where is malta located

Malta is an island country located in the central Mediterranean Sea, south of Italy and north of Libya. It lies approximately 93 kilometers (58 miles) south of Sicily, Italy, and around 300 kilometers (186 miles) north of the North African coast. Malta consists of an archipelago, including the main island Malta, as well as the islands of Gozo and Comino. The country is situated in Southern Europe, between Sicily and North Africa, and is known for its strategic location and rich history.