Overview of Gibraltar

Profile

Despite covering only about 6.8 km², less than one-tenth of Tokyo''s Setagaya Ward, this small peninsula has historically been valued as a strategic military and maritime transportation point due to its location at the entrance to the Strait of Gibraltar connecting the Mediterranean and Atlantic. The limestone mountain "The Rock" occupying most of the peninsula stands as a 426-meter-high natural fortress, utilized as a Royal Navy port and supply base, and more recently as a tourism resource. Thriving finance and online gaming industries leveraging tax-free systems and low tax rates, along with over 30,000 residents comprising diverse ethnicities and cultures coexist.

Official name: Gibraltar
Common name: Gibraltar
Numeric code: 292
Alpha-3 code: GIB
Alpha-2 code: GI
Population: 33,000 (2023)
Population density: 4,800 people/km2
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Christianity (Roman Catholic)
National anthem: God Save the King (uses British national anthem)
Calling code: +350
Internet TLD: .gi

History

Ruled by various powers since the 711 Islamic conquest, became British territory under the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. British-Spanish territorial disputes continue to this day.

Inhabited by Neanderthals in prehistoric times, frequented by Phoenicians and Romans, ruled by Islamic powers for about seven centuries after Umayyad Tariq''s 711 arrival. Reclaimed by Kingdom of Castile in 1462, occupied by Anglo-Dutch coalition during Spanish Succession War in 1704, officially ceded to Britain under 1713 Treaty of Utrecht. Functioned as crucial Royal Navy base through French Revolutionary Wars, Napoleonic Wars, and both World Wars. Since 1967, two referendums overwhelmingly supported maintaining British sovereignty, but Spain continues demanding return. The 2016 Brexit vote recorded 96% remain support; post-EU withdrawal position adjustment remains an issue.

Geography & climate

Peninsula topography with limestone mountain and terraced hillside city jutting into strait. North connects to Spanish mainland via sandbar; east side nearly vertical cliff.

Temperate Mediterranean climate

Area: Europe / 6.8 km²
Capital: Gibraltar
Largest city: Gibraltar
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Spain

Natural resources

Limestone, harbor deep-water quay, sea salt, strong solar radiation, sea breeze energy

Politics

Government: Parliamentary democracy under constitutional monarchy (British Overseas Territory self-government)

Economy

Currency: Gibraltar pound (GIP)

GDP (nominal): 3.2 billion USD (2023)

GDP (PPP): (2023)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: CET (winter), CEST (summer)

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

British, Spanish, Italian Ligurian, Portuguese, Maltese, Jewish, Moroccan, Indian

Life expectancy

80.8 years

Literacy rate

99%

National sports

Football, Cricket, Rugby, Rowing, Shooting