The Islands of Malta
Aerosoft GmbH 2006
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Malta
Facts about the Islands of Malta
The Maltese Islands are situated in the centre of the Mediterranean – 93
km south of Italy and 290 km north of North Africa and consist of seven
Islands, of which only Malta and Gozo are inhabited. Comino lies
between its two inhabited neighbours, has a four-star hotel and some
agricultural activities, including a pig breeding farm.
The minor islands, such as Cominett and St. Paul’s Islands, are mainly of
recreational interest although Filfla is a natural reserve and Manoel Island,
which lies next to the Valetta harbour has a yacht marina.
The official language is Maltese. The language has Semitic origins and
Romance influences, while the English language stands as the second
official language. The climate is typically Mediterranean. The religion is
predominantly Roman Catholic. The population is 380.000 inhabitants.
The main-island is called Malta. Valletta is the capital of Malta. It was built
by the Knights of St John of Jerusalem after the great siege of 1565. It is
27 kms long and 14,5 kms wide.
This ancient city Mdina/Rabat, the first capital of Malta,” The Silent City”,
stands on elevated ground in the western region of Malta.
Gozo, the second largest island of the Maltese Archipelago is also
commonly called The Island of Calypso, in Maltese is called Ghawdex
(pronounced: „Awdesh“).
Gozo lies about 5 km in the North West of Malta and is 14 km long and
7 km wide. The islands main attraction is “the Citadel” in the capital
Victoria. The population of Gozo stands at about 28,000.
The Heliport on Gozo, Helicopteros del Sureste S.A., is a spanish company
on Gozo. From here you can enjoy the Maltese Islands from a helicopter´s
perspective.
The third island is Comino which is very small. It is the perfect hideaway.
Romantically named after the cumin herb once grown here. The Island’s
main attraction is the Blue Lagoon.