Malta is a small, democratic Mediterranean island nation, positioned
as a cultural and political stepping-stone between Europe and North Africa.
Malta will accede to the European Union on 1st May 2004 with 9 other new member
states.
Situated in the Mediterranean less than 100 km from Sicily, the small island
group covers about 32 km². Malta is steeped in history of occupations and
invasions, the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Knights of St. John, French
and English have all left their mark.
Agriculture is a chief occupation in Malta, about 40% of the land is under
cultivation. The density of population and the poor soil requires food products
to be imported. Major manufacturing industries include processed food,
beverages, textiles, clothing, furniture, wood products, transportation
equipment and machinery. Ship repairs are an important part of the Maltese
economy.