Malta

Malta is a small island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea, about 93 kilometres south of Sicily (Italy) and north of Libya. It is an archipelago consisting of three inhabited islands—Malta, Gozo, and Comino—along with several smaller uninhabited islets. Despite covering only about 316 square kilometres, Malta occupies a strategically important position between Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East. Its capital, Valletta, is one of Europe's smallest capitals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its historic architecture and cultural significance.

Geographically, Malta is characterized by low limestone hills, rocky coastlines, and natural harbours. The islands have no permanent rivers or natural lakes, and freshwater resources are limited, making water management an important issue. The highest point is Ta' Dmejrek on the island of Malta, which rises to only 253 metres above sea level. The country has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters. Abundant sunshine and warm temperatures throughout the year have made Malta a popular tourist destination, while its natural vegetation consists mainly of shrubs, grasslands, and scattered trees adapted to dry conditions.

Malta has a remarkably long history due to its strategic location in the Mediterranean. It was first settled around 5900 BCE and is home to some of the world's oldest free-standing stone structures, including the Ġgantija and Ħaġar Qim temples, which predate the Egyptian pyramids. Over the centuries, Malta was ruled by the Phoenicians, Carthaginians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Normans. Each civilization contributed to the island's cultural and architectural heritage.

In 1530, Malta was granted to the Knights of St. John by the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Under the Knights, the islands became a major military and naval stronghold. The Great Siege of Malta in 1565, during which the Knights successfully resisted an Ottoman invasion, became one of the most famous events in European history. Following a brief period of French rule under Napoleon, Malta became part of the British Empire in 1814. During World War II, the islands were heavily bombed because of their strategic location but played a crucial role in Allied operations. In recognition of the population's bravery, King George VI awarded Malta the George Cross in 1942, which still appears on the national flag. Malta gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1964, became a republic in 1974, joined the European Union in 2004, and adopted the euro in 2008.

Agriculture in Malta is limited by the country's small land area, thin soils, and scarce freshwater supplies. Nevertheless, farming remains important for local food production. Farmers cultivate vegetables such as tomatoes, potatoes, onions, cauliflower, and peppers, along with citrus fruits, grapes, olives, and figs. Vineyards produce locally consumed wines, while olive cultivation has expanded in recent decades. Livestock farming includes poultry, pigs, rabbits, and dairy cattle, although many food products are imported to meet domestic demand. Modern irrigation techniques and greenhouse cultivation help maximize agricultural productivity despite environmental constraints.
Fishery has traditionally been an important sector because of Malta's island location. Commercial fishing targets species such as tuna, swordfish, lampuki (mahi-mahi), and various shellfish found in the Mediterranean Sea. Malta is particularly well known for its tuna aquaculture industry, where bluefin tuna are raised before export to international markets. Sustainable fisheries management is increasingly important due to pressure on Mediterranean fish stocks and marine ecosystems.

Forestry is extremely limited because Malta has very little natural woodland. Centuries of deforestation, combined with the dry Mediterranean climate, have left only small areas of woodland and planted forests. Tree species such as Aleppo pine, olive, cypress, and carob are found in reforested areas and public parks. Afforestation projects have been undertaken to improve biodiversity, reduce soil erosion, and enhance recreational green spaces, but forestry contributes very little to the national economy.

Overall, Malta is a small but historically significant island nation whose geography has shaped its role as a strategic centre of trade, defence, and cultural exchange in the Mediterranean. While agriculture, fisheries, and limited forestry contribute to the economy, modern Malta relies primarily on tourism, financial services, maritime industries, and international trade, supported by its rich cultural heritage and strategic location.

2011 were Gerold and Klaudia on Malta. We spent 9 days in Valletta.