FACTS

Location: Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of Sicily (Italy)

Area (only Total) total: 316 sq km

Climate: Mediterranean; mild, rainy winters; hot, dry summers

Terrain: mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs

Population: 403,532 (July 2008 est.)

Main Language (only first): Maltese

Government type: republic

Capital (Name): Valletta

Capital (Time Difference): UTC+1

Independence: 21 September 1964 (from UK)

National holiday: Independence Day, 21 September (1964)