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GeographyThe Maltese islands cover an area of 316 square kilometres (Malta 246 km, Gozo 67 km, and Comino 2.7 km). The population of the island is around 400,000.
The longest distance on the island of Malta, from the south-east to the north-west is some 27 kms. Malta has neither mountains nor rivers, but is characterised by a series of low hills with fields on slopes. Malta’s coastline is well indented with harbours, bays, creeks, a few sandy beaches. The capital city is Valletta, this being located in the central-eastern portion of the island of Malta.
Gozo is smaller than its sister island Malta; the island is certainly more rustic and quieter than Malta. The countryside is greener, cleaner, and more spectacular. It is mostly rural, offering a series of breathtaking views and great opportunities for outdoor activities, such as: hiking, rock climbing, abseiling, and biking. Flat-topped hills characterise the Gozitan landscape. The capital city is Victoria (also known as Rabat).
Comino is tha smallest island of the three main islands of Malta (other islands include Cominotto, Filfla, and St Paul's Island). It is mostly rural, with a hotel that is renowned for its hospitality and facilities especially for swimming and water sports. Indeed, the island hosts one of Malta's most beautiful beaches - none other than the Blue Lagoon.
Malta’s climate is strongly influenced by the sea and has a typical Mediterranean flavour. Winters are mild with occasional cold weather brought by northerly and north-easterly winds from central Europe. Summers are hot, dry and very sunny. The islands have a very sunny climate with a daily average of five to six hours of sunshine in mid-winter and more than 12 hours a day in summer.
The Blue Rock Thrush ('Merill' in Maltese), is Malta's national bird, which resides on cliffs by the sea. The male bird is blue, with black wings and tail. The national plant is known as the Maltese Rock Centuary (or 'Widnet il-Bahar'); it is purplish red with green leaves.
Useful Link
Maltese Tourism Authority
