Information about Malta

Strategically placed at the centre of the Mediterranean, Malta has been involved in the major events that have characterised this region. The Republic of Malta consists of an archipelago of three main Mediterranean islands (Malta, Gozo and Comino) making up an area of approximately 316 km2. With a population of over 400,000, Malta has a relatively high population density (1160 persons per km2). With its natural environment, 7000 years of history and cultural traditions, Malta is like an open-air museum that can be easily explored.

Endemic flora and fauna, the oldest free-standing stone structures in the world, great fortresses, Renaissance cathedrals, Baroque palaces and a varied cuisine are but a few of the attractions that Malta has to offer. Find out more by visiting:

http://www.visitmalta.com/main?l=1

Information about Mellieħa can be found in the following link: http://mellieha.gov.mt/

(a)   Time Zone: Central European Time (GMT + 01:00)

(b)  Visa requirements:  Malta is a Schengen Zone country. Check out whether your country is part of the Schengen Zone by visiting:

 http://www.foreign.gov.mt/Default.aspx?MDIS=525

Please check whether you need a Visa to come to Malta by visiting:

http://www.foreign.gov.mt/default.aspx?MDIS=523

We can send you an official invitation letter to attend the NOM if you need it. Just tick the appropriate box in the registration form.

(c)  Health: Delegates should ensure that they are covered by an adequate medical insurance. Health care in Malta is of a high level conforming to European standards. There are three major hospitals: Mater Dei Hospital – the state hospital and two private hospitals: St James Hospital and Da Vinci Hospital.

(d)   Language: The national language is Maltese. English is also an official language and is widely spoken and will be the language of the NOM. If you want to learn some basic Maltese phrases visit:
http://www.linguata.com/maltese/maltese-phrases-with-audio.html. For the more daring we suggest:

 http://www.linguanaut.com/english_maltese.htm.

(e)  Shops: Shops in Mellieħa are usually open from 0900 to 1200hrs and 1600 to 1900hrs, Monday to Friday. On Saturday most shops open during the morning only.  Most shops are closed on Sundays. Shops may stay open all day, also on Sundays in other locations.

(f)   Climate and Clothing: With all the permutations that Climate Change is causing, it is very difficult to predict the weather.  However, winter is quite mild in Malta, with the temperature varying between 11 degrees to 17 degrees during the day. February tends to be quite wet – so we suggest you bring moderate to warm clothing, a rain jacket and umbrella! The hotel is equipped with an indoor swimming pool and a spa area which you can use free of charge – so you may consider bringing your swimsuit too!

 (g)  Communications: Telephone – there are no area codes and public telephone booths are available. Mobile phone – roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and coverage is good. Internet – there are internet cafes in the main towns and resorts and our NOM venue offers free wireless connection in the conference hall. Post – good postal services exist within the island with mail taking around four working days to arrive at an EU destination.

(h)   Currency and Banks: The unit of currency in Malta is the Euro. All major credit cards are widely accepted. There is an ATM just a few metres up the street from the Hotel in Mellieħa. There are banks in all towns and villages with additional "Bureaux de Change" in Sliema, St Julians and Valletta. Banking hours are: Mon-Fri 0830-1730, Sat 0800-1300.

(i)  Electricity: Electricity supply is 220/240 volts, single phase, 50 cycle. The square fitting standard three-pin plugs and sockets are used.

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