Malta is a relatively small island in the Mediterranean Sea. The population is around 450,000 and there is also a considerable influx of foreigners in the summer since tourism is one of the country’s strongest industries. Malta is also a hotbed for the Catholic religion since the island has strong traditions that are rooted in almost 2000 years of Christianity, however the situation is changing considerably as the population becomes younger and more open minded.

Malta’s capital city is Valletta, a sleepy baroque city that is going to be European Capital of Culture in 2018. Although its population has declined considerably over the years, there is still a lot to see in the capital with tens of stunning baroque palaces and other superb architectural gems. The new Parliament and City Gate have been designed by the world famous architect, Renzo Piano while there is restoration work currently going on at Fort St Elmo, one of the finest examples of Great Siege memory.

The Maltese people are a diverse bunch that have become far more media savvy and cosmopolitan over the decades. The country gained independence from the British in 1964, became a republic in 1974 and joined the European Union in 2004. One of the most important industries is IT as well as gaming and the economy has shifted full circle from a predominantly agricultural one to a service based one. Politically, Malta had a Nationalist or centre right government for the past quarter of a century with the Labour Party finally being returned to power in 2013 after a brief interregnum in 1996-98.

Malta has a vibrant nightlife that is based around the hamlet of Paceville in the sprawling seaside town of St Julians. Here, one can find all sorts of wine bars, discos, restaurants as well as strip clubs where there is considerable activity especially with women coming from East European countries. There is a burgeoning escort industry with several women up for grabs if you play your cards right. Tourism also brings in thousands of young people who are looking for a good time and this has helped the accommodation industry with thousands of apartment rooms now rented out to students and guest workers.

Malta enjoys a fine climate with long hot summers and relatively mild winters. There is also a state of the art health system based around private and public hospitals which offer first class health care.