Guide To Malta

Malta is a small island nation and is situated at a distance of sixty miles south of Sicily. Its strategic location at the crossroads of Middle East, North Africa and Southern Europe has helped the country in developing its economy and adapting a democratic system of governance. Most of its population consists of natives who have lived there for many generations. Apart from the Maltese language, English is also an official language and is widely spoken. Italian is also common in several areas.

Although the country is small and has a relatively lesser number of scenic sites as compared to other Mediterranean destinations in the region, still the kind of quiet charm exuded by this beautiful group of islands attracts repeat visitors. The islands with their deep-blue bays, fishing boats painted with bright colors, and colonial towns with dark brown buildings make you feel like as if you are part of a fairytale. The region has been influenced by the culture of Rome and Britain over the centuries, a fact that is easily visible in the Italian baroque architecture used in buildings, the English accent of the local people, and the Maltese zest for life. Apart from these, the country also has several quality restaurants that offer a great mix of local as well as international cuisine. Many ancient monuments and ruins are also located on the islands of the country.

Malta has an open economy and its main trading partner is the European Union (EU), which accounts for about 48 percent of the total exports and 65 percent of the total imports. The island came under British rule in 1814, which supported the country during both the World Wars. After becoming independent in 1964, Malta became a member of the Commonwealth and retained its membership until 2004 when it joined the EU as a member. In recent years, the country has transformed itself into a major shipping center, financial center, and tourist destination. On an average, more than 1.11 million tourists visit the country every year.

The third largest trading partner of the country is the United States, but the actual figures of trade are far more than officially reported because many products that are exported are sold through European subsidiaries of U.S. companies. The country's economy is a mix of manufacturing and services wherein the former accounts for more than one-third of the country's GDP and the latter accounts for around twenty percent of the GDP.