Strategic geographical location and stable economy
Malta is an archipelago of six islands in the central part of the Mediterranean to the south of the Italian island of Sicily, to the east of Tunisia, and to the north of Libya. Malta is one of the smallest and most densely populated countries in the world. The country joined the European Union in 2004 and the euro became its official currency in 2008. The most important sectors of the Maltese economy are the wholesale and retail trade, transport and the hospitality business. Most Maltese exports go to Germany, France, and Hong Kong, while most imports come from Italy, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.