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Malta, officially the Republic of Malta, is a small anddensely populated European microstate, comprising an archipelago of sevenislands, making it an island nation. Situated in Southern Europe, 93 km(58 mi) off the coast of Sicily (Italy), it is located in theMediterranean Sea, giving the country a warm, Mediterranean climate, while afurther 288 km (179 mi) to the island's south is Libya. The nation'scapital city is the historic Valletta.

The resident population of Malta, which includes foreignersresiding in Malta for at least a year, was estimated at 404,039. The country'sofficial languages are Maltese and English, although there are stronghistorical ties to the Italian language on the islands. Malta is currently amember of the European Union which it joined in 2004, in addition to being partof the Commonwealth of Nations and the UN. Roman Catholic is the official andmost practiced religion in Malta today.

Major resources are limestone, a favorable geographiclocation, and a productive labor force. Malta produces only about 20% of itsfood needs, has limited fresh water supplies, and has few domestic energysources. The economy is dependent on foreign trade, manufacturing (especiallyelectronics and pharmaceuticals), and tourism. The government is investingheavily in the country's provision of education. As all education is free,Malta is currently producing a pool of qualified persons which heavilycontribute to the country's growing economy. Economic recovery of the Europeaneconomy has lifted exports, tourism, and overall growth. Malta adopted the euroon 1 January 2008.

Malta has a very strong domestic real estate market. Coupledwith demand from buyers from overseas moving to the island and also for secondhomes for holidays, the prices have risen gradually in recent years. Taxes orthe lack of them is one of many good reasons to invest in property in Malta orGozo. The followings are the advantages of investing in Malta: no municipal,federal, and provincial taxes, except for a one-time 5% stamp duty. Manyforeign and Maltese investors have taken advantage of this system and have overthe past 25 years made huge profits with sometimes very little capital outlay.