The Maltese Islands lie in the centre of the Mediterranean. The archipelago consists of six islands; Malta, Gozo, Comino, Cominotto, Filfla and St. Paul’s Islets. Gozo, lies 93 km (58 miles) south of Sicily. The total area is 316 square kilometers.

Malta the biggest of the sister Islands is 27 kilometers long and 14. 5 kilometers wide. Only Malta, Gozo and Comino are inhabited. Malta is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. It’s population reaches the 410,000 mark.

Historically, Malta's location has been of great strategic importance in the Mediterranean. The capital of Malta, Valletta, possesses one of the finest natural harbors in southern Europe. Because of these factors, Malta has been subject to numerous invasions and foreign domination, which has left a legacy of foreign influences. Most recently, Malta was a British colony until 1964. Malta became self-governing in 1947. This self-government was revoked in 1959 but was restored in 1962. Full independence was achieved in 1964, and Malta became a member of the Commonweath of Nations. Malta is a parliamentary republic with a president, a prime minister and a unicameral legislature.

The population is ethnically mixed, absorbing Arabs, Italiansand British. The chief spoken language, Maltese, is the only Semantic language in the world normally using the Latin alphabet. The official second language of Malta is English. Almost the entire population is Roman Catholic, the official religion.

The Bushido Ju-Jitsu Academy is currently based in Pembroke, Malta. Ju-Jitsu classes are also regularly organised at our Fgura Dojo.
Pembroke is some times also referred to as St. Andrews. (see lesson schedule)