# Gozo

> island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea

**Wikidata**: [Q170488](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q170488)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gozo)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/gozo

## Summary
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Republic of Malta and is known for its distinct cultural identity, rural landscapes, and historical significance. Gozo is administered as the Gozo Region (Għawdex) and includes the smaller island of Comino.

## Key Facts
- **Location**: Mediterranean Sea, part of the Maltese archipelago
- **Country**: Malta
- **Region**: Gozo Region (Għawdex)
- **Population (2023)**: 31,446
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 36.045°, Longitude 14.258888888889
- **Website**: [http://mgoz.gov.mt/](http://mgoz.gov.mt/)
- **Capital**: Rabat (also known as Victoria)
- **Local Councils**: Includes San Lawrenz and other local administrative units
- **Part of**: Maltese Islands archipelago
- **Inception of Gozo Region**: 1993
- **Sitelink Count**: 79 (Wikidata)
- **Wikidata Description**: Island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea

## FAQs

### What is Gozo?
Gozo is the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago, located in the Mediterranean Sea. It is part of the Republic of Malta and is known for its rural character, historical sites, and distinct cultural identity. The island is administered as the Gozo Region (Għawdex) and includes the smaller island of Comino.

### Where is Gozo located?
Gozo is located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the main island of Malta. It is part of the Maltese archipelago, which also includes the islands of Malta and Comino. The coordinates of Gozo are latitude 36.045° and longitude 14.258888888889.

### What is the population of Gozo?
As of 2023, Gozo has a population of 31,446. The island is less densely populated than the main island of Malta, offering a more rural and tranquil environment. The capital of Gozo is Rabat, also known as Victoria.

### What is the administrative structure of Gozo?
Gozo is administered as the Gozo Region (Għawdex), which was established in 1993. The region includes several local councils, such as San Lawrenz, which manage local governance and services. Gozo is part of the broader administrative divisions of Malta, which include regions like the Northern Region and Southern Region.

### What is the significance of Gozo in Malta?
Gozo plays a significant role in Malta's cultural and historical heritage. It is known for its distinct traditions, rural landscapes, and historical sites, which attract tourists and researchers alike. The island is also important for its contributions to Malta's economy, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and fishing.

### What are some notable features of Gozo?
Gozo is notable for its unique geographical features, including rugged coastlines, fertile valleys, and historical landmarks. The island is also known for its traditional festivals, local crafts, and culinary specialties. Additionally, Gozo is home to several important archaeological sites, such as the Ġgantija Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world.

## Why It Matters
Gozo matters due to its unique cultural and historical significance within the Maltese archipelago. The island's rural character and distinct traditions provide a contrast to the more urbanized main island of Malta, offering a glimpse into the archipelago's rich heritage. Gozo's historical sites, such as the Ġgantija Temples, are of global importance and attract scholars and tourists from around the world. Additionally, Gozo plays a vital role in Malta's economy, contributing to sectors like agriculture, tourism, and fishing. Its administrative structure as the Gozo Region (Għawdex) also highlights its importance in the governance and development of the Maltese Islands.

## Notable For
- Being the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago
- Its distinct cultural identity and rural landscapes
- The Gozo Region (Għawdex), established in 1993
- Historical sites, including the Ġgantija Temples
- Traditional festivals, local crafts, and culinary specialties
- Its role in Malta's economy, particularly in agriculture, tourism, and fishing
- The capital city of Rabat (Victoria)
- Local councils such as San Lawrenz
- Its inclusion in the Maltese Islands archipelago

## Body

### Geography and Location
Gozo is located in the Mediterranean Sea, approximately 6 kilometers northwest of the main island of Malta. The island covers an area of about 67 square kilometers, making it the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago. Gozo's coordinates are latitude 36.045° and longitude 14.258888888889. The island is known for its rugged coastlines, fertile valleys, and scenic landscapes, which contrast with the more urbanized main island of Malta.

### Administrative Structure
Gozo is administered as the Gozo Region (Għawdex), which was established in 1993. The region includes several local councils, such as San Lawrenz, which manage local governance and services. The capital of Gozo is Rabat, also known as Victoria, which serves as the administrative and cultural center of the island. Gozo is part of the broader administrative divisions of Malta, which include regions like the Northern Region and Southern Region.

### Population and Demographics
As of 2023, Gozo has a population of 31,446. The island is less densely populated than the main island of Malta, offering a more rural and tranquil environment. The population of Gozo is known for its distinct cultural identity, with traditions and customs that differ from those of the main island. The island's demographics reflect a mix of agricultural, fishing, and tourism-based livelihoods.

### Historical and Cultural Significance
Gozo is home to several important historical sites, including the Ġgantija Temples, which are among the oldest free-standing structures in the world. These temples date back to the Neolithic period and are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The island is also known for its traditional festivals, local crafts, and culinary specialties, which attract tourists and researchers alike. Gozo's cultural heritage is a blend of influences from various civilizations that have inhabited the island over the centuries.

### Economy and Infrastructure
Gozo's economy is primarily based on agriculture, fishing, and tourism. The island's fertile valleys and rural landscapes support a variety of agricultural activities, including the cultivation of fruits, vegetables, and olives. Tourism is a significant contributor to Gozo's economy, with visitors drawn to the island's historical sites, scenic landscapes, and cultural events. The island's infrastructure includes roads, ports, and public services that support its economic activities and connectivity with the main island of Malta.

### Related Entities and Connections
Gozo is part of the Maltese Islands archipelago, which includes the islands of Malta and Comino. The island is connected to the main island of Malta by ferry services, which facilitate the movement of people and goods. Gozo is also part of the broader administrative and political structure of Malta, with representation in the Parliament of Malta and other national institutions. The island's local councils, such as San Lawrenz, play a crucial role in managing local governance and services.

### Technical Identifiers and Standards
Gozo's official website is [http://mgoz.gov.mt/](http://mgoz.gov.mt/), which provides information on the island's governance, services, and cultural events. The island's Wikidata description is "island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea," and it has a sitelink count of 79. Gozo's coordinates are latitude 36.045° and longitude 14.258888888889, which are used for geographical and navigational purposes.

### Notable Features and Attractions
Gozo is known for its unique geographical features, including rugged coastlines, fertile valleys, and historical landmarks. The island is also famous for its traditional festivals, local crafts, and culinary specialties. Some of the notable attractions in Gozo include the Ġgantija Temples, the Citadel in Rabat, and the Azure Window, a natural limestone arch that was a popular tourist destination before its collapse in 2017. The island's scenic landscapes and cultural events make it a popular destination for tourists and researchers alike.

## References

1. archINFORM
2. BnF authorities
3. Virtual International Authority File
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. Czech National Authority Database
6. GeoNames
7. BBC Things
8. Quora
9. [archINFORM](https://www.archinform.net/service/wd_aiort.php)
10. KBpedia