An African view

Writing in Uganda's New Vision, Elisabeth Agiro says Malta is a country of 'no rivers, streams and lakes':

Over the centuries, Malta's strategic position fostered its development as an important trading post and it remains a leading centre for container and freight transshipment. Malta is a popular holiday destination and tourism is the nation's main source of income...There are no rivers, streams or lakes on Malta Island, which has an indented coast on the eastern side with several good natural harbours. Gozo has cliffs and flat-topped hills. Water is obtained from natural ground water resources..

Malta is home to what may be the oldest freestanding structure in the world: the oldest of all the megalithic temples on the islands is il-Ggantija, in Ghawdex dating back to before 3500 BC. One of the very earliest marks of civilisation on the islands is the temple of Hagar Qim, which dates from between 3200 and 2500 BC, stands on a hilltop on the southern edge of the island. Adjacent to Hagar Qim, lies another remarkable temple site, I-Imnajdra. Phoenicians colonised the islands around 700 BC, using them as an outpost from which they expanded sea explorations and trade in the Mediterranean.

Since becoming an EU member, the tiny island has reported an increasing problem with immigration from North Africa and has requested more help to deal with it. The United Nations refugee agency has criticised the island's policy of keeping asylum seekers in detention for 18 months.Lawrence Gonzi took office in March 2004, just before Malta entered the EU. He said Malta should seize the opportunities afforded by membership...