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The Maltese Islands are found in the heart of
the Mediterranean Sea, 60 miles south of Sicily, and are composed of Malta, the largest Island, Gozo, Comino, Filfla and Cominotto. The Republic of Malta - in Maltese "Repubblika ta' Malta", is a southern European country and EU member state. It has a population of just over 400,000.
Once part of the Roman Empire, it was seized and controlled by many factions over the centuries, including Napolean. Malta's valuable military position was coveted by many, and in 1814, it became a British colony. The British control ended in 1964, as Malta gained its independence.
The republic's capital city is Valletta, but this is not a large city. The largest town in Malta is Birkirkara. Malta has two official languages, Maltese and English.
With sparse areas of fertile land, its shipping and port facilities are economically important, but it is tourism that provides th emajor financial impact.
Public transport in the Maltese Islands is reliable and relatively
inexpensive. The main bus terminus in Malta is found outside
City Gate in the Capital City of Valletta. For those spending vacations in Malta, the bus service
begins at around 5.30am and ends at 10.00pm on weekdays and
11.00pm on weekends. In Gozo, buses are less frequent. Taxis
may be found in most towns and villages, as well as at the
airport, harbours and hotels.
Cars or motorbikes may be hired at attractive rates. The minimum
age for renting a vehicle is 21 and a valid driving license
is to be presented. In Malta, cars drive on the left.
Areas such as Paceville, St. Julian's, Bugibba and Marsascala
are very popular at night especially during the weekends.
The best ways to reach these areas at night are by car or taxi.
The local currency is the Euro.

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| Official Name |
Republic of Malta |
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Capital City
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Valletta
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Total Area |
122.01 sq mi
316.00 sq km
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Population |
391,670 (Estimated
amount as from July 2000)
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Languages |
Maltese (official), English (official)
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| Flag |
Red & White with a vertical division, with the emblem of the George Cross |
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Religions |
Roman Catholic |
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Government Type |
Parliamentary Democracy
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Currency |
Malta has adopted the EURO since 01st January 2008 |
| Landforms |
Mostly low, rocky land with rugged, steep coastal cliffs |
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Industry |
Tourism,
Food and Beverages, Electronics, Ship Building and Repair,
Tobacco. Construction, Textiles, Footwear, Clothing, |
Current Environmental Issues
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Very limited natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
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Throughout its long and eventful history
Malta endured countless wars, and the story of Malta during the
Second World War is one of the greatest dramas of history. The
War Museum records the significant part played by Malta that
earned
the Island its reputation as the Fortress Island.

http://www.heritagemalta.org/index.html
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