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Malta is an archipelago of five islands located in the central Mediterranean Sea. It consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto Filfa and St. Paul. The islands are generally low lying with no mountains or rivers and the coastlines of Malta and Gozo are well indented with numerous bays and rocky coves. Malta has a typical Mediterranean climate characterized by a dry summer season and a mild rainy winter season. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especially electronics and pharmaceuticals), and tourism.
Area: 316 sq km
Population: 400,214
Capital: Valletta
People: Maltese descendants of ancient Carthaginians and Phoenicians, with strong elements of Italian and other Mediterranean stock.
Language: Maltese (official), English (official)
Religion: Roman Catholic 98%
Government: Republic
GDP: US$8.122 billion
Major Industries: Agriculture, beverages, clothing, electronic equipment, foodstuffs, footwear, leather, rubber and plastic, shipbuilding and repairs, textiles, tourism, and tobacco products.
Major Trading Partners: Its main trading partners are Germany, Italy, the UK and the USA.
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