Gozo

Gozo

Native name: Għawdex Nickname: Isle of Calypso
Map of Maltese islands highlighting Gozo
Gozo
Geography
Location	south of Sicily, Mediterranean Sea
Coordinates	36°03′N 14°15′E / 36.050°N 14.250°E / 36.050; 14.250
Archipelago	Maltese islands
Area	67 km2 (26 sq mi)
Length	14 km (8.7 mi)
Width	7.25 km (4.505 mi)
Administration
Malta
Largest settlement	Victoria (pop. 6,901)
Minister for Gozo	Anton Refalo (PL)
Demographics
Demonym	Gozitans
Population	37,342 (March 2014)
Pop. density	557 /km2 (1,443 /sq mi)
Languages	Maltese (National/Official)
Ethnic groups	Maltese people

Gozo (/ˈɡoʊ.zoʊ/; Maltese: Għawdex, [ˈaˤːw.dɛʃ], formerly Gaulos) is an island of the Maltese archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea. The island is part of Malta. After the island of Malta itself, it is the second-largest island in the archipelago. Compared to its southeastern neighbour, Gozo is more rural and known for its scenic hills, which are featured on its coat of arms.

The island of Gozo has long been associated with Ogygia, the island home of the nymph Calypso in Homer's Odyssey. In that story, Calypso, possessed of great supernatural powers, and in love with Odysseus, holds him captive for a number of years, until finally releasing him to continue his journey home.

The island has a population of around 37,342 people (as of March 2014) - (all of Malta combined has 445,000), 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 among the world's oldest free-standing structures.

The island is rural in character and, compared to the main island Malta, less developed. Azure Window is a remarkable geologic feature of the island; it is a natural stone arch that was formed millions of years ago when a limestone cave collapsed. There are many beaches on the island, as well as seaside resorts that are popular with tourists and locals alike. The most popular are Marsalforn and Xlendi Bay. Gozo is considered one of the top diving destinations in the Mediterranean and a centre for water sports.