The Maltese archipelago consists of the islands of Malta, Gozo, and Comino, located in the central Mediterranean. Malta is the largest island and cultural center, with a total population across the islands of 400,000. Gozo is the second largest and more rural, while Comino is largely uninhabited. The islands have a long history dating back 7,000 years and have been occupied by various civilizations, leaving behind archaeological sites, temples, and influences on Maltese culture. English and Maltese are the official languages today.