Malta is a southern European country and consists of an archipelago. It is situated centrally in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily, Italy. Malta's geographic position between the European Union region and Africa makes it a target for immigration. The government system is a republic; the chief of state is the president, and the head of government is the prime minister. Malta has a mixed economic system which includes a variety of private freedom, combined with centralized economic planning and government regulation. Malta is a member of the European Union (EU).

Malta’s capital is Valletta and is 1 hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT + 1), which is 4.5 hours behind Indian Standard Time. Its currency is Euro. Calling code for Malta is 356 and it follows 240 Volts Electrical system.

Languages

Maltese (official) 90.1%, English (official) 6%, multilingual 3%, other 0.9%

Ethnic Groups

Maltese (descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock)

Religions

Roman Catholic (official) more than 90%