About Malta
It’s an Education and an Adventure right in the middle of the Mediterranean Ocean
Malta is located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea.
- Sicily is 58 miles by ferry to the north.
- Africa is 180 miles to the south
- Alexandria is 938miles to the east
- Gibraltar is 1135 miles to the west
- The coast line of Malta is 122 miles around
The Maltese Archipelago is made up of three main islands. Malta is the largest of the three islands and is slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC and boasts ancient temples which predate the pyramids. The island of Gozo is a 20 minute ferry ride from Malta and is where Europeans have vacationed for years. Comino, the third island is only 1.35 square miles and is virtually an undisturbed island paradise with only four permanent residents.
Malta's weather and climate are strongly influenced by the sea and have a very characteristic Mediterranean flavour, similar to that found in southern Italy or southern Greece.
The climate is typically Mediterranean, with hot, dry summers, warm and sporadically wet autumns, and short, cool winters with adequate rainfall. Nearly three-fourths of the total annual rainfall October and March; June, July, and August are normally quite dry.
Malta embraces over 7000 years of cultural influences as a result of the civilizations who have inhabited the island. Malta has been occupied by Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Knights of the Order of St. John, the French and the British throughout the ages bestowing a rich and colorful culture. 
Malta was most recently under British rule for 181 years before it became an independent nation in 1964 and a republic in December 1974 with its first president. Malta became a member of the European Union in May 2004. Maltese and English are both official languages of Malta.
Malta is heavily dependent on imports due to the lack of any natural resources. The island’s strategic geographical position and deep sea ports have made it an attractive base for naval powers over many years. During the Second World War Malta was coveted for its great strategic position in the Mediterranean. Heavy bombing by the Italian and German air forces over two and a half years nearly demolished the island and decimated the population of the Maltese island. The bravery, heroism and sacrifice of its people were recognized when King George VI awarded the Maltese people the George Cross Medal.
The shipwreck of St. Paul in 60 AD brought religion to Malta and has continued to play a very important role in the life of the Maltese people. This is evident by the hundreds of churches and chapels scattered throughout the islands of Malta and Gozo. Many of these magnificent structures were built hundreds of years ago. The official religion of Malta is Roman Catholicism (98%).
Malta has a comprehensive health service which is funded from taxation and is free to patients. Mater Dei Hospital, a state of the art facility, opened in June 2007. Other health care is provided through medical clinics which are available in all of the villages. Doctors have their practices in the local pharmacies for walk in visits and they also make house calls.
The country is one of the most urban and densely populated nations in the world. The population of Malta is estimated to be 403,532 (2008). The United States has 21 people per square kilometer (55 per square mile) compared to Malta's population density of 1,160 people per square kilometer (3,000 per square mile). Life expectancy for males is 77.08 years and 81.64 years for females placing the country high on the Human Development Index. The birth rate is 10.33 per 1000 and has been slowing declining. Free schooling is compulsory for all children aged 5 – 16 years. Students are able to continue schooling towards university or trade education. All education is provided at no cost to the population of Malta.
