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 The Maltese archipelago consists of three islands Malta, Gozo and Comino. All of which are lying in the middle of the Mediterranean, 93km (57mi) south of Sicily and 350km (217mi) north of Libya. Malta, the largest, is shaped like a bottle of port, and is indented by many bays and harbours. Aside from a few low ridges and outcrops, Malta is pretty flat and composed mainly of limestone. Gozo is greener and hillier than Malta, and its coast has high rugged cliffs.
Malta has an excellent climate, reaching up to 30°C (86°F) in midsummer (July to August) and when the hot sirocco winds blow in from Africa. The lowest average daily high temperature, about 15°C (59°F), occurs during January. Rainfall is heaviest from November to February, though it's low year-round.
Mediterranean culture is dominant in Malta, but nearly 150 years of British rule have left their mark. English is an official language (along with Maltese), and bangers and mash aren't too hard to find. The Catholic Church is the custodian of national traditions, and its churches are the biggest landmarks in most towns and villages. The country is filled with little chapels spread all over the island and the Maltese spend half the year celebrating their local patron saints, filling the streets with colourful confetti and savouring their delicious nougat and candy-floss. Although its influence is waning, Catholicism is a real force in most people's daily lives. Divorce and abortion are illegal, just as the church commands.
Many linguists trace the origin of Maltese to the Phoenician occupation of the islands. Maltese, a Semitic language, has survived the influence of Romance languages for hundreds of years, though it bears traces of Sicilian, Italian, Spanish, French and English. Among the country's best-known writers are Francis Ebejer and Joseph Attard. Ironically, Malta is probably best known to the world through a book that isn't about Malta, Dashiell Hammett's The Maltese Falcon , the title of which refers to a statuette of mysterious origin.
Lately Malta has become a landmark for film producers and directors, who are constantly visiting the islands contemplating on which natural scenarios to exploit for their films. Amongst the latest films that have been filmed on the Maltese Islands are some very important films such as Gladiator, Troy, The Count of Monte Cristo, Cuthroat Island, U-571 and many more.
Malta is noted for its fine crafts - particularly its handmade lace, handwoven fabrics, blown glass and silver filigree. Folk traditions in music are very strong, and Malta holds a folksong competition every year.
The strongest influence on Maltese cuisine is Sicilian, though the popularity of Maltese cusine is renown. Local specialties include fresh sea fruits, a wide variety of savoury cheese pastries and rabbit, which is usually fried or baked in a casserole or pie.
Malta is a member of the European Union.
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