The Maltese archipelago in the Heart of the Mediterranean

The Maltese archipelago lies in the heart of the central Mediterranean, roughly midway between Sicily and the North African coast. Though it covers just 316 km² in total, it is made up of three main inhabited islands — Malta, Gozo and Comino — along with a number of smaller uninhabited islets. Within this compact space, the islands hold more than 7,000 years of human history, from megalithic temples older than the pyramids to a capital city shaped by the Knights of St John.

Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and North Africa, Malta has been shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, the Order of St John, the French and the British, yet the Maltese have always kept a distinct identity of their own. This is a story of valour — of islanders who defended their home through sieges and war — and of a people known for their warmth, resilience and heart of gold.