Geography

Malta is an archipelago of coralline limestone, located in the Mediterranean Sea (in its eastern basin), approximately 93 kilometres south of Sicily, Italy, and approximately 300 km north of Africa. Only the three largest islands Malta Island (Malta), Gozo (Ghawdex), and Comino (Kemmuna) are inhabited. The smaller islands, such as Filfla, Cominotto and the Islands of St. Paul are uninhabited.

The Malta Channel to the north separates Malta from the island of Sicily, the largest Italian isle.

The country is approximately 316 sq km in area. Numerous bays along the indented coastline of the islands provide good harbours. The landscape is characterised by low hills with terraced fields. The highest point is at Ta' Dmejrek on Malta Island at 253 metres (830 ft) near Dingli. The capital is Valletta.

Although there are some small rivers at times of high rainfall, there are no permanent rivers or lakes on Malta. However some watercourses are found randomly around the island that have fresh water running all year round. Such places are Bahrija, Imtahleb and San Martin. Running water in Gozo is found at Lunzjata Valley.

Contrary to popular belief, the south of Malta is not Europe's most southern point; that distinction belongs to the Greek island of Gavdos.