Application bid European Region of Sports 2020

MALTA STRATEGIC POSITION BETWEEN EUROPE AND AFRICA The Maltese Islands, which are made up of Malta, Gozo and Comino are surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea and are therefore referred to as the Maltese archipelago.

The strategic position of our islands between Italy in Europe and Libya in Africa, has been of utmost importance throughout the years both from an economic and a commercial point of view.

Malta has been an independent country since 1964 and has been a republic since 1974. Since its historic membership in the European Union back in 2004, Malta has made massive steps forward and despite being one of the smallest countries in Europe if not the smallest, it has gained the respect for many countries all over the world.

Populated by 500,000 people in an area of 316 square kilometres, Malta is the fourth dense sovereign country in the world. The capital city of Malta is Valletta which was given the title of the European Capital of Culture in 2018.

The central region, which covers 13 localities in an area of 25 kilometres squared, is one of the five administrative regions in the Maltese Islands. This region is occupied by around 29% of the total population and includes; Ħ'Attard, Ħal Balzan, Birkirkara, Il-Gżira, L-Iklin, Ħal Lija, Imsida ,Tal-Pieta, San Ġwann, Sliema, San Ġiljan, Santa Venera and Ta’ Xbiex.