Note: The cache is not at the listed coordinates.
Living in the smallest state in the country is a source of pride for many Rhode Islanders. However few people know that Rhode Island is actually much larger than a number of entire nations. This cache is the first in a series representing the world's ten smallest countries, all of which are significantly smaller than the Ocean State. These puzzle caches aren't designed to be the most difficult, but hopefully you'll learn something about each country along the way. In most cases, the information provided at the beginning of each cache page will not be particularly helpful in solving the puzzle.
Malta
Malta, located off the coast of Italy, is the world's ninth smallest recognized nation, measuring only 316km2. The first humans are thought to have settled on the Maltese Islands around 5200 BC. Around two millennia later, the inhabitants of the islands constructed several large Megalithic temples, as shown below. From about 2000 BC to 1947 AD, the Maltese archipelago was conquered and occupied by a number of other civilizations, including the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians, the Romans, the Byzantines, the French, and the British. In 1964, Malta received independence within the British Commenwealth, and ten years later officially became a republic.
Today Malta is a popular tourist destination in the Mediterranean, drawing more than 1.5 million visitors each year. The capital city, Valletta. was registered as a World Heritage Sire by UNESCO in 1980. The country's economy is heavily dependent upon services, and the natural limestone deposits found throughout the islands. Malta's main exports include electrical machinery, pharmaceutical products, and fish, while also offering picturesque settings for a variety of blockbuster films, such as Troy, World War Z, Captain Phillips, and the Da Vinci Code.
N 41 59.830 W 71 29.658 (Yes, it was that easy :))
The Puzzle
- The Maltese Archipelago consists of three islands: Gozo, Comino, and Malta.
- The country can be found about 50 miles south of Sicily.
- As a former British territory, all automobiles in the country are driven on the left-hand side of the road.
- In 2013, the UN rated Malta as the 48th happiest country on Earth.
- There are 365 churches on the islands (90% of the islands' population are Roman Catholic).
- Malta joined the EU in 2004.
- Malta's country code is +356
- A 20-minute ferry ride is all that separates the island of Malta to the island of Gozo.
- Malta is home to 10 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
- The country has only one university, The Maltese Cross.
In the summer, this could be a park and grab. In the winter, you'll have a bit of a walk/bike to GZ.
You can check your answers for this puzzle on GeoChecker.com.
Co-FTF goes to BlackstoneVal and ~Marvalus!