IFES Interaction

Currently there is no IFES or InterAction work in Malta, but we're hoping to pioneer student ministry in the next few years. If you're interested to be involved in that, please contact us at +44 (0)1865 292585 or info@ifesinteraction.org!

The Maltese Islands are situated in the Mediterranean Sea, about 100 km from Sicily and 290 km from North Africa. They consist of Malta (390 sq km) Gozo (65 sq km) and Comino (2.5 sq km). They are one of the oldest civilizations in the Mediterranean dating back to circa 5000 years B.C. The population is around 400,000 and is homogeneous with its own identity and language. The official languages are Maltese and English with most of the people also fluent in Italian.

Malta's topography is characterized by a series of low hills and slopes towards the Northeast and low lying land to the Southeast. The Islands have a typically temperate climate offering warm, dry summers and mild winters. They enjoy some 300 days of sunshine and the average rainfall is about 590mm. Temperatures range between 14°C in winter and 32°C in summer.

Valletta is the capital city and houses the seat of Government. Malta has a parliamentary democracy with executive power resting with the Prime Minister and the Cabinet. Parliament is composed of 65 representatives elected every 5 years. The President represents the unity of the nation.

Religion

The overwhelming majority of citizens (approximately 98 percent) are Roman Catholic, and approximately 63 percent attend services regularly. While some political leaders diverge from Catholicism, most of the country's political leaders also are Roman Catholic.

Most congregants at the local Protestant churches are not Maltese; many British retirees live in the country, and vacationers from many other nations compose the remainder of such congregations. There are approximately 500 Jehovah's Witnesses, the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (Mormons), the Bible Baptist Church and the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches have about 60 affiliates. There is one Muslim mosque and one Jewish congregation. Zen Buddhism and the Baha'i Faith also have about 40 members. There is one Muslim mosque and a Muslim primary school. Of the estimated 3,000 Muslims in Malta, approximately 2,250 are foreigners, approximately 600 are naturalized citizens, and approximately 150 are native-born Maltese.

Currently there is no IFES or InterAction work in Malta. We hope to pioneer this small country in the coming years and to start IFES ministry. Because it is pioneering work a lot of creativity and initiative, besides a strong faith and endurance are essential. Also a lot of prayer for this country and the many who haven't heard of Jesus is needed.

Please contact us if you are interested in starting up evangelical student ministry in Malta. You can call us at +44 (0)1865 292585 or email us at info@ifesinteraction.org.