Malta offers you the best mix between culture and total relaxation. Whilst having plenty to see, there are a variety of interesting things to do but it can be just as much fun to lie back and relax in a splash of comforting sun or take a dip into the clear and clean crystal waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

The Maltese Islands are an English speaking destination;
They are no more than 3 hours away from most major European cities;
The national carrier and other carriers offer an excellent service with flights from all major European cities;
Our climate gives us a little paradise throughout the year;
We're small - you can only spend your time doing things rather than getting from A to B;
Our history and culture link us with virtually most nationalities and can be integrated into very appealing incentive programmes;
The Maltese people are welcoming and proud of their island and language;
The villages will reveal a simplicity of life the world has forgotten;
Our temples and archaeological remains are witness to the meeting of minds as far back as 6,000BC; Safety is a right that still comes for free;
The strength of our fortifications is reflected in the strength of the Maltese character;
Our geographic location is unique;
Its hotels are luxurious and welcoming;
The island boasts excellent facilities at the airport with group check-in facilities at either end, first class restaurants, interesting and different venues, sports and leisure facilities and very good value for money; A cuisine that draws on the best of the Mediterranean;
We need not state the obvious - our facilities are well up to scratch!

Malta, at the cross-roads of the Mediterranean, is replete with history and colour. Blessed with year-round sunshine and a temperate climate, it is a popular, friendly destination. It is also possible to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities such as golf, tennis, and cycling. Water sports enthusiasts will find all they need: swimming, wind surfing, water skiing, scuba diving, and sailing. Trekking and walks around the Maltese countryside in winter provide a glimpse of the Island's innate beauty. Maltese "Festas", a combination of religious festivity and popular celebration, are colourful and spectacular events that should not be missed.


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, 95 kilometres south of Sicily and 288 kilometres north of North Africa. The total area is 316 square Kilometres (Malta - 246; Gozo - 67; and Comino -3). Malta has neither mountains nor rivers. Characterised by a series of low hills with terraced fields on its slopes, Malta's coastline has harbours, bays, creeks, sandy and rocky beaches and coves. There are 137 square kilometres of shoreline. The longest distance in Malta, from the south - east to the north - west is about 27 kilometres, and the widest distance is 14 kilometres in an east - westerly direction. Gozo, the island of the nymph Calypso, is smaller than its sister island Malta. The countryside is greener, more spectacular, and has a distinct character. Flat-topped hills dot the landscape, while the coast has rugged cliffs penetrated by steep valleys and beautiful bays. More rustic and quieter than Malta, it is 14 kilometres long and 7 kilometres at its widest point. The smallest island, Comino, is home to a handful of farmers. Neither cars nor noisy activities disturb the peace. The many bays and rocky coves in Comino, plus the crystal clear water, are ideal for water-sports such as snorkelling and diving. There is a regular ferry service to Comino.



Climate
There is no fog, snow, or frost in Malta. There is an average rainfall of 51 centimeters annually. Sunshine averages 6.46 hours in winter and 10.11 hours in summer. The hottest period is mid-July to mid-September. Nights are regularly tempered by cool breezes from the Mediterranean.



History
The first inhabitants of Malta originated from Sicily, and settled there circa 5000BC. The megalithic temple builders reached the island circa 4000 BC. The unique megalithic temples, which pre-date England's Stonehenge, were erected between 3600 BC and 2500 BC. However, the civilisation which built them soon collapsed, and Bronze Age settlers moved in. The Phoenicians, who used Malta's harbour as a centre for their trading activities, arrived in the 8th century BC. The entry of the Carthaginians increased the Island's strategic importance and attracted the attention of Rome. In 218 BC Titus Sempronius Longus captured it for Rome, starting an occupation that lasted more than 1,000 years. Christianity was introduced to Malta by St Paul, who was shipwrecked here in AD 60. History is not clear about the later stages of the Roman occupation, but it is generally believed that the fourth and fifth centuries AD were a prosperous era for the Maltese. Once again, ownership of the island changed hands, with the Byzantine Empire taking over this time, towards the conclusion of the sixth century until AD 870 when they capitulated to the Aghlabid governor of Moslem Sicily. The influence of the Arabs lasted long after the incursion in Malta by the Norman Count Roger in 1091. A succession of European dynasties ruled the islands until 1530 when Charles V of Spain ceded Malta to the Knights of St. John. The most well known event in Maltese history occurred in 1565, when the Maltese, together with the Knights, heroically resisted the Turkish attacks, popularly known as the Great Siege of Malta. The Knights eventually capitulated to Napoleon in 1798, but the French occupation was very brief. The Maltese, together with the British naval forces, ousted Napoleon's troops out of the island. British rule lasted from 1800 to 1964, when the Maltese islands gained their independence. Malta became a Republic in 1974.


Government
Malta has a democratic system of Government. Elections are held every five years. The titular head of state is the President who is appointed by the House of Representatives. Legislative power lies in the hands of the House of Representatives. Executive power is exercised by the Prime Minister and the Cabinet.



People
Today, the population of Malta is approximately 414,000; of these 387,000 people live in Malta and approximately 27,000 people live in Gozo.

Language
Maltese and English are both official languages in Malta. Italian is widely spoken, with a good knowledge of French and German available.

Religion
The great majority of Maltese are Roman Catholic but the Maltese Constitution guarantees freedom of worship. There are also churches belonging to various other religious denominations, that hold religious services on Sundays in various localities.

Currency
Malta's currency is decimal. The Lira (LM) is the unit of currency and is divided into 100 cents. There is no limit to the amount of foreign currency one may bring into Malta, provided it is declared upon arrival. Major credit cards, travellers cheques and Eurocheques are accepted at most hotels, leading shops, and restaurants. Currency Exchange Rates for the Maltese Lira :

Bank of Valletta : http://www.bov.com/currencyrates.asp/

Banks
Maltese banks offer all the services that are offered in the main financial centres. All major banks in most countries have either a direct contact or a correspondent relationship with local commercial banks and the Central Bank of Malta. There is a network of over 100 banks in Malta that offer all the recognised banking services, making this sector a modern and efficient one. Foreign exchange facilities are available at the International Airport on a 24-hour basis all year round, and at most banks during the week until 4.00 p.m. There are also a number of automated foreign exchange machines and automated teller machines throughout the islands. Banking hours are usually between 8.30 a.m. and 12.00 p.m. from Mondays to Fridays; on Saturdays they are open until 11.30 a.m.

Dining and Drinking
Maltese gastronomy is varied and offers a number of local dishes and delicacies worth tasting. They include various fish, meat and other Mediterranean specialities. there is a wide variety of good, and reasonably priced Maltese wines. Foreign wines are also available. Maltese beer is excellent and foreign beers, although more expensive, are also available. Bars, restaurants, and cafes open between 9.00 a.m. and 1.00 a.m. and beyond. Restaurants are not open before 11.30 a.m. and between 3.00 p.m. and 7.00 p.m. There is a great selection of bars, wine bars, night clubs and entertainment spots that one can choose from around the Maltese Islands. These places are open until the early hours of the morning. Most hotel bars close between 1.00 p.m. and 4.00 p.m. and some open after 6.00 p.m.

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

Entry Requirements
Commonwealth countries, UK dependencies and members of the Council of Europe and the E.U. Countries do not require a visa. For further information, contact the Maltese Embassy or tourist office in your country.

Shopping
Shops are open between the hours of 9.00 a.m. and 7.00 p.m. with a three to four hour afternoon break. Shops are closed on Sundays and public holidays. Shops in tourist designated areas can stay open till 21.00pm

Taxi Service
Taxis can be identified by their all-white livery and indicative number plates. Black taxis usually indicate that they are part of a network and are usually more cost effective. However, it is advisable to agree the cost of the journey with the driver beforehand. The Malta Tourism Authority - publishes a list showing distances between the main towns in Malta and the relative cost of taxi rides which can be obtained from the tourist information office at the airport arrival lounge.

Time
Malta is one hour ahead of GMT.

Tipping Standards
A 10% tip at restaurants, hotels, and taxis is considered appropriate. However, one ought to check the bill in case it has already been included. 5% VAT on accommodation is also applicable.

Health Regulations
Malta has reciprocal agreements with various countries for health treatment. Prescribed medicinals are available.

International Telephone Service
Malta is equipped with several accessible phone booths which provide an international service. These booths are operated by phone cards which can be bought in denominations of LM5, LM3, LM2, from designated shops around these phone booths, and MaltaCom offices. "Home Country Direct" services are offered by:
TELSTRA (Austria)
EIREANN (Eire)
PTT TELECOM NETHERLANDS (Netherlands)
BELGACOM (Belgium)
TELECOM FINLAND (Finland)
BT (UK) * TELEGLOBE (Canada)
TELECOM ITALIA (Italy)
AT & T (USA).