Top facts about Malta – the basics

1. Geographic size: Just 121 square miles, 316 km². Main island Malta stretches roughly 17 miles or 27 km across and the total shoreline of Malta, Gozo and Comino tallies up to a little over 168 miles or 271 km (1)
2. Population size: Over 425,384 (2)
3. Population Density: 1,346 per km² (8th most densely populated country/territory in the world, 4th in Europe) (3)
4. Official languages: Maltese and English
5. Currency: The Euro, since 1 January 2008. Previously: the Maltese Lira
6. Electricity: 230 Volts, 50Hz. Plug type G (3-pin plugs, UK)
7. Weather: Average temperatures: 23º C (daytime, annual). Lowest average temperature: 12º C (January daily average). Highest average temperature: 27º C (August daily average). Average hours of sunshine per day (annually): 8.4. (4)
8. Capital City: Valletta
9. Annual tourist arrivals: > 1.6 million (5)
10. Religion: Roman Catholic (over 90% of the population)
11. Number of churches: 365 (!)
12. Malta and the EU: Malta joined the EU on the 1st of May, 2004

The island-state of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy), it consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, of which Malta is the largest island. In its history the Maltese archipelago was strategically important for the domination of the Mediterranean. Malta became an EU member in May of 2004.

Background:
Great Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in the early 19th century. The island supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. On 13 December 1974 Malta became a republic. Over the last 15 years, the island has become a major freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a popular tourist destination.
(Various Sources)

Political system
Malta is a parliamentary republic, its government is modelled on the British Westminster system, with a mixed legal system of English common law and civil law (based on the Roman and Napoleonic civil codes). Head of state is the President of Malta. Head of government is the Prime Minister.