Malta

Mediterranean · island nation · European

Island Country in Mediterranean. Malta is located in the central Mediterranean Sea, sitting 50 miles south of Italy and much closer to North Africa than to most of Europe. It's actually made up of a whole group of islands, not just one.

Two Official Languages. The people of Malta speak both Maltese and English, which is unusual for a country. Maltese is recognized as the national language, but English is equally official.

Valletta is Tiny. Malta's capital city is Valletta, which holds a special record: it's the smallest capital city in the entire European Union by area and population. It's packed with history and color despite its small size.

Three-Way Crossroads. Malta sits at a fascinating meeting point in the Mediterranean. It's close enough to Italy to feel European, yet it's also 176 miles from Tunisia and 207 miles from Libya, making it a bridge between different regions.