Malta, independent island nation in the Mediterranean Sea. The country consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, Kemmuna, and two uninhabited islets. Malta is a tiny country, covering a total area of just 316 sq km (122 sq mi). Deep channels separate the islands, the largest of which is the island of Malta. The capital city and leading port is Valletta, on Malta.

The Maltese islands are the rocky peaks of limestone mountains that rise from the sea south of Sicily. Sandy beaches break the rocky coastlines in some places. Washed by warm, clear waters, the islands are renowned for excellent diving. Summers are warm and dry, thanks in part to the hot sirocco winds that blow in from the Sahara to the south. Rainfall and fresh water are scarce, forcing residents to rely on desalinization plants for a stable water supply