Maltese Islands - The Three Islands of Malta, Gozo & Comino Attractions Islands The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of over 400,000 inhabitants occupying an area of 316 square kilometers. Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture. Comino , the smallest of the trio, has one hotel and is largely uninhabited. Gozo | From Information to Hotels and Restaurants Gozo, the sister island of Malta Gozo, a more rural island Gozo is the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, with a population of approximately 30,000 people. Though only separated from mainland Malta by a 5km stretch of sea, Gozo is distinctly different.

The Island is about a third of the size of Malta, more rural and simple, its culture and way of life rooted in fishing, as well as in primitive pastoral and agricultural activity. Gozo, so close and yet so different from Malta Gozo's charm is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, cleaner, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace. The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture. In winter and spring, the Island is covered with flowering herbs and lush crops. In summer, it’s awash with colourful flowers, such as oleander, bougainvillea and geranium. Gozitans have their own individual character and identity, with noticeably different lifestyles, accents and dialect. Gozitans are known for their friendliness and welcoming nature, often going out of their way to help visitors. Sandy coastline, cliffs and creeks in Gozo Gozo's rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to red sandy beaches or sail, snorkel, dive and fish.

The island’s rocky terrain is ideal for walking and trekking, cycling and rock climbing.Wherever you look, the sea is never more than a stone’s throw away and its Gozo’s remarkable coastline that stimulates the imagination so strongly: tiny creeks, beaches of red sand, turquoise bays, stretches of limestone criss-crossed with tiny saltpans and majestic high cliffs falling in a sheer drop into the clear waters. History of Gozo Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas, plus one of the archipelagos’ best preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Ggantija Temples are worth going to visit at least once. Besides beautiful vistas Gozo also has an active cultural calendar and nightlife, yet the busy traveller is still able to find a relaxing dining experience. For those who wish to switch off and regenerate, Gozo is the place to be. Historically, the Island has always been distinct from mainland Malta; different milestones, traditions, happenings and topography have distinguished the Island both on a national scale and as a travel destination.

A lower population density and the slower process of urbanisation have contributed to conserving the Island's characteristic aura, which wins over the traveller who is looking to slow down. Where to stay in Gozo Finding accommodation in Gozo is easy; not only that there is a variety of good hotels to choose from, Gozo offers the exclusive experience of farmhouse and villa renting. Most come with their private pool and the choices are attractive; opt for an authentic 400-year old restored farmhouse or for a stylishly rustic villa. Farmhouse and villa holidays offer privacy as well as a home environment that can’t be achieved in hotels. Most of these properties are located in villages, offering tourists the opportunity to interact with the locals and live in rhythm of the Island, experiencing the village ambience with afternoon lulls, fresh produce, church celebrations and colourful local characters who are always happy to welcome visitors to their villages. Dining and wining in Gozo There are a wide variety of restaurants that offer both fine dining as well as more casual eateries offering traditional food. Gozo hosts to some of the best award-winning restaurants on the Islands and, with picturesque views of the harbours and bays; it’s easy to find a restaurant in a spectacular setting.

What to do around Gozo, diving, events and activities Gozo also has some of the Mediterranean’s best dive sites as a result of clear, calm waters and a number of underwater caves, wrecks and reefs. An incredible diving experience, the spectacular Blue Hole , beneath the Azure Window is a must for the diving enthusiast. Off-the-beaten track jeep tours are available for the more adventurous traveller, including olive oil and wine tasting. In October, there is the Olive Oil Harvest Festival, ideal for those truly interested in gastronomy. Village bars open early in the morning for the early risers who attend the first mass of the day and close fairly late at night, catering to the socialising needs of locals and visitors. For those looking for some exercise or just wish to revive and relax, spa and wellness is available on a highly professional level. Gozo holds two of the Islands’ most popular and proficient spas, which are in constant upgrade, with state of the art equipment and highly qualified staff. Culture of Malta - history, people, women, beliefs, food, customs, family, social, dress Culture of Malta Maltese Orientation Identification.

The Maltese archipelago consists of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, and Fifla, plus a few minute limestone outcroppings. Over 92 percent of the inhabitants live on Malta, by far the largest island, and the rest live on Gozo except for a few farmers on Comino. Although all residents call themselves Maltese, people on Gozo also are called Gozitans. The earliest written reference to Malta is in the biblical account of Saint Paul's shipwreck. Location and Geography. Malta is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Sicily is 58 miles (93.3 kilometers) to the north, and Tunisia is 194 miles (312.5 kilometers) to the west. The territory of the three inhabited islands is 94.9 square miles (320 square kilometers). Gozo has more greenery, and farming there is done on a larger scale. The environment has thin soil and scarce groundwater. Terracing is used to contain erosion in agricultural areas, and herding is confined mostly to Gozo. There is little wildlife besides insects and migratory birds.

Public buses reach large towns on Malta and Gozo, and regular ferry service connects the islands. Beaches, coves, grottoes, and fishing villages lie close to roadways, but in some places, the islands fall abruptly into the sea over rocks and cliffs or look out to it across elaborate medieval fortifications. A rainy season occurs in October through February, but the climate is mild year-round. The Grand Harbor of Malta is dominated by Valletta, the national capital, whose construction was begun by the Knights of Saint John in 1566, a year after the defeat of the Great Siege by Ottoman Turkey. The capital of Gozo is Victoria. Demography. The population as of July 1999 was 369,451, of whom 341,906 lived on Malta and 27,545 lived on Gozo except for a handful on Comino. Live births in that year were 4,826 for a birth rate of 13.1 per thousand. The fact that the estimated national population as of July 1999 was 381,603 indicates that it is continuing to grow.

In part, this is because the emigration rate has been declining. Singapore is the only country more densely populated than Malta. Linguistic Affiliation. Maltese is the only European language in the Afro-Asiatic family, which includes Arabic, Hebrew, Berber, and Hausa. Although its closest relationships are with the forms of Arabic spoken in Libya and Tunisia, its vocabulary has been strongly influenced by Sicilian. Written with a twenty-nine-letter alphabet, Maltese is universally understood by citizens and has only minimal dialectical variations. Educated Maltese often speak English, and many understand Italian. Symbolism. Saint Paul is a powerful national symbol, as he is credited with converting the Maltese to Christianity. It is symbolic that the Maltese, under theocratic governance, fought in Crusades long after most other Europeans had abandoned them. Other symbols are Roman Catholicism, the Maltese cross, a strong European identity, and a siege mentality. Not only did Malta persevere during the Crusades, it was victorious against the Turks in 1565 and survived intense bombardment during World War II. Dolphins are also a national symbol. History and Ethnic Relations Emergence of the Nation.

Megalithic temples that predate the Egyptian pyramids, Bronze Age archaeological sites, Phoenician inscriptions, and Roman catacombs all contribute to a sense of nationhood. Maltese place particular emphasis on the nation that emerged after Christian conversion. The long-ruling Knights of Malta recruited their members Malta from noble families throughout Europe while denying the Maltese entry into their ranks. As this order was able to maintain itself in Malta largely by keeping the nation on a continuous war footing, it was anachronistic at a time when Europeans in countries such as England and France were being introduced to the Industrial Revolution. Still, two centuries after Napoleon forced the Knights to leave Malta, chivalry, as well as pride in European and Catholic identity associated with a knightly and crusading heritage, impacts Maltese nationalism in fundamental ways. National Identity. Maltese people celebrate the contributions to their culture of Phoenicians, Romans, Greeks, Normans, Sicilians, Swabians, Arogonese, Castilian, the Knights, and the British. Maltese claim little knowledge of or are ambivalent about the northern Africans who contributed the foundation of their language, however.

The nation became independent in 1964, and became a republic in the British Commonwealth in 1974. Although identification with Europe remains strong, it has been tempered by a strong emphasis on nationalism and neutrality coupled with the idea of forming a cultural bridge between Europe and northern Africa. Ethnic Relations. Malta is relatively homogeneous by modern standards. A Jewish community numbers about one hundred twenty, and settlers from India number about sixty. Perhaps six hundred Maltese are married to Arabs, mostly Libyans and Palestinians. There are a few Chinese as well as illegal immigrants from Bulgaria, Albania, and Russia. Urbanism, Architecture, and the Use of Space Most buildings are constructed of limestone from domestic quarries, and many houses are identified by names rather than street addresses. Water is scarce, and residences have flat roofs to capture rainwater. Most houses lack lawns and are attached to each other in rows that nestle close to sidewalks or streets, which are often narrow. Some bedrooms may be entered only by passing through other bedrooms; their doors often are left open, with curtains providing some privacy. In both urban and rural areas, people tend to live in nucleated settlements surrounding a parish church. Food and Economy Food in Daily Life.

A heavy meal includes pasta, meat and vegetables, and dessert or fruit. Occasionally, a small bowl of soup called minestra begins the meal. Lampuki pie is a seasonal pastry-covered fish casserole containing spinach, cauliflower, chestnuts, and sultanas. Stuffed octopus, squid, and cuttlefish are served with a tomato sauce, while a roulade of beef known as bragoli is served with gravy. Stuffed poultry and baked pasta dishes are common. Among favorite finger foods are hot pastizzi , in which ricotta cheese, peas, meat, and anchovies are encased in a crust. The cuisine is seasonal. Food Customs at Ceremonial Occasions. Rabbit stewed in wine is a specialty, often with some of its sauce served over pasta as a first course. Tender lamb is eaten at Easter. Basic Economy. The central Mediterranean location, moderate climate, beaches, and ports generate income and employment. Malta's decimal currency has the lira (LM) as its basic unit and one lira is equivalent to 100 cents. Over two-thirds of the population is employed in services, slightly less than one-third in industry, and about 3 percent in agriculture.

Parts assembly is also important, and a View of Grand Harbor, where the Knights of Saint John began construction of the nation's capital, Valletta, in 1566. single electronics firm produces two-fifths of industrial exports. Tourism accounts for one-fourth to one-third of the gross national products (GDP) but employs a larger proportion of the population. Such employment peaks in the summer. The country annually attracts tourists equal to almost three times its population and television sets receive programming from abroad, making foreign cultural influences constant. In the centralized capitalist economy, the state is the largest employer, with monopolistic control of utilities, fuel, the airline, the shipping line, shipyards and many factories and hotels. Agriculture accounts for about 3 percent of employment but about 4 percent of GDP. Despite a perennial trade deficit, the estimated 1998 GDP per capita of $13,000 was higher than that of Turkey, Portugal, and Greece. Land Tenure and Property. As most houses are adjoined to others, many laws on land tenure and property relate to the competing rights of neighbors.

A homeowner may legally compel a neighbor to maintain at joint expense a common wall between two courtyards or gardens, and neighbors are restricted from placing a stove or manure against common walls. Trade. Important imports are machinery, fuel, and other products vital to the tourist industry, such as transportation equipment, live animals, food, tobacco, and chemicals. Exports also include chemicals and food. The European Community accounts for slightly more than three-quarters of foreign trade and most foreign investment. Social Stratification Nothing suggesting caste distinctions has existed in Maltese society since the expulsion of the ruling aristocratic knights and the freeing from enslavement of a small non-Maltese segment within the population. Despite traces of marginal variation based on heritage, Maltese society recognizes no entrenched ethnic divisions. Relative stratification is evident along the lines of higher education, economic status, comportment, and styles of dress, especially as found in rural areas. Political Life Government. The democratic government is highly centralized. The two major parties are the Nationalist Party, which stresses free enterprise and Christian democratic values, and the Malta Labour Party, which stresses income leveling, a mixed economy, and nonalignment.

Until the Local Councils' Act in 1993 provided for limited local government, local authority was largely religious and centered in the parishes. There are sixty-seven local councils, which share power with the national government in social welfare, housing, town planning, sanitation, leisure, and traffic planning. Social Problems and Control. The crime rate in Malta is low. Typical offenses are growing cannabis, circulating counterfeit money, theft, homicide, and entering the country illegally. The National Prison in Paola has seventy to eighty prisoners. The Juvenile Court is in the Centre for Social Welfare, which also houses the Commission against Drug and Alcohol Abuse and the Action Team on Violence against Women. Military Activity. The tiny Armed Forces of Malta has land, sea, and air responsibilities for national security, surveillance, and assistance to civil authorities in emergencies. It is organized in a headquarters and three regiments. An amendment to the constitution in 1987 made Malta a "neutral State," and foreign forces may not serve on its territory. Social Welfare and Change Programs A social security system is supported by employee contributions, and benefits are available for injury or disability, surviving spouses, the support of dependent children, and pensions.

The system also provides means-tested support for people in financial difficulty through the Social and Family Affairs Department, which also offers crisis intervention and counseling services in areas ranging from probation and rehabilitation to adoption and fostering. It also offers support to citizens who are physically and mentally challenged or abused and to the elderly. Nongovernmental Organizations and Other Associations Clubs exist for bands, plant lovers, and religious confraternities. There are also health- and disability-related organizations, single-parents groups, and professional, international, folklore, historical, social, and athletic organizations and teams. Gender Roles and Statuses That the literacy rate is equal for males and females in Maltese society (88 percent) suggests that both genders use education in carrying out their assigned roles in society. In the public domain of gainful employment, however, there exists less equivalence between the roles of married women and men than between those of single women and men. The public sector is where most Maltese are employed and, according to a long-standing tradition, women with government jobs were expected to resign upon getting married.

That men as husbands and fathers should be the principal providers of material support for families has long been consistent with traditional Catholic values and has tended to be a status symbol among the middle and upper classes. However, the Constitution gives both genders equal rights in employment and, as there now exists within the Ministry of Social Development an Equal Status for Women department, more married women are employed than previously. The Soroptimist International of Malta has been making these and other changes for women. The professions have long been open to both men and women in Malta although higher ecclesiastical positions are reserved for men. Women work as professors, physicians, nurses, reporters, editors, and legislators. In fact, approximately 15 percent of all persons elected to local councils nationwide are female. Males and females are free to circulate in public without sanction. While it is still a common sight to see men gathered in piazzas or public squares near local churches socializing with each other on Sundays, until recently domestic chores restricted the time available to married women for leisure away from home. There continues to be considerable division of labor based on gender in households.

For example, while some men may help to dry dishes and some boys take out rugs for spring cleaning, cooking as well as many other domestic chores generally is expected to be performed by females. Fathers are much less involved in the rearing of infants, especially female infants, than mothers, although the former may sometimes now be seen pushing a pram or carrying a child onto a bus. Marriage, Family, and Kinship Family connections are reckoned through both parents, but Maltese have closer emotional ties and more frequent contact through the maternal side. Matrilocal residence is considerably more common than patrilocal residence, although neolocal residence is preferred. A wife is legally obliged to obey her husband, reside where he wishes, and accept his surname. Children inherit the father's surname and A fisherman mending a net in the village of Marsa Xlokk. The Mediterranean Sea surrounds Malta. often nickname. It is uncommon for single people to quit the parental residence at any age. Marriage. Marriage is viewed as an opportunity for two groups of people to establish ties, and many status considerations come into play, with each side interested in obtaining prestige.

The fact that women traditionally have been married with a dowry means that a family's status can rise and fall with the amount of the dowry. Cousin marriages are not socially preferred. Divorce is still not legal in Malta. Domestic Unit. There is no tribal or lineage organization in families, although the offspring of the same maternal grandmother are typically friendly while she is still living. However, people often recognize that they are related to other people going back at least five generations when marriage decisions are made. Singlehood is not uncommon, and there are large communities of priests and nuns. Inheritance. Only a husband and wife can make a joint will. Although spouses, children, and parents have certain rights to inherit, there are extreme cases in which they are deemed unworthy or may be disinherited. Members of religious orders may inherit only small life pensions and cannot dispose of property through wills. Kin Groups. In ordinary conversation, Maltese do not often refer to family units larger than those descended from a particular grandparent or grandmother unless they are tracing their genealogy. After a mother dies, relations between her children are often not close. It is not uncommon for elderly parents or grandparents with living children to reside in homes for the elderly or infirm.

Socialization Child Rearing and Education. Children sometimes are called by diminutives of their names. Christening takes place in church, usually about a week or two after birth. The parents select as godparents a married couple who are often relatives. A firstborn child may share the parents' bed for two or three years, but if there is an older sister, that child may sleep with her after a year or so. Child rearing is considered more a matter for women than for men. Parents generally prefer that their children attend single-gender schools. After first communion at about age 6 or 7, a child is taken to church regularly. Confirmation takes place at about age 10, and at that time a child gets a third godparent, always of the same gender as the child. If a child is admitted to a good secondary school, it is considered a tribute to the family. Sex is a taboo subject, and puberty is not discussed in detail. Open courtship is not encouraged before age 18. Higher Education. The University of Malta goes back to the 1592 founding of the Collegium Melitense , a college founded by the Jesuits mainly to educate students not intending to enter the Jesuit order.

It has seven thousand students, including four hundred foreigners. Its ten faculties range from architecture and civil engineering to arts and theology. Associated with the university are fourteen institutes. Higher education is also available through the Archbishop's Seminary and the Foundation for Theological Studies. Etiquette Maltese culture defines correct behavior and comportment in a variety of ways depending on status, familiarity, age, and social connections. They range from reserved and courtly to warm and expressive. Men play brilli, a form of bowling often called ninepins, on a narrow street in Gozo, Malta. Whereas introductions and recommendations can open doors, presumptions of instant familiarity invite rebuff. Even business relationships are sometimes resented as manipulative if they do not unfold in a context of social intercourse. Invitations into homes for tea or dinner are considered special and non-routine occasions. The wearing of scanty dress away from the beaches is not welcomed, nor is immodest dress inside of churches. Face-saving behavior is important in Maltese society, not only because of decorum and for the sake of maintaining the respect of individuals, but also to protect the honor of families.

In contrast to nearby northern Africa, public hand holding among men and the veiling of women do not occur. Religion Religious Beliefs. Over 98 percent of the population are Roman Catholics, who tend to be highly observant. The year is filled with important religious events, and all localities are identified with patron saints who are celebrated, somewhat competitively, with fireworks and festa pageantry, including processions. Numerous pilgrimages take place, including the annual Franciscan pilgrimage to the National Shrine of Our Lady of Mellieha in May. In Valletta, there are a Greek Catholic church, a Greek Orthodox church, an Anglican cathedral, and a Jewish synagogue. Death and the Afterlife. It is common to pray for the souls of the departed to assist those in Purgatory, and family members openly discuss the kinds of graves they are considering buying. A sharp distinction is made between a common grave and a family grave, which is considered more honorable. The average family grave has compartments for four or five coffins as well as a space below for bones when it is periodically "cleaned" by cemetery workers. It is considered improper to open a grave in less than a year even if another death occurs in the family.

Medicine and Health Care The largest hospital is Saint Luke's Hospital with 900 beds; the Gozo General Hospital has 159 beds. There are also midwifery services and government dispensaries. Secular Celebrations Most celebrations have at least an indirect relationship to religion. Among those that may be considered secular are the pre-lenten Carnival, Independence Day (21 September), Republic Day (13 December), and the Spring Show of Flowers, Vegetables, and Fruits at San Anton Gardens that were established in the 17th century. Additionally, there are circuses, sports events, and activities associated with the theater as well as orchestral, rock, folkloric, and choral concerts. The Arts and Humanities Support for the Arts. A long artistic tradition includes the making of furniture, jewelry in gold and silver, glass, sculpture, lace, tableware, dolls, ceramics, brassware, copperware, and miniature cribs and figurines as well as painting. Government involvement with the Valletta Crafts Centre and the Ta Ciali Crafts Village on Malta and the Ta Dbiegi Crafts Village in Gozo as well as its maintenance of the gilded and brocaded Manoel Theatre is important.

Literature. Oral literature exists in the form of proverbs, folktales, and folk songs. The earliest known written literary work in Maltese is a poem entitled Cantilena , which was composed in the fifteenth century; a tradition of written literature emerged in the seventeenth century. The State of the Physical and Social Sciences At the University of Malta, areas of scientific research are numerous and include concentrations as varied as dental surgery, microelectronics, gender relations, religious movements, and linguistics. Bibliography Abela, Anthony M. Women and Men in the Maltese Islands: Statistics from the Census of Population and Housing , 1998. Aquilina, Joseph. A Comparative Dictionary of Maltese Proverbs , 1972. ——. Papers in Maltese Linguistics , 1970. Black, Annabel, "Negotiating the Tourist Gaze." In Jeremy Boissevain, ed., Coping with Tourists: European Reactions to Mass Tourism , 1996. Blouet, Brian. The Story of Malta , 1972. Boissevain, Jeremy F.

Hal-Farrug: A Village in Malta , 1969. ——. Saints and Fireworks: Religion and Politics in Rural Malta , 1965. Callus, Angela, ed. Il-Mara Maltija wara s-Sena 2000 [The Maltese Woman after 2000] , 1998. Caruana, Carmen M. Education's Role in the Socioeconomic Development of Malta , 1992. Council of Europe Publishing. Structure and Operation of Local and Regional Democracy: Malta Situation in 1997 , 1997. Earle, Peter. Corsairs of Malta and Barbary , 1970. Evans, J. D. The Prehistoric Antiquities of the Maltese Islands: A Survey , 1971. Findlay, Ronald, and Stanislaw Wellisz. "Malta." In Ronald Findlay and Stanislaw Wellisz, eds., Five Small Open Economies , 1993. Galley, Micheline, ed. Maria Calleja's Gozo , 1994. Goodwin, Stefan C.

"Dimensions of Social Stratification in the Maltese Islands." In Proceedings of the Alpha Kappa Delta Sociological Research Symposium , 1977. Koster, Adrianus. "Clericals versus Socialists: Toward the 1984 Malta School War." In Eric R. Wolf, ed., Religious Regimes and State-Formation: Perspectives from European Ethnology , 1991. Mahoney, Leonard. 5000 Years of Architecture in Malta , 1996. Pons, Connie Attard. Manjieri Tajba Fis-Socjeta' [Good Manners in Society] , 1961. Price, Charles A. Malta and the Maltese: Study in Nineteenth Century Migration , 1954. Sire, H. J. A. The Knights of Malta , 1994. Trump, D. H. Malta: An Archaeological Guide , 1972. —S Where is Gozo ? Where is Gozo ? Population & Religion ? • Where is Gozo ? Gozo is the second largest island in the Maltese archipelago.

Malta, as all the archipelago is known by is bang in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. To locate Malta just find Italy on the South coast of Europe and then go down all its boot like length to the ‘football’ which is the island of Sicily. Malta lies about 95 kilometres further to the south Sicily and this makes it roughly 290 kilometres from the North African coast. Once you find Malta, you will discover that it is really a small archipelago made up of three islands, the largest of which is also called Malta, and after which all the archipelago takes its name. Gozo, the second largest island in the archipelago and the northernmost island, is roughly 7 kilometers to the Northwest of the main island: Malta. Roughly oblong in shape, Gozo is only 14 kilometres long by 7 kilometres in the extreme width. The highest point on the Island is Ta' Dbiegi Hill which rises 190 metres above sea level. The southern part of Gozo is low lying, but it rises near the coast where one finds the vertical cliffs of Ta' Cenc. • How do I get there ? Getting to Gozo is easy.

One normally arrives in Malta by air – landing at the Malta International Airport at Gudja on the main island. Once you have deplaned and picked up your bags, just enquire about the bus direct service to Cirkewwa – the main ferry point to Gozo at the Arrivals lounge. The bus terminal is just outside. This service is run by the same company that runs the ferries to Gozo: the Gozo Channel Co. Ltd. The ferry service runs round the clock both in summer and in winter although in winter the services are somewhat reduced. You are hereby adviced to visit the Gozo Channel website: for the latest ferry and bus timetables. One can also contact the company by phone on (00356) 21556114 or (00356) 21243964. There are two tickets to pay: the bus ticket – which costs just €5.01 and is payable on boarding the bus, and the ferry ticket costs €4.66. Prices are per person. The ferry tickets can be bought at the ferry place at Cirkewwa, just before boarding the ferry.

There one will also find a baggage service so ask about this at the ticket counter and check in your bags in the special bag container. There is nothing to pay for this service and the service is 100% secure. Your bags can be retrieved once the 25 minute trip to Gozo is over. An alternative is to get a taxi to Cirkewwa but the cost is relatively high at €51.24 for the one-way trip. If you don’t fancy the ferry, then there is a faster way to go: Just get on a bus to the Valletta Waterfront – better still just get a taxi – haggle with the driver for the fare - and take a Harbour Air Malta sea-plane (an Otter) trip costing (€69.84) and which lands you at Mgarr Harbour in Gozo just 9 minutes later! This Site Needs Your Feedback Too, If You Would Like to Submit an Article/Picture or simply a Comment then Please Feel Free to do So by Clicking on the Contact Us link in the Menu Bar Above, - We Thank You for Doing So - Gozo Views Administrator. Latest News From Gozo.

Maltese - Language Information & Resources Home » Resources » Languages » Maltese Maltese The Maltese language is unique due to its mixture of Italian and Arabic-language influences that have resulted in its being the only type of Arabic written using a Latin alphabet. Maltese is spoken primarily in the European country of Malta, an island archipelago nation located in the central Mediterranean Sea. Malta's central location opened it throughout history to a variety of external influences, both linguistic and cultural, which gave the Maltese people an extremely interesting history of development. Classification and Origins of the Maltese Language Maltese is classified as a Semitic language, part of the Afro-Asiatic family of languages that are spoken primarily in Asia and Africa and have roots dating as far back as the third millennium BC. There are varying theories regarding the exact origins of the Afro-Asiatic language family. While some scholars suggest that early Afro-Asiatic speakers originated in Africa and later migrated to the Middle East, others claim that the Afro-Asiatic languages originated in the Middle East and migrated to Africa, except for a group of Semitic speakers who remained in the Middle East.

It is agreed that Semitic languages all developed from a single Proto-Semitic language. Today the most widely spoken of modern Semitic languages is Arabic. The modern Maltese language developed from a dialect of Arabic known as Siculo-Arabic and is closely related to western Arabic dialects found in areas such as Algeria and Tunisia. The Unique Language of Maltese: Arabic and Italian Influences Malta's central-Mediterranean location allowed it to come into contact with a wide variety of cultures and affected the development of Maltese to make it the distinct language it is today. Thanks to Malta's location, the island's inhabitants came into frequent contact with other peoples from the nearby island of Sicily, as well as North Africa. Consequently, Maltese evolved as a fusion of the Arabic spoken in areas of North Africa and the dialect of Italian spoken in Sicily. The influence of the Sicilian language also extended to the Maltese writing system, resulting in the language turning to the use of a Latin-language alphabet. Today, the Maltese language is considered unique because it is the only form of the Arabic language to be written using a Latin alphabet.

Thanks to the diversity of influences exerted on Malta throughout history, the modern Maltese vocabulary includes a great number of loan-words borrowed from Italian and Sicilian. In more recent years, words borrowed from the English language also have contributed significantly to the Maltese language's lexicon. Early Maltese History Archaeological evidence reveals that human beings inhabited Malta as early as 5000 BCE, and a number of early civilizations are thought to have inhabited the island in secession from this point on. The site where human remains and other artifacts on the island have been unearthed was actually designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1980. Early contact between the native Maltese and Semitic cultures is thought to have taken place between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, most likely with the Phoenicians and later the Carthaginians. It is know for sure that Malta, along with Sicily, came under Roman rule in 218 BC. Malta remained in Roman hands until 395 CE, when the division of the Roman Empire resulted in the island's being given to the eastern portion of Rome based in Constantinople (modern-day Istanbul).

Malta's trajectory throughout history remained closely linked with Sicily's, as the two islands both went through periods of Roman, Byzantine and Arab rule. Malta was greatly influenced by these early rulers, especially in terms of cultural development. Modern Maltese History Malta later came under control of the Holy Roman emperor King Charles V who, in 1530, gave the territory to a religious military order of the Catholic Church later known as the Sovereign and Military Order of the Knights of Malta. The island subsequently became a fortress capable of withstanding Ottoman attacks throughout the 16th century and began to flourish as a center of cultural and commerce thanks to the influence of the knights' order. In 1798, Malta came briefly under French control when the island was taken by Napoleon Bonaparte. His rule was short-lived, however, as British troops ousted the French by the mid-19th century. Malta subsequently acknowledged British sovereignty and came under British control. Maltese Independence British control of Malta lasted well into the 20th century, with the small island nation finally gaining independence in 1964, making it a both a Commonwealth country as well as a member of the Council of Europe.

The post-independence period proved politically difficult, as Malta's two major political parties vied for power and Maltese leaders took part in an ongoing struggle to totally remove British presence from the country. Malta finally became an official republic in 1974, and British troops were fully removed from the island in 1979. The closing of the British troop base that resulted in the full removal of British troops in 1979 is often celebrated as the "real" date of Maltese independence. Malta became a member of the European Union in 2004 and adopted the currency of the Euro in 2008. Today, the Maltese language is distinguished as an official language of the European Union. Modern Maltese Language The modern nation of Malta consists of an island archipelago with three primary inhabited islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino, with Malta being the largest. Two uninhabited smaller islands, Comminotto and Filfla, are also considered Maltese territory.

Today the majority of Maltese language speakers - an estimated 300,000 of about 370,000 - are found in Malta, where Maltese is identified as the national language and also serves as an official language, alongside English. Migrant communities of Maltese-speakers are also found in other countries around the world, including Australia, Italy, the United States, the UK and Canada. Get Your FREE Quote Full-Day Gozo Island Excursion from Malta Full-Day Gozo Island Excursion from Malta Full-Day Gozo Island Excursion from Malta Product ID: 15673 English, French, German, Italian Pick-up service Hotel pick-up from hotels in Malta only (Not Gozo and Comino hotels). Please inform the tour operator of the name of the hotel you are staying at upon booking in order to organize the transfer. Select date and participants: Discover the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Ggantija Temples Explore the breathtaking Azure Window Take in the Citadel of Rabat, the ancient capital of the Island Walk the grounds of the picturesque Bay of Xlendi Everything was great! Everything went great, picked up right on the dot, really sweet guide (Hanna)!

9 hours is maybe a bit long, especially in the heat. But we knew that ahead of time anyway. Sascha from Baesweiler, Germany Overview Enjoy a full-day excursion to Gozo from Malta. Discover the island's splendid highlights, such as the Azure Window, the Citadel of Rabat, the ancient Ggantija Temples, and even a bit of legend: Odysseus is said to have been stranded there for 7 years. What to Expect Travel from Malta to the second largest island of the Maltese archipelago, the island of Gozo, on this full-day excursion. Start with a 20-minute ferry crossing before stopping at Gozo Heritage. Here you will discover the many fascinating historical events and legends that have shaped the island of Gozo. One legend has it that Odysseus spent 7 years living on the large island. Continue to the Ggantija Temples in Xaghra, UNESCO World Heritage Sites that have a history of more than 5,500 years. Afterwards, head toward the Citadel in Rabat, the historical capital of the island.

Take in the Azure Window in Dwejra, one of the most photographed spots of the Maltese Islands, before discovering the picturesque fishing village of Xlendi. After a day full of experiences, take a short ferry crossing back to Malta and return to your hotel. What's Included About Malta | Gaming Business Services Languages: English (official) & Maltese (official) Legal System: Common & Civil Law GDP per Capita (€): 21,000 (2011) Economic Sectors: Financial Services, Online Gaming, Aviation, Maritime, Tourism, Pharmaceuticals, High value added Manufacturing, Education and Training. Principal Religion: Roman Catholic. Other religious denominations are also represented with places of worship. History Malta has a rich history spanning 7,000 years. Malta has often played a crucial role in the making of history due to its strategic location in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. The Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs and the Spanish all ruled the islands for varying lengths of time. The country’s archaeological sites and Neolithic temples are amongst the oldest free standing constructions in the world.

Furthermore, the main great influences in Malta have been predominantly the following: the Arabic period proved the basis of the Maltese language; the period of the Knights of St John shaped the islands culturally, socially, commercially and artistically; the British period introduced British justice, a unified modern code of laws. 1 2 3 4 5 6 / 6 Geography Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily, the Maltese archipelago mainly consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Total population is around 400,000 people. The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its name. Valletta, the capital and awarded the prestigious title of European Capital of Culture 2018, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta’s international airport is situated five kilometers from the capital. The second largest island, Gozo is topographically quite different from Malta.

Quaintly attractive for its less industrialised way of life, Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa and Pieta, near Valletta, and by helicopter from the airport. The distance between Malta and the nearest point in Sicily is 93km. The distance from the nearest point on the North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288km. Gibraltar is 1,826km to the west and Alexandria is 1,510km to the east. Languages Maltese, the national language, is of Semitic origin written in Latin script that over the centuries has incorporated many words derived from English, Italian and French. For official purposes, both Maltese and English are recognised and given equal status and use in Government. Likewise, most business correspondence is normally in English. Other languages, particularly Italian and French, are also spoken by the population. Climate Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and is typical of the Mediterranean, with mild, rainy winters, February being the coldest month and hot dry summers, August being rather hot.

Malta enjoys 300 days of sunshine per year, with a daily average of 6 hours sunshine in mid-winter to more than 12 hours in summer. Lifestyle Everything in Malta is close and easily accessible. Living in Malta is a unique experience, especially for those used to hectic city environments and long travels between work and home. The island’s small size and wealth of entertainment options means that in Malta, it is possible to have everything in one day, being a day at work, a good work out, and relaxation near the beach. Malta offers so many archaeological sites, cultural monuments, and other historical treasures. For those who enjoy the night life, Malta offers many bars, restaurants, cafes, discotheques and Casinos. Many sportive activities can be enjoyed throughout the year including tennis, golf, sailing, and windsurfing, horse riding and diving. Malta boasts a packed calendar of cultural events throughout the year including art exhibitions, classical performances, plays and concerts. During the summer months, a visit to a Maltese ‘festa’ is a must, with every Maltese village or town celebrating its parish patron saint involving village decorations and fireworks.

Malta Weather Station - About Us About This Weather Station The station is powered by a La Crosse WS-2357 weather station. Live data is updated on the website every 5 minutes while graphs and reports are updated hourly. This site and its data is collected using Weather Display Software. The station is comprised of an anemometer, a rain gauge and a thermo-hydro sensor situated in optimal positions for highest accuracy possible. About Malta Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily, the Maltese archipelago basically consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Total population of the Maltese Islands: 413,609 The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its name. Valletta, the capital, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta's international airport is situated five kilometres from the capital. The second largest island, Gozo is topographically quite different from Malta.

Quaintly attractive for its less industrialised way of life, Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa and Pieta, near Valletta, and by helicopter from the airport. Comino, Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul's Islet are the other major features of the archipelago. Of these, only Comino, straddled between Malta and Gozo, sustains a very tiny population. Turned into a popular resort because of a couple of very fine beaches, Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa, either by boat or by excursion ferries during the summer months. Position: The distance between Malta and the nearest point in Sicily is 93 km. The distance from the nearest point on the North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288 km. Gibraltar is 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria is 1,510 km to the east. This strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean's leading ports for container transhipments.

The Maltese Islands fall within the following co-ordinates: Northern Latitude 36.85 Eastern Longitude 14.36 Area of the Maltese Islands: 316 km2 Physical Features: Malta has no mountains or rivers. A series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes characterise the Island. The coastline of Malta is well indented, thus providing numerous harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The length of the shoreline round Malta is 136 km, and 43km round Gozo. Climate: It is the climate, more than anything else, that has made Malta an important tourist resort in the centre of the Mediterranean. The average winter temperature is 12oC (54oF.) There are really only two seasons in Malta: the dry summer season, and the mild winter season. The average rainfall is 558.2 mm (22 ins). Rain rarely, if ever, falls during the summer months.

© 2017, Malta Weather - Mqabba | Weather Display v10.37R-81 Never base important decisions that could result in harm to people or property on this weather information. About Malta | Foundation Programme Malta 2015-07-13 About Malta We have been asked by many people what Malta has to offer besides the Foundation Programme. Here is some background information we have gathered about our country and its people. The Maltese archipelago of islands basically consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. Located in the Mediterranean Sea, just south of Sicily, their total population in 2007 just exceeded 400,000. The largest island of the group is Malta, from which the archipelago takes its name. Valletta, the capital, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the archipelago. Malta is well served with harbours, chief of which is the Valletta Grand Harbour. Malta's international airport is situated five kilometres from the capital. The second largest island, Gozo is topographically quite different from Malta.

Quaintly attractive for its less industrialised way of life, Gozo can be reached from Malta by ferry-boat from Cirkewwa and Pieta, near Valletta, and by helicopter from the airport. Comino, Cominotto, Filfla and St Paul's islands are the other smaller islands of the archipelago. Of these, only Comino, straddled between Malta and Gozo, sustains a very tiny population. Turned into a popular resort because of a couple of very fine beaches, Comino can be reached from Cirkewwa, either by boat or by excursion ferries during the summer months. Position: The distance between Malta and the nearest point in Sicily is 93 km. The distance from the nearest point on the North African mainland (Tunisia) is 288 km. Gibraltar is 1,826 km to the west and Alexandria is 1,510 km to the east. This strategic position has allowed Malta to develop as an important trading post. The Malta Freeport is one of the Mediterranean's leading ports for container transhipments. The total area of the Maltese Islands is 316 km2.

Malta has no mountains or rivers. A series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes characterise the Island. The coastline of Malta is well indented, thus providing numerous harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. The length of the shoreline round Malta is 136 km, and 43km round Gozo. It is the climate, more than anything else, that has made Malta an important tourist resort in the centre of the Mediterranean. The average winter temperature is 12 degrees C (54 F.) There are really only two seasons in Malta: the dry summer season, and the mild winter season. The average annual rainfall is 578 mm (22.756 ins). Rain rarely, if ever, falls during the summer months. Malta's rich history will take you on a journey starting from the oldest free standing temples in the world, through various periods influenced by different cultures including Phoenician, Romans, St. Paul's shipwreck, Byzantine, Arab, Norman, the Knights of St John, a brief French period and finally British.

Malta gained independence from Britain in 1964, became a Republic in 1973 and joined the European Union in 2004. Further useful information about our lovely island can be seen at or Quick Links

Question: What name is given to natives of the second-largest island of the Maltese archipelago?
Answer: Gozitans