Introduction
 Visit: PKF Malta Guide to Doing Business in Malta 2008/2009
Malta is an archipelago consisting of three inhabited islands, Malta , the largest island, Gozo and Comino, and several smaller uninhabited islands. The archipelago is situated in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea between Sicily and Northern Africa . The topography of the Maltese islands is hilly towards the northwest and low-lying towards the southeast. There are no mountains or rivers and the Maltese coastline is picturesque with many natural harbours, bays, creeks, sandy beaches and rocky caves.
Malta enjoys a moderate Mediterranean climate characterised by warm summers and mild winters. The mean temperature during the winter months (from November to April) is 14 degrees Celsius, whilst that during the summer months (from May to October) is 23 degrees Celsius. The average amount of annual rainfall is approximately 590mm. The population of the Maltese archipelago is just above 400,000 and has a population density of 1,282 persons per square kilometre (according to the 2005 Census) with 70% of which between fifteen and sixty-four years of age and an estimated population growth rate of 0.42%. Malta is a bilingual country with its official languages being Maltese and English, while Italian is also widely spoken.
Malta is on Central European Time (the same time as Rome , Paris and Berlin ) or one hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time, while during daylight saving time (from end of March to the end of October) clocks are advanced by an hour.
 Malta's Foreign Policy
In the light of Malta's geo-political heritage, ranging from its size, geographical location, recent independence following centuries of colonial rule, the relationship with neighbouring Mediterranean states and more recently Membership in the EU (from the 1st May 2004), Malta has developed a foreign policy in line with this context focussing on solidarity; respect for democracy, the rule of law and human rights; a humanitarian approach; a propensity to giving.
With Malta 's accession to the EU, Malta has entered a new environment with new challenges which require different approaches. Membership with the EU provides Malta with the tools to influence decision-making in European policies including common foreign policy hence enabling Malta to strengthen its relevance and weight on international fora.
European Union Membership
Following accession to the EU, Malta 's policy is to proactively participate in EU decisions, policy and law-making, continuing to ensure that important matters of national interest are raised high on the European Union Agenda while continuing to be a team-player in the day-to-day construction of a strong European Union built on a culture of consensus and compromise.
It is also Malta's policy to closely support future enlargement of the European Union within the parameters set by the Treaties, the Copenhagen criteria and in accordance with an appropriate pace of successful absorption in the interests of a strong, well-integrated European Union and peace and stability in Europe through which the further enlargement of the Union shall serve as an impetus for the creation of a wider European area of peace, stability, democracy and human rights dedicated to the prosperity of its peoples in a spirit of solidarity.
Malta supports the European Union as a promoter of peace and cooperation. It is also Malta 's policy to work towards an enhanced relationship between the European Union and the Arab League, promoting that dialogue in the common interest of all parties. Malta is committed to a successful European Union and considers this to be also a measure of its own success. Malta
THE LEGAL SYSTEM
Malta's independent judicial system is backed by many years of experience. The island's civil law is largely based on the Napoleonic Code. The criminal code is Italian in origin, but a system of trial by jury is modelled on English principals. Company and taxation law are also based on the English counterparts. All laws are published in Maltese and English.
LIVING AND WORKING IN MALTA
Living and working on the Island offers many advantages. A European life style is available at a reasonable cost. International cuisine, a superb climate, good leisure, educational facilities, a low crime rate, and a historical and cultural environment. A friendly and relaxed lifestyle is offered, yet Malta is fully equipped to meet the most demanding requirements for a modern business surrounding.
See also information on "Why choose Malta as a Business Centre"
Visit: PKF Malta Guide to Doing Business in Malta 2008/2009 |
