The combined population of Malta and Gozo totals around 375,000. Ethnically, the Maltese people are quite an extraordinary mixture. Throughout the islands' long history, the many races that have settled here have left their indelible marks. Both culturally and physically. Thus the Maltese are among the most cosmopolitan people in the world. Nonetheless, these remain definite characteristics which are... always have been... distinctly Maltese.


In stature both the men and the women are about average height, with Mediterranean complexions and dark hair and eyes, although there are quite a number of blonde, blue eyed Maltese around as well. The Maltese character is gregarious and amiable. They love visitors and will go out of their way to make strangers feel at home. Nearly all Maltese are practising Roman Catholics and the influence of the church is very strong.



Even the tiniest village has its own church... some of these are large and imposing... for example the parish church in the village of Mosta has the second largest unsupported dome in the world. During the summer months each town and village celebrate the feast day of its particular saint. These are colourful occasions with the whole population of the village en fete. However, although they are extremely devout, the Maltese are never sanctimonious. Their religion is as much a part of life as eating and sleeping. Tolerance is another character trait which has been honed over generations of foreign occupations.


Most first-time visitors to the Maltese Islands remark on the friendliness and almost naive openness of the people. And, when you live here you realise that this is no act, put on for the sake of the tourists. Neighbours will always look out for one another... they will knock on the door on their way to the shops to ask if they can get anything for you... they take messages happily... look after your children and pets... and generally become very protective towards any non-Maltese living in their community.


The Maltese language sounds rather like Arabic with a few words of Italian, French and even English thrown in for good measure. The language's semitic origins, going all the way back to the time of the Phoenicians, makes it one of the oldest languages still surviving in daily use. The Maltese are naturally courteous, as may be observed when a crowd speaking Maltese will instantly break into English or Italian, depending on the nationality of the non-Maltese speaker joining the group. However, from my experience, tourists to Malta... who later become permanent or temporary residents here do so for the overwhelming reason that they are made to feel welcome, ... and that, in a nutshell, sums up the character of the Maltese people welcoming.