II.

Land of Malta

The area of the largest island, Malta, is 246 sq km (95 sq mi); of Gozo, 67 sq km (26 sq mi); and of Kemmuna, 3 sq km (1 sq mi). The combined area of the uninhabited islets, Kemmunett and Filfla, is 0.3 sq km (0.12 sq mi). The total area of Malta is 316 sq km (122 sq mi). The axis of the island group runs from Malta in the southeast to Gozo in the northwest, with tiny Comino in between.

The Maltese islands are low-lying limestone plateaus. The islands are generally treeless, and the land has a gently rolling surface. Many of the hills are terraced for farming, giving much of the countryside the appearance of giant steps. The islands reach their highest point in southwestern Malta’s Binġemma Hills, which rise to 239 m (784 ft) above sea level. The best natural harbors are found on Malta. Gozo lacks good harbors.

Malta has hot, dry summers, and mild, humid winters. The mean temperature is 19°C (66°F). Average annual rainfall is modest—about 56 cm (about 22 in)—although in some years rainfall is as low as 25 cm (10 inches). Most precipitation falls between September and May. Malta has no permanent rivers or lakes. Pressures from farming, industry, and continued growth in tourism have placed a severe strain on Malta’s scarce water resources. Today, up to 70 percent of Malta’s water comes from plants that desalinate salt water.