The Archipelago make up of the Maltese Islands consists of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, strategically situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea, 95 kilometres south of Sicily and 290 kilometres from the coast of North Africa.  The total population is some 400,000 spread over an area of 316 sq km.

The Maltese Islands boast a unique legacy: 7000 years of rich, fascinating history ranging, amongst others, from the Phoenicians to the Romans, the Order of St. John of Jerusalem, the French and lastly the British who governed the islands for over a century and half until Malta gained independence in 1964, becoming The Republic of Malta in 1974.  From Megaliths and medieval dungeons to Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.

The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.  This myriad of cultures has left a wealth of treasures and architecture above and below sea level. Historical finds are still there to be discovered adding to the aura of mystery that surrounds these Islands.

The transition to full European Union status was relatively smooth and took place in May 2004. The Islands have a very high standard of living, so much so that it was recently voted third highest in Europe!