The Maltese Islands
 

Megaliths, medieval dungeons and Calypso's Cave – The Maltese Islands are positively mythic. The narrow meandering streets of their towns and villages are crowded with Renaissance cathedrals and Baroque palaces. As the countryside is dotted with the oldest known human structures in the world, the Islands have rightly been described as an open-air museum.
 
The Maltese archipelago lies virtually at the centre of the Mediterranean, with Malta 93km south of Sicily and 288km north of Africa. The archipelago consists of three islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino with a total population of 400,000 inhabitants over an area of 316sq km and a coastline of 196.8km (not including 56.01 km for the island of Gozo).
 
Malta is the largest island and the cultural, commercial and administrative centre. Gozo is the second largest island and is more rural, characterised by fishing, tourism, crafts and agriculture while Comino is largely uninhabited.
 
With superbly sunny weather, expansive beaches, a thriving nightlife and 7,000 years of intriguing history, there is a great deal to see and do. With a little help from any guidebook, captivating places of interest are immediately identified – the world famous Hypogeum selected as a place of World Heritage by UNESCO, prehistoric temples and grand palaces are but a few.
 
The long relationship between the Islanders and the various nationalities that occupied Malta over the centuries has created a marriage of styles and traditions, giving the Islands a fascinating eclectic culture.
 
Source: www.visitmalta.com
 

General Information
 
Climate and Clothing:: Whilst the weather in Malta in September is usually hot and sunny, it may also be cold and windy. Light jackets and umbrellas are recommended.
 
Telecommunications: Vodafone, GO and Melita provide the latest generation mobile telephony services. Relatively cheap international calling cards may be bought from various outlets as well.
 
Currency: The unit of currency in Malta is the Euro
 
Banks: There are banks in all the towns and villages with additional "Bureaux de Change" in Sliema, St. Julians and Valletta. Bank of Valletta and HSB banking hours are as follows:
 
Bank of Valletta:
Monday - Thursday : 08:30 - 14:00
Friday : 08:30 - 15:30
Saturday : 08:30 - 12:30
 
HSBC
Monday - Thursday : 08:30 - 13:30
Friday : 08:30 - 16:30
Saturday : 08:30 - 12:30
 
The bank at the airport is open 24hrs.
 
Electricity: Electricity is 220/240 volts, single phase, 50 cycle. The square fitting standard three-pin plugs and sockets are used.
 
Language: The national language is Maltese which is a complex derivative of Semitic and Romance languages using a primarily Latin alphabet but also including a number of additional letters which originate in the Arab language. English is also an official language and is widely spoken in Malta and will be the language of the conference.
 
Useful Telephone Numbers:
Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) - 112
Overseas Operator - 1152
Directory Enquiries - 1182
Flight Enquiries - 5004 3333 (Malta International Airport)
Gozo Ferries - 21556114