Apart from the hospitality and friendliness of the Maltese - probably inherited from their contact with foreign occupations throughout their colourful history - Malta boasts a number of other outstanding features that render it an ideal holiday, business and retirement destination.

Not only does it offer attractive residency conditions, such as no property taxes, but it is also renowned for its low crime rate and safe life that affords fearless freedom at any hour of the day, or night. The environment is clean and communications good, the cost of living low and the economy thriving.

A lower stamp duty than most other European countries; a tax rate of 15 per cent on remitted income only for foreign residents; and double taxation agreements with a number of countries are among the benefits Malta has to offer.

British pensioners are free to transfer their pensions to Malta and, as regards medical conditions, they can benefit from a health agreement between Malta and the UK. An added bonus to those residing in Malta, it means hospitalisation and treatment charges are waived, or heavily reduced.

Malta's entry in the European Union on the 30th May 2004 provides further benefits.

Colours of the Maltese Islands 2010 - Beautiful Photos of the Maltese Islands