Geography
The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo and Comino and two other uninhabited islands. They lie in the middle of the Mediterranean sea with Malta 93 km south of Sicily and 230 km north of North Africa. The total area is 316 square km (Malta 246, Gozo 67, Comino 2.7)

Climate
The climate is warm and healthy. There are no biting winds, fog, snow or frost. Rain falls for only very short periods averaging about 578mm (20 inches) in a whole year. The temperature averages 14 C in winter (November-April) and 32 C in summer (May-October). The sun shines for an average 6.46 hours each day in winter and 10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is from mid-July to mid-September. The island is seldom too hot even in the height of summer as hot summer days and nights are usually tempered by cool breezes from the sea.

Malta
The longest distance in Malta from south-east to north-west is about 27 km and, at its widest point in an east-west direction, measures 14.5 km. Malta has neither mountains nor rivers. The island is characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes. Malta's coastline has many harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches, and rocky coves.

The length of Malta's shoreline is 137 km.
Population: 395,000
Capital: Valletta
Main Seaport: Grand Harbour, Valletta
Airport: Luqa (6 km from Valletta)

Gozo
Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso, is smaller than its sister island Malta and has a character quite distinct from it. The countryside is greener and more spectacular. Flat-topped hills characterise the landscape whilst the coast has rugged cliffs, penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays. Gozo is more rustic and quieter than Malta. It is 14.54 km long and 7.2 km at its widest point and its shoreline measures 43km.

Population: 35,000
Capital: Rabat (Victoria)
Main Seaport: Mgarr
There is no airport on Gozo.

Comino
Comino is the smallest island in the Maltese archipelago. Only a handful of farmers live there; neither cars nor other noisy activities disturb the peace of this little paradise. There is only one cosy beach hotel. If you are in your element in or beside the sea, then Comino is ideal. The many bays and rocks in Comino and the crystal-clear waters are ideal for any kind of water sports, especially snorkelling and diving. There is a regular ferry service to Malta and Gozo.

Currency
Malta's currency is decimal. The Lira (Lm) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents; each cent is again divided into 10 mils. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency visitors may bring into Malta, provided it is declared upon arrival. However, the maximum amount of Maltese currency that may be brought into Malta is Lm 50. Visitors may take out of Malta any remaining foreign currency but no more than Lm 25 in Maltese currency.

Banks
Usually open 8.30 am to 12.30 p.m. Mondays to Fridays and until 11.30 am on Saturdays. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the Malta International Airport 24 hours a day seven days a week all the year round. Available also are a number of automated teller machines (ATM) situated in the major commercial and tourist areas.

Electricity
Electricity supply is 240 volts, single phase, 50 cycle. The square fitting standard three-pin British plugs and sockets are used.

Water
Tap water is perfectly safe for drinking, but you are kindly requested to inquire of the water safety at the accommodation you are staying. Mineral water is on sale at all supermarkets and most corner and souvenir shops.

Religion
Malta is Roman Catholic but the Maltese Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. There are also churches belonging to various other religious denominations.

Language
The official languages are Maltese and English. Maltese is a Semitic language written in the Roman script comprising a vast element of words of Italian, French and English origin. Italian is also widely spoken.

Public transport
Malta's public transport system offers a very cheap and efficient way of touring the island. The main bus terminus is at Valletta from where the buses operate to all parts of Malta. The cost of a bus ride is generally between 15 and 50 cents. The longest bus journey takes about one hour.

Gozo ferry service
Regular ferry service operates between Malta and Gozo from 5.30 am until 11.30 p.m. every day.

Taxis
All taxies are fitted with meters but you are advised to inquire in advance for the cost of your trip.

Car hire
Malta has the cheapest car hire in Europe. Prices start from 17.00 including mileage and insurance. Weekly arrangements are the most favourable. Driving is on the left, an international driving licence is accepted. There is a speed limit of 64 km per hour on highways and 40 km per hour in populated areas.

Discos
There is a number of smart and lively discos situated in Paceville and St. George's Bay areas, Sliema, Bugibba and St. Paul's Bay. Several open-air discos operate only in summer.

French and American Roulette, Baccarat (Chemin de Fer), Black Jack and Boule are played according to international rules at the palatial Casino de Malte, St. Julian's.