Gozo - Population

Following on the footsteps of the temple builders of the Neolithic period, the Phoenicians came from the east and populated the Island making it a centre of their trading routes as they expanded westward. Though long gone, and replaced by others from the European mainland, the Phoenicians left behind a distinctive Semitic influence, not least on the Islands' language, but also on the strong trading and business culture. This still exists today and is evidenced in the Islands' hard-working people and their strong self reliance. Gozo's population numbers around the 27000 mark making it much less dense than its sister Island Malta, with large swaths of land separating villages and towns. The inhabitants are known for their hospitality and cheerful laid-back attitude to life. Still, they are very industrious, and considering the barren and limited resources, quite affluent.