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Malta, Gozo and Comino

Author: Alexander Rangelov

Malta is an archipelago in the central Mediterranean sea, some 93 km south of Sicily. It consists of the relatively small islands - Malta, Gozo, Comino(Kemmuna), Kemmunett, and Filfla. The area of the largest island, Malta, is 246 sq km; of Gozo, 67 sq km; and of Comino - 3 sq km. The combined area of Kemmunett and Filfla is 0.3 sq km. The total population of Malta is 400,214 (July 2006 est.). This makes it one of the most densely populated countries worldwide. And because of this it is the only country promoting emigration.

Malta has been inhabited since around 5200BC. A significant prehistoric culture, that predates the Pyramids of Giza by a millennium, is believed to have existed on the islands. Phoenicians colonized the islands around 1000BC, using them as an outpost from which they expanded sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean. Later it was under the control of Carthage, Rome, the Byzantine Empire. In the 9th century Arabs took control of the island. They introduced the cultivation of citrus fruits and cotton, irrigation systems, and most notably, the Arabic language, which the majority of the population adopted as their mother tongue. Its influence can be seen most prominently in the modern Maltese language. In the begining of the 16th century the island was given by Spain to the Knights Hospitaller. It was these Knights of Malta, as they're now known that erected the vast fortifications all across the islands. Combined with the vertical cliffs all around the shore, they made the islands a perfect fortress. Their reign ended when Malta was captured by Napoleon who was in tern pushed out by the British empire. Malta was given independence in 1964 and total freedom from British rule in 1979.

The rest of the information about Malta, Gozo and Comino.

About the Author:
This article about Malta is written by Alexander Rangelov, a publisher in Earth Point, the website describing some of the most beautiful and unique places around the world.

Things To Do and See in Gozo Island

Ghantija Megalithic Temples, Ggantija, Gozo Island
Attraction type: Religious site; Historic site

St. George's Basilica, Victoria, Gozo Island
Attraction type: Religious site

Ggantija Temple, Ggantija, Gozo Island
Attraction type: Ancient ruins

Gharb Folklore Museum, Gharb, Gozo Island
Attraction type: Specialty museum

Calypso Cave, Marsalforn, Gozo Island
Attraction type: Cavern/cave

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