Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south
of Sicily, the Maltese archipelago basically consists of three islands: Malta,
Gozo and Comino. Their total population in 2003 was 399,867.
The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its
name. In 2003, it had a population of just over 388,867. Valletta, the capital,
is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta
is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour.
Malta's international airport is situated five kilometres from the capital.
The second largest island, Gozo is
topographically quite different from Malta. Quaintly attractive for its less
industrialized way of life, Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from
Cirkewwa and Pieta, near Valletta, and by helicopter from the airport.
Comino, Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul's Islet are the other major
features of the archipelago. Of these, only Comino, straddled between Malta and
Gozo, sustains a very tiny population. Turned into a popular resort because of a
couple of very fine beaches, Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa, either by boat
or by excursion ferries during the summer months.
Position: The distance between Malta and the
nearest point in Sicily is 93 km. The distance from the nearest point on the
North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288 km. Gibraltar is 1,826 km to the west
and Alexandria is 1,510 km to the east.
This strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an
important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean's leading
ports for container transhipments.
The Maltese Islands fall within the following co-ordinates:
Northern Latitude 36 o 00'00"
Eastern Longitude 14 o 36'00"
Area of the Maltese Islands: 316 km 2
Physical Features: Malta has no mountains or rivers. A series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes characterize the Island.
The coastline of Malta is well indented, thus providing numerous harbors, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The length of the shoreline round Malta is 136 km, and 43km round Gozo.
Climate: It is the climate, more than anything else, that has made Malta an important tourist resort in the centre of the Mediterranean. The average winter temperature is 12 o C (54 o F.) There are really only two seasons in Malta: the dry summer season, and the mild winter season. The average rainfall is 558.2 mm (22 ins). Rain rarely, if ever, falls during the summer months.
The National Flag of Malta
The Constitution provides that the National Flag of Malta consists of two equal vertical stripes, white in the hoist and red in the fly, with a representation of the George Cross, edged with red, in the canton of the white stripe; the breadth of the flag is one and a half times its height.
The emblem of Malta
The emblem of Malta is described by the Emblem and Public Seal of Malta Act 1975 as a shield showing an heraldic representation of the National Flag of Malta; above the shield a mural crown in gold with a sally port and eight turrets (five only being visible) representing the fortifications of Malta and denoting a City State; and around the shield a wreath of two branches: the dexter of Olive, the sinister of Palm, symbols of peace and traditionally associated with Malta, all in their proper colours, tied at base with a white ribbon, backed red and upon which are written the words "Repubblika ta' Malta" in capital letters in black.
The Presidential Flag of Malta
The Presidential Flag of Malta was introduced by Proclamation dated 12th December, 1988. This flag is flown on the President's official residences and offices and on all occasions at which he is present. It has the same proportions as the National Flag and consists of a blue field with the Emblem of Malta at its centre; and a Maltese Cross in gold in each corner.
The Merchant Flag of Malta
The Merchant Flag of Malta introduced by the Merchant Shipping Act (Cap. 234) consists of a red field bordered in white, with a white Maltese Cross at its centre.
The flag used by the Archbishop of Malta
The flag used by the Archbishop of Malta consists of two equal vertical stripes, yellow in the hoist and white in the fly.
The pennant used by the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta
The pennant used by the Commander of the Armed Forces of Malta consists of a red field with the symbol of the Armed Forces in gold at its centre.
The pennant used by the Commander of the Police Forces of Malta
The pennant used by the Commissioner of the Police Force consists of a blue field with the symbol of the Police Force at its centre.
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