A QUCK RUN DOWN ON MALTA

Religion - Roman Catholic, 98 per cent.

Driving - In Malta is on the left, the same as in the UK and Ireland.

International Telephone Code - The country code for Malta is +356

Time - Malta is in the Central European Time Zone (CET), 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).

Geography - The Maltese Archipelago, which consists of Malta, Gozo Comino and two other uninhabited islands, is situated in the Mediterranean Sea 93Km South of Sicily and 290km North of Africa. The total area is 316 square km, Malta being 246km Gozo 67km and Comino 2.7km. The longest distance in Malta from Southeast to the northwest is around 27km and the longest distance at its width is 14.5km in an easterly direction. Malta has neither mountains nor rivers, however a series of low hills with terraced fields on the slopes characterize the islands.

Climate - The climate is warm and healthy. There are no biting winds, fog, snow or frost. Rain falls only for short periods, averaging about 560mm in a whole year. The average temperature in Winter (November till April) is 14C and that in Summer (May till October) is 23C. In Winter the sun shines for an average of 7 hours and around 10 hours in Summer.

The hottest period is from mid July till mid September, but hot Summer days and nights are tempered by cool breezes from the surrounding sea.

Culture - The culture of Malta reflects the various influences of different countries, namely the United Kingdom which ruled Malta until 1964. British influences remain strong. Traffic drives on the left as in the UK. The Maltese are Roman Catholics. However, full liberty of conscience and freedom of worship is guaranteed.

The People and the History - The people have developed and maintained characteristics which distinguish them as a peace loving nation with a sense of hospitality

Language - The official languages are Maltese and English.

Electricity - The electrical supply in Malta is 240 volts, 50 hertz. The three-pin rectangular plug system is used in Malta, same as in Britain.

Pharmacies - Pharmacies are found throughout the Islands and are open during normal shopping hours. On Sundays, chemists open on a roster from 09.00 until 12.30 in Malta and from 07.30 until 11.00 in Gozo. The local Sunday newspapers give details of the roster.

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