Malta

I

Introduction

Malta, independent republic, consisting of a small group of islands—Malta, Gozo, Comino, Kemmunett, and Filfla—located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily. The area of the largest island, Malta, is 246 sq km (95 sq mi); Gozo covers 67 sq km (26 sq mi), and Comino has an area of 3 sq km (1.1 sq mi). The total area is 316 sq km (122 sq mi).

The capital and chief port is Valletta on Malta (population, 2004 estimate, 7,137).

II

Land and Resources

Malta is comparatively low lying, the highest point being about 239 m (785 ft) above sea level. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers and cool, wet winters. The mean temperature is 19° C (66° F). Average annual rainfall is about 560 mm (22 in). Increasing pressure from industry and continuing growth in tourism are placing a severe strain on Malta’s water resources. The country relies upon expensive seawater desalinization facilities for expanding the water supply, despite significant losses of water from leakage and wasteful agricultural applications. Recent attempts to reform water-pricing structures have failed to reflect the resource’s true scarcity.

III

Population

Malta has a population of 403,532 (2008 estimate), which gives an average density of 1,277 people per sq km (3,307 per sq mi). Average life expectancy in 2008 was 77 years for men and 82 years for women; the infant mortality rate in 1995 was 4 deaths per 1,000 live births.

A

Religion

The Maltese are predominantly Roman Catholic.