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GEOGRAPHY
Location:
Southern Europe, islands in the Mediterranean Sea, south of
Sicily (Italy)
Geographic
coordinates: 35 50 N, 14 35 E
comparative
area: less than twice the size of Washington, DC
continental shelf: 200-m
depth or to the depth of exploitation
exclusive fishing zone:
25 nm
International
disputes: Malta and Tunisia are discussing the commercial
exploitation of the continental shelf between their countries,
particularly for oil exploration
Climate:
Mediterranean with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers
Terrain:
mostly low, rocky, flat to dissected plains; many coastal cliffs
lowest
point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Dingli Cliffs
245 m
Natural
resources: limestone, salt
Irrigated
land: 10 sq km (1989)
current issues: very limited
natural fresh water resources; increasing reliance on desalination
international agreements:
party to - Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea,
Marine Dumping, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship
Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Biodiversity,
Desertification
Geographic
note: the country comprises an archipelago, with only the
three largest islands (Malta, Gozo, and Comino) being inhabited;
numerous bays provide good harbors.
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