Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a small and densely populated (July 2006 extimate: 400,214 for an area slightly less than twice the size of Washington, DC) island nation consisting of an archipelago of seven islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. Malta lies directly south of Sicily, east of Tunisia and north of Libya. The strategically located islands constituting the Maltese nation have been ruled by various powers and fought over for centuries. Only the three largest islands: Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Ghawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited.

The capital of Valletta is located at the eastern side of the island. Valletta is one of the tour stops on this site. The other stops are Mdina - the old capital of Malta, Mosta - home of the world's third largest unsupported dome, Blue Grotto - a popular natural tourist destination for boating and diving, and Sweethaven Village - the set of the 1980 film "Popeye."

Most of Malta's population lives in Malta Island, and Valletta continues to serve as the nation's cultural center. Meanwhile, Malta Island also boasts fashionable shops, discos, casinos, military parades, theater, and most other forms of entertainment. The Maltese people are now working hard to boost the image of the islands. The 1990s saw major renovations of hotels, particularly those in the 4 to 5 star category. The islands' biggest tourist resorts are Sliema and St Paul's Bay (including Bugibba, Qawra) in the north.

Gozo
Gozo is the second largest island of Malta. The charm of Gozo is apparent the moment you arrive there. Greener, more rural and smaller than Malta, life on Gozo moves at a leisurely pace. The rhythms dictated by the seasons, fishing and agriculture.

In winter and spring, the Island is covered with flowering herbs and lush crops. In summer, it's awash with oleander, bougainvillea and geranium.

Gozo is steeped in myth. Thought to be the legendary Calypso's isle of Homer's Odyssey, it's a peaceful, mystical backwater. Baroque churches and old stone farmhouses dot the countryside.

Its rugged landscape and spectacular coastline await exploration. Choose from rocky inlets to red sand beaches or sail, snorkel, dive and fish. Gozo has some of the Mediterranean's best dive sites.

But there's more. Gozo comes complete with historical sites, forts and amazing panoramas. Plus one of the archipelago's best-preserved prehistoric temples, Ggantija. Not to mention a nightlife and cultural calendar all its own, and some great dining out.

Here, the colours of Malta are at their most vivid. The Island's main attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a sheltered inlet of shimmering aquamarine water over white sand and a popular day trip by pleasure and sail boat. The Lagoon is excellent for snorkelling. Linger on Comino once the day trippers leave, and you'll find yourself on the ultimate in secluded islands. As the sun sets, Comino will seem your notion of a typical desert island.

Comino is worth a visit all year round. In winter, it is ideal for walkers and photographers. Without urban areas, or cars, you can pick up the scent of wild thyme and other herbs. Cumin still grows here, self-seeded from the time it was cultivated. With the clear warm seas, water sports enthusiasts will find Comino paradise. The isle has some excellent dive sites.