Geography

The Maltese archipelago consists of three inhabited islands, Malta, Gozo, and Comino, together with other smaller uninhabited islands, Filfla and St Paul's Islands.

Malta lies in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea just 93 Km south of Sicily and 230KM north of North Africa. The total area of the inhabited islands is 316 Sqm (Malta 246, Gozo 67 and Comino 2.7).

The longest distance in Malta from South-east to north-west is about 27 km and its widest point in east-west direction measures 14.5 km.

Malta is characterized by rocky and sandy beaches (the latter at the northern part) and low hills with terraced fields on the slopes. On the other hand Gozo has a much greener countryside characterised by flat topped hills and cliffs. We also find various steep valleys and bays. In Gozo we find fewer sandy beaches.

History.

Every square inch of its land and its temples and monuments bear witness to a civilization which, in many ways, is unparalleled. Two particular periods - the Neolithic Period and the Period of the Knights of St John stand out. Various remains on the island bear witness to these periods.

During its history Malta was dominated by many foreign powers. These include the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the Arabs, the Normans, the Swabians, The Angevins, the Arogonese, the Castillans, the Order of the Knights of St John of Jersulam, the French and finally the British.

Malta became an independent state within the Commonwealth on the 21 September 1964 (Independence Day). On 13 December 1974 Malta became a Republic and on the 31st March 1979 the last of the British forces left the island. Malta is due to join the European Union of the 1st May 2004.

Prehistoris Sites.

The Maltese Islands can be considered as a showpiece of prehistoric monuments since several remains are evident all over the island. These remains date back to 5000 or 6000 year ago (about 1000 years older than the pyramids of Giza).

Huge rocks, several tons in weight, were used in the construction of these temples. It is tought that even with modern day heavy equipment such huge constructions would prove a very difficult and challenging task. Of special mention we find the Hargar Qim Temples, the Mnajdra Temples, The Tarxien Temples,the Hypogeum Temples and the Ggantija Temples.

Further recommended reading.
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