Well, the Maltese Islands are advantageously located in the heart of the Mediterranean Sea, just 93 km south of Sicily. The largest island out of the three populated ones is Malta, followed by picturesque Gozo. Valletta, Malta’s capital city, is the cultural, administrative and commercial centre of the islands.

Thanks to their central location, the islands have been a home, stronghold, trading post and refuge over their 7,000 years of exciting history. This includes the Phoenicians, Arabs, French, the Knights of St John and the British – and all have left their mark.

The islands have an area of around 316 sq km. Malta is the second most densely populated country in the world, with a population of 495,000. The official languages here are Maltese and English, though Italian is also widely spoken. The islands benefit from a bubbling cultural and social life, revolving around numerous national and religious holidays. The climate is mild, with warm, dry summers and mild winters. The cost of living is still comparatively low.

Property costs are rising, but are still relatively cheap and ample by international standards. Education and health systems are of the highest levels and compare well with those on mainland Europe, while the political system is stable.