 and adopted the euro on 1 January 2008. Malta has weathered the euro-zone crisis better than most EU member states due to a low debt-to-GDP ratio and a financially sound banking sector. It maintains one of the lowest unemployment rates in Europe, and growth has fully recovered since the 2009 recession.
In 2014 through 2016, Malta led the eurozone in growth, expanding more than 4.5% per year. Malta’s services sector continues to grow, with sustained growth in the financial services and online gaming sectors. Advantageous tax schemes remained attractive to foreign investors. However, EU discussions of anti-tax avoidance measures have raised concerns among Malta’s financial services and insurance providers, as the actions could significantly impact those sectors. The tourism sector also continued to grow, with 2016 showing record-breaking numbers of air and cruise passenger arrivals.
Malta’s GDP growth remains strong and is supported by a strong labor market. The government has implemented new programs, including free childcare, to encourage increased labor participation. The high cost of borrowing and the small labor market remain potential constraints to future economic growth. Other EU and European migrants are increasingly relocating to Malta for employment, though wages have remained low compared to other European countries. Inflation remains low.
Natural resources of Malta: limestone, salt, arable land.
Main export partners for Malta, Europe are Germany 13.3%, France 10.2%, Hong Kong 7.4%, Singapore 7.3%, UK 6.4%, US 5.8%, Italy 5.6%, Japan 4.7% (2015) for machinery and mechanical appliances; mineral fuels, oils, and petroleum products; pharmaceutical products; books and newspapers; aircraft/spacecraft and parts; toys, games, and sports equipment, while the main import partners for the country are: Italy 23%, Netherlands 8.4%, UK 7.5%, Germany 6.8%, Canada 6.1%, China 4.1%, France 4% (2015) for mineral fuels, oils, and products; electrical machinery; aircraft/spacecraft and parts thereof; machinery and mechanical appliances; plastic and other semi-manufactured goods; vehicles and parts.
When you visit this country in Europe, consider the natural hazards in Malta: N/A, while infectious diseases are N/A. Also, note that Malta faces the following environmental issues: Limited natural freshwater resources, Increasing reliance on desalination, Deforestation, wildlife preservation.
You may also be interested in the countries next to Malta around its 0 km border – No border countries.
