Living in Malta

Malta is a small island state in the central Mediterranean, south of Italy, with around 483,530 people. The country mainly comprises Malta, Gozo and Comino. Its landscape ranges from rocky coasts and bays to dry fields; summers are hot and have little rainfall, while winters are mild and somewhat wetter. Many people live in apartments in densely built-up areas around Valletta, Sliema and St. Julian’s, while Gozo is more strongly shaped by villages and agriculture. Buses, cars and ferries are important in everyday life. People often work in services, tourism, trade or offices; leisure time is spent on the coast, in cafés, at village festivals or with family.