The island of Malta is located in the Mediterranean Sea in Southern Europe, to the south of Sicily. It has an area of 316 square kilometres and its capital is Valletta.

Malta had a population of 396,851 in July 2004 with an estimated growth rate of 0,42%. The national languages are English and Maltese. The main religion is Roman Catholic.

Malta’s climate is Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The terrain is mostly low and rocky with many coastal cliffs. Natural resources are limestone, salt and arable land.

Malta is a parliamentary democracy with a unicameral parliament with 65 members elected by popular vote. The Maltese President, who merely has ceremonial functions, is elected by the Parliament. There is a two-party system with parties of approximately the same size, something that has a strongly polarizing impact on all aspects of life. Voter turnout invariably reaches 98% to 99%.

Major resources are limestone, a favourable geographic location, and a productive labour force. Malta produces only about 20% of its food needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has no domestic energy sources. The most important economic sectors are export production, tourism, financial services, shipyards, contract processing and the public sector. Manufacturing products include textiles, food and beverages and electronics. The currency of Malta is the Maltese lira.

There is no specific franchise law in Malta.