Malta is an island country located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, made up of three main islands: Malta, Gozo and Comino. It has an area of 316 km² and a population of about 520,000 inhabitants, making it the smallest and most densely populated country in the European Union. Malta has a long history and rich culture, influenced by the various civilizations that have occupied it, such as the Phoenicians, Romans, Arabs, Normans, Spanish, French and British. Malta is famous for its architectural and artistic heritage, which includes megalithic temples, medieval cities, baroque palaces and fortifications that, together with its warm climate, beaches, gastronomy and nightlife, make it a very popular tourist destination. Among its places of interest are Valletta, capital and fortified city of Malta; Mdina, ancient capital and medieval city; Marsaxlokk, a picturesque fishing village famous for its colorful boats called luxxus; The Three Cities (Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua), three historic cities surrounded by a fortification that preserve the legacy of the Order of Malta; the Blue Lagoon, a lagoon with crystal clear waters and white sand located on the island of Comino; the Blue Grotto, an impressive sea cave;the island of Gozo, the second largest in Malta; megalithic temples, the oldest prehistoric monuments in Europe, built between 3600 and 2500 BC; and the Hal Saflieni Hypogeum, an underground necropolis from the Bronze Age.
