Although small in size
(316 kmē), the independent republic of Malta is
strategically located midway between the Strait of Gibraltar and the Suez
Canal in the Mediterranean Sea. The country is made up of three inhabited
islands that are visible in this image (above): the island of Malta, the
largest, Gozo, and Comino, the smallest, is situated between the two larger
islands. The capital and largest city, Valletta, is mainly built on a rocky
peninsula along the northeast coast of Malta. Valletta can be identified
even on this small image where the peninsula extends northeast between two
natural harbors (small, narrow, dark features). The geological faulting in
this area has produced numerous fine natural harbors around the periphery of
Malta. Although the islands are composed of sedimentary rocks, mainly
limestone and clays, the alkaline soils provide fertile conditions for the
well-established agricultural economy. Precipitation amounts can be a
problem in that the islands average only about 12 inches (32 cm) per year.
Malta has few natural resources so the growth of tourism, especially since
World War II, has gradually added to the Maltese economy (NASA -
1997).
Malta
Map
