Surface:The total land area of Malta is around 316 sq km.

Population:  The population of Malta is more than 400,000 people, the majority being Maltese.

System of government: Malta is a democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government.

Capital: Valleta, with a population of nearly 6,500 people, is the capital of Malta.

Religion: Roman Catholicism is the predominant religion here.

Official Language: The official languages are Maltese and English.

Government: Malta is a democratic republic with a parliamentary form of government.

Climate: The island has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers.

Units of measure and electricity: The country uses the metric system of measurement with the official electricity unit being 240V, 50Hz.

Time Zone: Malta follows Central European Time which is GMT + 1

Currency: Maltese Lira (1 LM = 2.32 €). The country is due to adopt the Euro by January 2008.

Travel documents required: Except for tourists from the EU and America, a visa is normally required to visit Malta.