Message – Hon. David Casa, Member of the European Parliament

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.

THE LOCALITIES

The thirteen localties which comprises the Central Region of Malta are:

Ħ’Attard

This locality has a population 11,131 and forms part of the three main localities in the central region of Malta together with Ħal Balzan and Ħal Lija.

Known for its floral gardens and green areas, the motto of this locality is ‘I perfume the air with my blossoms’.

Ħal Balzan

‘Surronded by gardens’ as its motto says has a population of 4,589.

Birkirkara

This locality is the largest city in the region and across all Malta. It has a population of 23,570 inhabitants with the motto ‘In the sign you will conquer’ (In hoc signo vinces).

Il-Gżira

Surround by sea, Il-Gżira is known for its waters and typical connection to ‘Manuel Island’. Its motto is ‘Flourishing with Justice’ and has a population of 10,784 citizens most of which today are foreigners who work and reside in Malta.

L-Iklin

Comprising of a population of around 3,341 inhabitants, this is the third smallest locality in the Central Region of Malta.

Ħal Lija

It is the second smallest locality in the Central Region with a population of just over 3,000. Known for its orange trees its motto is ‘Suavi Fructo Rubeo’ which translates to, ‘I glow red with sweet fruit’.

L-Imsida

With a population of 12,216 persons, it is situated adjacent to the seashore which flows from Marsamxetto Harbour and its motto is ‘The Last to be erected’.

Tal-Pieta

With its motto ‘Where there is love’ has also part of its territory by the sea with a population of 4,580 inhabitans.