Malta is a Southern European island nation in the Mediterranean, situated 93 km south of Sicily and 288 km north of Libya. The country consists of three main islands: Malta, Gozo, and Comino, with a population of around 500,000.
Malta, the largest island, serves as the nation's administrative, cultural, and commercial hub. Gozo, known for its countryside, is the second largest, while Comino is a popular tourist spot for trekking and day trips.
Positioned between Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa, Malta has played a significant role in maritime history. Formerly a British colony, it gained independence in 1964, became a republic in 1974, joined the EU in 2004, and adopted the Euro in 2008. The country has 67 local councils, with Valletta as its capital. Maltese and English are the official languages, and 90% of the population speaks Italian.