Origins | Demographics | Fact Sheet | Organisations

Country

The main island is 237 sq. kms in area whereas Gozo is 68 sq. kms and Comino, 2 sq. kms.

The Maltese islands population numbers about 400,000, from which 28,000 live in Gozo. Comino is only inhabited by three people.

Language

There are 2 official languages in Malta and Gozo. The people speak their own tongue - Maltese, a language of Semitic origin. It is extremely interesting that Maltese is the only Semitic language written in Latin characters. Through the ages, many foreign words, particularly Italian, but also French and English, became part of the language.

Extremely interesting is the fact that on Gozo, an island one can drive across in 15 minutes, there exist some distinctive dialects. There are 14 villages often a five minute walk from each other and the difference in dialect can be extremely noticeable.

English is one of two official languages and is widely spoken in Malta and Gozo. Apart from being fluent in Maltese and English, most Maltese speak and write in Italian and it is quite common to encounter those who can also manage a 4th language.

Many students from central Europe choose Malta and Gozo to learn the English language. There are about 50 registered English language schools and many opt to learn English here because of the many activities one can do besides. Some may prefer to lie on the beach but others indulge in scuba diving, mountain biking or cultural visits.

If you are interested in learning English in Malta, there are various exciting programmes and schools ready to welcome you aboard. Some English language schools organise accommodation within Maltese families. This gives the individual the opportunity to use and practice the English language even after class hours. In Gozo the language schools are mostly less commercial and cater for those interested in being in smaller and more intensive classes. For more information contact the Gozo Dive Shops.