Cruising around MaltaBackgroundGreat Britain formally acquired possession of Malta in 1814. The island staunchly supported the UK through both World Wars and remained in the Commonwealth when it became independent in 1964. A decade later Malta became a republic. Since about the mid-1980s, the island has transformed itself into a freight transshipment point, a financial center, and a tourist destination. Malta became an EU member in May 2004. GeographyLocation: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of
Sicily (Italy) Coastline196.8 km (does not include 56.01 km for the island of Gozo) Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateMediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers TerrainMostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs Elevation extremesLowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m EconomyMajor resources are limestone, a favorable geographic location, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energy sources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and textiles), and tourism. Continued sluggishness in the European economy is holding back exports, tourism, and overall growth. TransportationAirports: 1 (2005) Merchant marineTotal: 1,148 ships (1000 GRT or over) 22,791,072 GRT/36,951,514 DWT
Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsMarsaxlokk, Valletta Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAlbania - Algeria - Bulgaria - Croatia - Cyprus - Egypt - France - Georgia - Gibraltar - Greece - Israel - Italy - Lebanon - Libya - Malta - Monaco - Morocco - Romania - Serbia and Montenegro - Slovenia - Spain - Syria - Tunisia - Turkey - Ukraine Further Reading |
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