Malta - Geography

The Republic of Malta comprises an archipelago of six islands and islets in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 93km south of Sicily and 290km from the coast of North Africa. Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited; the other islands are Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul’s Island.

Time: GMT plus 1hr. The clock is advanced by one hour from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Area: 316 sq km including Comino (3 sq km) and Gozo (67 sq km).

Main towns: Valletta (capital, pop. 6,700 in 2006, greater Valletta includes Birkirkara, Qormi, Zabbar, San Gwann, Fgura, Sliema and Hamrun), Birkirkara (21,700), Qormi (18,300), Mosta (17,900), Zabbar (15,100), Rabat (12,900), San Gwann (12,400), Fgura (11,900), Zejtun (11,600), Sliema (11,200), Zebbug (11,100), Hamrun (10,600), Victoria (on Gozo, also known as Rabat) 6,600.

Topography: Low hills and terraced fields occur on the three main islands. There are no rivers, streams or lakes on Malta Island, which has an indented coast on the eastern side with several good natural harbours. Gozo has cliffs and flat-topped hills. Water is obtained from natural ground water resources and desalination. The latter now accounts for 65% of water production and has relieved the shortage of fresh water.

Climate: Mediterranean type: hot and dry in July–September, with cooling sea-breezes. Winters are mild and wet, with warm westerly winds.

Environment: There are very limited natural freshwater resources, and increasing reliance on desalination.

Vegetation: The islands have been short of water and the soil is not deep. Mediterranean scrub is the natural vegetation. Approximately 12,000 hectares (less than 5% of which is irrigated) are under cultivation.

Wildlife: There are small mammals, such as hedgehogs, the least weasel and shrews; resident birds include Sardinian warblers, Manx and Cory’s shearwaters and the blue rock thrush.

Transport: There are 1,600km of surfaced roads. Valletta Grand Harbour is the most important of several harbours. A busy freeport has been established at Marsaxlokk in the south-east.

The international airport, Gudja International, is 6km south of Valletta. Helicopter services fly between Malta Island and Gozo.