Gozo
Gozo (/ˈɡoʊzoʊ/, US also /ˈɡɔːdzoʊ, ˈɡɔːtsoʊ/; Maltese: Għawdex, Maltese: [ˈɐːˤʊ̯dɛʃ]), in antiquity known as Gaulos (Punic: 𐤂𐤅𐤋, romanized: GWL; Ancient Greek: Γαῦλος, romanized: Gaúlos), is an island in the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of the Republic of Malta. After the island of Malta itself, it is the second-largest island in the archipelago.
Native name: Għawdex Nickname: Il-Gżira tat-tliet għoljiet / Isle of Calypso | |
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Satellite view of Gozo and adjacent Comino | |
Map of Maltese islands highlighting Gozo | |
| Geography | |
| Location | south of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea |
| Coordinates | 36°03′N 14°15′E |
| Archipelago | Maltese islands |
| Area | 67 km2 (26 sq mi) |
| Length | 13.34 km (8.289 mi) |
| Width | 7.15 km (4.443 mi) |
| Administration | |
Malta | |
| Largest settlement | Victoria (pop. 7,242) |
| Minister for Gozo | Clint Camilleri (PL) |
| Shadow Minister for Gozo | Alex Borg (politician) (PN) |
| Demographics | |
| Demonym | Gozitans |
| Population | 39,287 (2021) |
| Pop. density | 557/km2 (1443/sq mi) |
| Languages | Maltese (National/Official), English (Official) |
| Ethnic groups | Maltese people |
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As of 2021, the island has a population of around 31,232 (out of Malta's total 443,227), and its inhabitants are known as Gozitans (Maltese: Għawdxin). It is rich in historic locations such as the Ġgantija temples, which, along with the other Megalithic Temples of Malta, are amongst the world's oldest free-standing structures.
The island is rural in character and less developed than the island of Malta. Gozo is known for its scenic hills, which are featured on its coat of arms. The Azure Window in Dwejra, San Lawrenz, a natural limestone arch, was a remarkable geological feature until its collapse on March 8, 2017. The island has other notable natural features, including the Inland Sea and Wied il-Mielaħ Window. There are a few sandy beaches on the island, namely Ramla Bay in Xagħra and Nadur, as well as seaside resorts that are popular with both locals and tourists, the most popular being Marsalforn and Xlendi. Gozo is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean and a centre for water sports.