Malta has a Subtropical–Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm to hot summers. Rain occurs mainly in winter, with summer being generally dry.
The Constitution of Malta declares Roman Catholicism as the state religion although entrenched provisions for the freedom of religion are made. Freedom House and the World Factbook report that 98% of the population is Roman Catholic, making the nation one of the most Catholic countries in the world.
Today, the EURO is the Malta currency. The Euro replaced the old currency of Malta (i.e. the Maltese Lira) on the 1st of January 2008.