Malta General Information Area: 316 sq km (122 sq miles). Population: 382,525 (official estimate 2000). Population density: 1210 per sq km. Capital: Valletta. Population: 7048 (official estimate 2000). GEOGRAPHY: The Maltese archipelago is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean, with the largest inhabited island, Malta, lying 93km (58 miles) south of Sicily and 290km (180 miles) from North Africa. Gozo and Comino are the only other inhabited islands. The landscape of all three is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. Malta has no mountains or rivers. Its coastline is indented with harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky coves. Gozo is connected to Malta by ferry and is more thickly vegetated, with many flat-topped hills and craggy cliffs. Comino, the smallest island, is connected to Malta and Gozo by ferry and is very sparsely populated. Government: Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1964. Head of State: President Guido de Marco since 1999. Head of Government: Prime Minister Edward Fenech Adami since 1998. Language: Maltese (a Semitic language) and English are the official languages. Italian is also widely spoken. Religion: Roman Catholic. Time: GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from last Sunday in March to Saturday before last Sunday in October). Electricity: 240 volts AC, 50Hz. UK-style three-pin plug are in use. Communications:   Telephone IDD is available. Country code: 356. There are no area codes. Outgoing international code: 00. Public telephone booths are widely available. Mobile telephone GSM 900 and 1800 networks exist, with extensive coverage of land and sea. Network providers include Vodafone Malta (website: www.vodafonemalta.com) and GoMobile (website: www2.go.com.mt). Fax Maltacom PLC provides an international service through its offices and branches. Also available at hotels. Internet ISPs include Maltanet (website: www.maltanet.net). There are a few Internet cafes. Telegram Can be sent from Maltacom PLC, St Georges Road, St Julian’s. Post Good postal services exist within the island. Press Maltese dailies include L’Orizzont and In-Nazzjon Taghna. The daily English-language newspapers published on the island are The Times and The Malta Independent. The Malta Business Weekly, The Malta Independent on Sunday and the Sunday Times are also available. BBC World Service and Voice of America frequencies: From time to time these change. BBC (website: www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice): MHz 15.49 12.10 9.410 6.195 Voice of America (website: www.voa.gov): MHz 15.21 11.82 9.760 1.197 Passport/Visa   Passport Required? Visa Required? Return Ticket Required? British Yes No Yes Australian Yes No Yes Canadian Yes No Yes USA Yes No Yes OtherEU 1 No Yes Japanese Yes No Yes PASSPORTS: Valid passport required by all except the following: (a) 1. nationals of Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland in possession of valid national ID card who are visiting as tourists for stays of up to three months. VISAS: Required by all except the following for stays of up to three months: (a) nationals of countries referred to in the chart above; (b) nationals of Andorra, Argentina, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Hungary, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Latvia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Malaysia, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Romania, San Marino, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Sweden, Uruguay and Vatican City; (c) nationals of UK Overseas Territories; (d) nationals of Hong Kong (SAR), provided in possession of British Overseas (BOC) passports and British Nationals Overseas (BNO) passports (holders of Hong Kong (SAR) passports do require a visa); (e) nationals of Macau, provided in possession of passports bearing ‘Regio administrativa especial de Macau’; (f) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same of first connecting airport within 24 hours provided holding valid onward or return documentation and not leaving the airport. Types of visa and cost: Entry: £23.50 (single-entry); Transit: £14.50. Multiple-entry visas for one year are issued only by the Immigration Police in Malta. Sudanese nationals en route for Libya via Malta require a transit visa and a valid residence permit for Libya. Note: Visitors requiring an entry visa to Malta and undertaking day trips of less than 24 hours to another country do not need to pay for another entry visa on their return to Malta. Validity: Single-entry visa: One month; Transit visa: 24 hours. For renewal or extension, apply to the High Commission or Embassy. Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy or High Commission); see Contact Addresses section. Application requirements: (a) Valid passport with at least one blank page. (b) Application form. (c) Two recent passport-size photos. (d) Fee (payable in cash or by postal order only). (e) £3.65 is required to cover postage costs, if not collecting visa in person. These can be handed in at the High Commission or Embassy. (f) SAE for applications by post. (g) Return ticket. Working days required: 15. Temporary residence: Apply to Principal Immigration Officer, Immigration Office, Police Headquarters, Floriana, Malta. Money Currency: Maltese Lira (Lm) = 100 cents = 1000 mils. Notes are in denominations of Lm20, 10, 5 and 2. Coins are in denominations of Lm1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. A number of gold and silver coins are also minted. Currency exchange: Money can be changed at banks, bureaux de change, some hotels, and larger shops and restaurants. Automated foreign exchange machines and ATMs are available at various locations on the islands. Credit & debit cards: MasterCard, American Express, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available. Travellers cheques: Exchanged in the normal authorised institutions. Currency restrictions: The import of local currency is limited to Lm50. The export of local currency is limited to Lm25. The import and export of foreign currency is unlimited, subject to declaration if contemplating re-export up to amount imported. Exchange rate indicators The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Maltese Lira against Sterling and the US Dollar: Date May ’02 Aug ’02 Nov ’02 Feb ’03 £1.00= 0.64 0.65 0.66 0.62 $1.00= 0.44 0.43 0.41 0.39 Banking hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1230 and 1430-1600, Sat 0830-1130. Duty Free The following items may be imported into Malta without incurring customs duty: 200 cigarettes, 100 cigarillos, 50 cigars or 250g tobacco; 1l of spirits and 1l of wine; 60ml of perfume and 250ml of eau de toilette; gifts to a value not exceeding Lm50. Note: It is advisable to declare any larger or unusual items of electrical equipment brought into the island (such as video cameras, portable televisions or video recorders), as this will prevent duty being levied on these items when leaving the country. Prohibited items: Firearms and ammunition, counterfeit goods and unlicensed drugs. Certain plants and meat products require an import licence. Public Holidays Dec 8 2002 Immaculate Conception. Dec 13 Republic Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2003 New Year’s Day. Feb 10 Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck. Mar 1-4 Carnival. Mar 19 St Joseph’s Day. Mar 31 Freedom Day. Apr 18 Good Friday. May 1 St Joseph the Worker. Jun 7 Sette Giugno (Commemoration of 1919 Riot). Jun 29 Feast of St Peter and St Paul. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Feast of Our Lady of Victories. Sep 21 Independence Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 13 Republic Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Jan 1 2004 New Year’s Day. Feb 10 Feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck. Feb 21-24 Carnival. Mar 19 St Joseph’s Day. Mar 31 Freedom Day. Apr 9 Good Friday. May 1 St Joseph the Worker. Jun 7 Sette Giugno (Commemoration of 1919 Riot). Jun 29 Feast of St Peter and St Paul. Aug 15 Assumption. Sep 8 Feast of Our Lady of Victories. Sep 21 Independence Day. Dec 8 Immaculate Conception. Dec 13 Republic Day. Dec 25 Christmas Day. Health   Special Precautions Certificate Required Yellow Fever No 1 Cholera No No Typhoid and Polio No N/A Malaria No N/A 1: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers over nine months of age arriving from infected areas. If indicated on epidemiological grounds, infants under nine months of age are subject to isolation or surveillance if arriving from an infected area. Food & drink: Mains water is normally chlorinated and, whilst safe, may cause mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is available and is advised for the first few weeks of the stay. Milk is pasteurised and dairy products are safe for consumption. Local meat, poultry, seafood, fruit and vegetables are generally considered safe to eat. Health care: There is a UK/Malta reciprocal health agreement. UK passport-holders staying less than 30 days will receive free emergency hospital treatment at a state-run hospital. The principal hospitals are St Luke’s, Guardamangia in Malta and Gozo General Hospital in Gozo. Health insurance is nevertheless advised. Travel - International AIR: Malta’s national airline is Air Malta (KM). Other airlines serving Malta include Aeroflot, Austrian Airlines, Alitalia, British Airways, Emirates, Tuninter, Libyan Arab Airlines, Lufthansa and Transavia. Approximate flight times: From Luqa to London is 3 hours. International airports: Malta International (MLA) (Luqa) (website: www.maltairport.com), Luqa, 5km (3 miles) southeast of Valletta (travel time – 15 minutes). Buses depart regularly to and from Valletta City Gate. There is a full taxi service to all parts of Malta, with fares regulated by meter. Airport facilities include incoming and outgoing duty-free shops, car hire, bank, bureau de change (24 hours), left luggage and restaurant/bar. Departure tax: None. SEA: The main ports are Valletta, Marsaxlokk and Mgarr/Gozo. Services operate to the Sicilian ports of Catania, Pozzallo and Syracuse. These routes are served by high-speed hydrofoils and catamarans (travel time – 1 hour 30 minutes) and car ferries (travel time – 3 hours). There are also sailings to Italy (to Reggio Calabria and Genoa). Travel - Internal AIR: There is a helicopter service operating all year round between Malta and Gozo. A quick alternative to the ferry service, it takes only ten to 15 minutes. SEA: A passenger car ferry operates several times daily between Cirkewwa in Malta and Mgarr in Gozo. Crossing time is about 30 minutes. Services to Comino operate from mid-March to mid-November. For further information, contact the Gozo Channel Company, Hay Wharf, Sa Maison in Malta (tel: 2124 3964; fax: 2124 8007). ROAD: Driving is on the left. Speed limit is 80kph (50mph) on highways and 50kph (30mph) in residential areas. Bus: Good local services operate from Valletta and Victoria (Gozo) to all towns. Taxi: Identifiable by their all-white livery. Although taxis are under meter charge at government-controlled prices, it is best to agree prices before departure. Car hire: A number of car hire firms offer self-drive cars. Both Hertz and Avis have desks at the airport. Rates on Malta are among the cheapest in Europe. Documentation: Valid international driving licence required. Accommodation Accommodation in Malta is provided in hotels, holiday complexes, guest-houses, hostels or self-catering flats. Many hotels offer substantial reductions, particularly during the low season. For further information, contact the Malta Tourism Authority (see Contact Addresses section). Grading: There is a star classification standard for all hotels in the Maltese islands. All classified hotels are thoroughly inspected before their star grading is allocated and are regularly inspected to ensure that standards are maintained. Gradings range from 2 to 5 stars, indicating the level of standards, facilities and services offered by the hotel. Gradings are as follows: 5-star: Superior standard, fully air-conditioned accommodation. All rooms with private bath and shower, telephone, radio and TV. Room service available on a 24-hour basis. Other facilities include bar, restaurant and coffee shop, lounge area, dancing facilities, pool and sports facilities, 24-hour reception, laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning; shops and hairdresser. 4-star: High standard, fully air-conditioned accommodation. All rooms with private bath or shower and internal or external telephone and radio. Room service from breakfast time to midnight. Other facilities include bar, restaurant, pool or service beach facilities, 24-hour reception, laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning, lounge and shops, including hairdresser. 3-star: Good accommodation. All rooms with private bath or shower and internal or external telephone. Other facilities include bar and restaurant facilities, lounge area, 24-hour reception and laundry, pressing and dry-cleaning service. 2-star: Modest accommodation. At least 20 per cent of rooms have private bath or shower; all rooms with washbasin and mirror and usually breakfast facilities are offered; telephone or service bell in all rooms. Front office service during the day and at least porter service during the night. YOUTH HOSTELS: There are five youth hostels in Malta, four of which are located in Malta, and one in Gozo (with a minimum of two hostels open at any time of the year). Further information can be obtained from NSTS, 220 St Paul Street, Valletta VLT 07 (tel: 2124 4983; fax: 212 0330; e-mail: nsts@nsts.org; website: www.nsts.org). Introduction The Maltese islands, situated almost at the centre of the Mediterranean, offer the attraction of clear blue waters, secluded bays and sandy beaches while, in the towns, medieval walled citadels and splendid baroque churches and palaces reflect the rich history of the islands. Malta VALLETTA: The town was built at the end of the 16th century by the Knights of St John as the island’s new capital and, more importantly, as a fortress commanding an impregnable position over the peninsula. The city developed around what is now Republic Street, Old Bakery Street and Merchants Street, the latter containing some of the finest examples of Maltese-style Baroque architecture in the islands. The Co-Cathedral of St John has an austere exterior, but the interior is a sumptuous mixture of gilded tracery, marble mosaic floors and a lapis lazuli altar behind which is a remarkable marble group of the Baptism of Christ. The painting by Caravaggio of the beheading of St John is in the Oratory. The Grand Master’s Palace in Republic Street was built 500 years ago as the abode of the Grand Master of the Order of St John, and contains a series of paintings depicting the great siege of 1565, painted by a pupil of Michelangelo, and a group of tapestries originally designed for Louis XIV. The palace also houses an armoury which has one of the best collections in existence. The Manoel Theatre, named after one of the most popular Grand Masters, is the second-oldest theatre in Europe and stages performances of opera, theatre, music and ballet between October and May. The National Museum of Fine Art, housed in an 18th-century palace, has a collection of furniture, paintings and treasures connected with the Knights of St John. The Church of Our Lady of Victories, built in 1566, is the oldest church in Valletta and was built to commemorate the victory over the Turks. At the nearby Auberge de Provence is the National Museum of Archaeology, which has exhibits from the area dating back to prehistory. The town also has a bustling market in the Floriana suburb on Sunday mornings and another one in Merchants Street from Monday to Saturday. SLIEMA: Sliema lies facing Valletta. It is a large, modern cosmopolitan town bustling with hotels, shops, cafés, cinemas, restaurants, bars, clubs and discos. The shoreline here is rocky, but is nevertheless good for bathing. The neighbouring St Julian’s is also a lively and popular resort area. MDINA: Mdina is perched on a high plateau towering over the rest of the island. It was once Malta’s capital and the citadel is one of the finest surviving examples of a medieval walled city. The town is entered by a stone drawbridge which leads to a maze of narrow streets, lined with churches, monasteries and palaces, connected by tiny piazzas. Of particular interest is the Norman-style Palazzo Falzon which has a collection of antique weapons and pottery, a cathedral, and a museum that still houses a magnificent collection of art treasures; survivals from the sacking which the town suffered at the hands of the French in the 18th century. From Bastion Square the visitor has a breathtaking view of the surrounding fields and villages, and also of St Paul’s Bay. RABAT: Rabat has fine Baroque churches, St Paul’s and St Agatha’s Catacombs and the Roman Villa. There are many interesting walks within close proximity to the town, such as the Chadwick Lake, Dingli Cliffs and Verdala Castle overlooking Buskett Gardens, the only wooded area in Malta. On the southwest shore is the Blue Grotto where, legend reports, sirens bewitched seafarers with their songs. Four caves reflect the brilliant colours of the corals and minerals in the limestone. The most spectacular is the Blue Grotto itself, which is best viewed in the early morning with a calm sea. Buses run to an embarkation point in Valletta where a boat can be taken to the caves. ELSEWHERE: Within close proximity to Paola are the archaeological sites of Tarxien, with its neolithic temple; Hypogeum, a complex of ancient underground burial chambers on three levels dating back 3000 years; and Ghar Dalam (Dark Cave) where the remains of now extinct birds and animals such as dwarf hippos and elephants have been found. Hagar Qim on the south of the island is a neolithic temple dating back 3000 years and constructed from huge closely-fitting stones decorated in a very ornate style. Typical Maltese fishing communities such as Marsaxlokk, Birzebbugia and Marsacala are sprawled along the coves and inlets at the southernmost tip of Malta. Fishing nets and colourfully painted boats crowd the waterfronts, and each day’s fresh catch can be eaten at the family-run tavernas. Also at Marsaxlokk is the recently discovered Temple of Juno which was originally used by the Greeks as a place of worship to the goddess of fertility. RESORTS: The most popular beach area is along the north coast where sandy beaches are plentiful and the clear waters here are ideal for sailing, skindiving and water-skiing. The best beaches are at Paradise Bay, Golden Bay, Mellieha Bay, Armier Bay and Ghajn Tuffieha Bay, all of which are very popular during the summer and pleasantly quiet during spring. Gozo & Comino GOZO: Gozo is Malta’s sister island and the second-largest of the archipelago. The landscape consists of flat-topped hills, steep valleys and rugged cliffs and villas that nestle among peach, lemon, olive and orange groves. In spring the island comes ablaze with the flowering hibiscus, oleander, mimosa and bougainvillaea. Some of the local crafts (lace and knitwear) are sold from the doorways of houses and on the street. VICTORIA: The capital of Gozo is Victoria (also known as Rabat), built by the Arabs on Castle Hill, which offers the visitor panoramic views of the whole island. The cathedral has no dome, but inside a trompe l’oeil painting on its ceiling gives the illusion of a dome. There is also a cathedral museum. The Museum of Archaeology contains Roman remains from a shipwreck on the island and items excavated from the neolithic temple at Ggantija. ELSEWHERE ON GOZO: Other places of interest on Gozo include the Citadel (‘Gran Castello’), with its historic bastions and old houses (one of them set up as a folk museum). There are alabaster caves at Xaghra, with stalactites and stalagmites. These underground caves are known as Xerri’s Grotto and Ninu’s Grotto. The basilica at Ta’Pinu, near the village of Gharb, is one of the most beautiful of Maltese churches and an official Vatican place of pilgrimage. Xewkija is a small town with a beautiful new church, built round the old parish Church of St John the Baptist. Resorts: The waters surrounding the island are unpolluted and crystal clear. The most important beaches are il-Qawra (better known as the inland sea, with a secluded pebbly bathing pool, crystal clear water and sheer cliffs), an unspoilt sandy beach known as Ir-Ramla il-Wamra and Xlendi Bay. In summer there are numerous festivals with fireworks and horseracing in the streets. Marsalforn is a fishing village on the north coast which has become one of Gozo’s most popular seaside resorts COMINO: The island of Comino, thick with wild herbs (particularly cumin), lies between Malta and Gozo and is inhabited by probably no more than a dozen farmers. Paths which wind through the unusual rock formations provide the only communication links and the island is ideal for anyone seeking a very quiet holiday. A few sandy coves and small bays, such as Blue Lagoon, are the main attractions. Sport & Activities There are a number of scenic spots that are only accessible on foot, which makes walking – as well as cycling – one of the best ways to explore the islands. Watersports: Most large hotels have their own swimming pool and bathing is safe everywhere around the islands. Malta offers good conditions for scuba diving and snorkelling. The sea temperature never drops below 13°C (115 °F), even in a severe winter, which makes diving possible all-year-round. Diving equipment can be hired at favourable rates, making it unnecessary for divers to bring their own. On the island of Malta, the best dive sites are located around the northern part, the many caves and steep drop-offs, such as Qawra Point and Cirkewwa, being a particular attraction; also on Malta, Wied Iz-Zurrieq is good for night dives. On Gozo island, one of the most spectacular sites is Dwejra Point, which features a 35m (115ft) tunnel. On the island of Comino, cold currents support large shoals of sardines and bogue at Irieqa Point, while the St Marija Caves offer interesting cave diving. Rowing regattas are held in the Grand Harbour during April and September. The Valletta Yacht Club is at Couvre Port, Manoel Island, in Marsamxetto Harbour (temporary members accepted). Windsurfing has become very popular and many hotels and beach establishments offer equipment. Spectator sports: National water polo competitions are held during summer. A summer league takes place at various water-polo clubs. Horseraces are held all Sunday afternoons at the Marsa National Racecourse from the end of October until mid-May. Clay pigeon/Skeet shooting is a popular sport in Malta, with regular practice-sessions and competitions being held on Sunday mornings. Football matches are played at the Ta’Qali stadium from September to June. Other: There is an 18-hole golf course at the Marsa Sports Club which also has facilities for tennis, squash, cricket, polo and horseracing. There is a ten-pin bowling centre at St George’s Bay, St Julian’s. Social Profile Food & Drink: There is a very good choice of restaurants and cafes from deluxe to fast food (hamburgers and fish & chips) including Chinese, fish and beachside bars. Table service is normal, but many bars and cafes have table and/or counter service. Local dishes include lampuki pie, bragoli and fenek (rabbit cooked in wine). Pork and fish dishes are recommended and vegetables are excellent. The best Maltese fruits are oranges and grapes; also delicious are strawberries, melons, mulberries, tangerines, pomegranates and figs. Maltese beer is excellent, and foreign beers are also available. There is a wide variety of good and inexpensive Maltese wine and foreign wines and spirits. Licensing hours of bars, restaurants and cafes are usually 0900-0100 and beyond. Most hotel bars close between 1300 and 1600 and then reopen after 1800. Nightlife: There are several discotheques, bars and nightclubs. Roulette, baccarat, black jack and boule can be played at the ‘Dragonara’ casino, St Julian’s or at the Casino de Venezia in Vittoriosa. The Manoel Theatre is one of the oldest in Europe. Cinemas show mainly English and American films. Shopping: Special purchases include Malta weave, pottery, blown glass, ceramics, dolls, lace, copper and brass items. Malta is renowned for its gold and silver filigree work and handmade lace. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1600-1900. Special Events: The Malta Tourism Authority can supply full details of events (see Contact Addresses). The following list is a selection of events taking place in Malta in 2003: Feb 27-Mar 4 Carnival (featuring masks, floats and dancing), Valletta. Mar 13-16 Mediterranean Food Festival, Valetta. Apr 13-Sep Festa Season (commemoration to the various saints with church services, outdoor festivities and fireworks), towns and villages throughout Malta and Gozo. Apr 21-27 Valletta History & Elegance Festival (music and theatre), Valletta. May 9-10 Fireworks Festival, Grand Harbour, Valletta. May 16-18 and 23-25 Maltese Folk Singing Festival, Argotti Gardens, Floriana. Jun 2-7 Tenth Games of the Small States of Europe (eight countries compete in this mini Olympics-style event), various venues. Jul 1-14 Victoria International Arts Festival (classical concerts, vocal ensembles, ballet, jazz and lectures), Gozo. Jul 18-20 Malta International Jazz Festival, Valletta. Sep 27-28 Malta International Air Show, Luqa Airfield. Oct 3-5 Birgu Festival (music, dance and pageantry), Birgu. Nov 10-14 15th Malta International Choir Festival, Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta. Dec 26-31 Christmas Entertainment Programme (carol singing, ethnic dance groups and the Santa fun run), Valletta. Social Conventions: The usual European courtesies are expected, but the visitor should also bear in mind the tremendous importance of Roman Catholicism; if visiting a church, for instance, modest dress covering the shoulders and legs will be expected. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in some public buildings, including cinemas. Tipping: Ten to 15 per cent is expected in hotels and restaurants when not included in the bill. Taxi drivers are usually tipped ten per cent of the fare. Business Profile Economy: The agricultural sector is small, with potatoes the only major export commodity. Although Malta is an island, the fishing industry is also relatively insignificant. With few natural resources, governments have sought to develop the economy through tourism and export-dedicated manufacturing. Tourism now accounts for over a quarter of Malta’s foreign exchange earnings. The industrial sector includes textiles, footwear and clothing (the most important of the new industries), plastics, printing, electronic components and electrical equipment. The old naval dockyards used by the British have now converted to operate as a commercial shipyard. Malta has developed close economic links with Libya, which has invested heavily in property and commerce on the island as well as supplying the bulk of the oil that meets the island’s energy needs. France has become the principal market for exports, followed by the USA, Germany, Singapore, the UK and Italy. The main economic policy issue under debate in Malta is relations with the EU and the country’s application for membership. The conservative Nationalist Party (PN) favours joining while the Maltese Labour Party is strongly opposed to membership. After a sudden withdrawal in 1996 of its original application, the PN administration reapplied in 1998; it is now in the ‘first wave’ of potential applicants and may expect to join around 2004. Business: English is widely spoken in business circles and, on the whole, Maltese business people have a conservative approach to business protocol. Punctuality is expected and appreciated and dress must be smart. The best months for business visits are October to May. Office hours: Mon-Fri 0830-1245 and 1430-1730, Sat 0830-1200. Some smaller offices close 1300-1600, opening again later. Commercial Information: The following organisations can offer advice: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Palazzo Parisio, Merchants Street, Valletta (tel: 2124 2191; fax: 2123 7822); or Malta Chamber of Commerce, Exchange Buildings, Republic Street, Valletta VLT 05 (tel: 233 873 or 247 233; fax: 245 223; e-mail: info@chamber.org.mt; website: www.chamber.org.mt). Conferences/Conventions: The Conference Division of the Malta Tourism Authority can loan a free promotional video to conference and incentive organisers and is happy to assist with all initial enquiries. For further information, contact the Conference and Incentive Travel Division, 229 Merchants Street, Valletta, Malta tel: 2291 5204; e-mail: cit@visitmalta.com; website: www.visitmalta.com/CIT). Climate Warm most of the year. The hottest months are between July and September, but the heat is tempered by cooling sea breezes. Rain falls for very short periods, mainly in the cooler winter months. Required clothing: Lightweight cottons and linens are worn between March and September, although warmer clothes may occasionally be necessary in spring and autumn and on cooler evenings. A light raincoat is advisable for winter. History and Government History: Malta’s situation in the central Mediterranean has made it an important strategic base since the earliest days of navigation. The first civilisation to leave any significant remains flourished in the third millennium BC, building many megalithic temples. Later the island was occupied by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. Christianity arrived early, in about AD 60, when St Paul was shipwrecked off the coast, and the religion rapidly established itself. On the partition of the Roman Empire, Malta passed under the control of Constantinople. Arab attacks during the eighth and ninth centuries culminated in the surrender of the islands to the governor of Muslim Sicily in 870, but subsequently the Normans reconquered Sicily, and Malta passed back to Christian control in 1090. The Norman rule of the 12th century witnessed a great expansion of trade and a flowering of the arts and sciences, reflecting the splendours of Sicily itself, but the death of the last Hautville king in 1194 ushered in a period of confusion. Prosperity alternated with internal chaos for the rest of the Middle Ages, as the island repeatedly became caught up in the great dynastic struggles of the Mediterranean. The Hohenstaufer (mainly Frederick II), the Angevins, the Aragonnese, the Venetians, the Genoese, the Papacy, the kings of France and the Arabs – all, at various times, attempted to gain control of Malta. Political stability did not return until the 16th century, when Malta, together with Sicily, became part of the vast empire of Charles V, who in 1530, recognised the strategic value of the islands for Christendom, by granting them to the Knights of St John. For the next 250 years Malta was a bulwark against Turkish ambitions in Europe, notably in 1565 when, against overwhelming odds, the island was successfully defended. Napoleon briefly held Malta in the last three years of the 18th century, but a British-backed rebellion forced him to retreat and the British ruled for the next 181 years. The most famous episode in Malta's recent history was the heroic defence of the island during World War II for which the nation was awarded the George Cross. In 1956 a referendum came down heavily in favour of full integration with Britain, a policy then backed by the governing Maltese Labour Party (MLP) under Dom Mintoff. Successive rounds of talks failed, and by 1961 independence was sought by both the major political parties, the other being the conservative Nationalist Party then led by Dr Borg Olivier. Independence was achieved in 1964, and Dr Borg Olivier became Prime Minister. Mintoff’s MLP won the 1971 elections and began to pursue a policy of neutrality, reaching treaties with Libya, Italy and the then USSR, amongst other states. In 1979 the British military base was closed. In May 1987, 16 years of MLP rule came to an end and Dr Edward Fenech Adami of the Nationalist Party (NP) became Prime Minister. Close contacts with Libya were maintained, and relationships with Western governments have improved. The centre-right government had followed the general European pattern of liberalising the economy. The nationalists improved on their previous performance at the election held in February 1992 and were returned with an increased majority. The major political issue of late has been Malta’s application to join the European Union. Domestic opposition to the latter has been led by the MLP, which claims that EU agricultural policies will increase the cost of living, and also undermine its traditionally neutral foreign policy. In September 1996, the Fenech-Adami Government, pursuing its mandate of full EU membership, called a general election. This led to an unexpected victory of the MLP at the polls and the appointment of a new Government was formed by the MLP’s Dr Alfred Sant, who immediately announced that EU membership was no longer a future goal. The Sant government planned that Malta’s association agreement with the EU (signed in 1970 as an essential initial step towards full membership) was to be converted into a ‘free trade zone’ between Malta and the EU. Also scrapped was Malta’s participation in the NATO ‘Partnership for Peace’ programme, under which non-members of NATO could align themselves with that organisation. In September 1998, however, a split within the MLP forced a snap general election at which the NP was returned to power. Fenech-Adami announced that EU membership was government policy once again and, within months, Malta’s suspended application was re-submitted. The accession negotiations proceeded smoothly and, having met most of the entrance criteria, Malta is now expected to join along with nine other countries (mostly from eastern and central Europe) in 2004. Government: Malta’s head of state is president, a largely ceremonial post. Executive power is held by the Cabinet which is chosen from the unicameral legislature, il Kamara tad Deputati (House of Representatives). The assembly has 65 members elected every five years in multi-seat constituencies. Copyright © 2003 Columbus Publishing Ltd.