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[[Image:Gibraltar map.png|thumb|200px|Map of Gibraltar]]

[[Image:Spain map.jpg|thumb|200px|Gibraltar's location on the Iberian Peninsula]]

'''Gibraltar''' is a British Overseas Territory of the [[United Kingdom]] comprising a rocky peninsula attached to the southern coast of [[Spain]]. Captured in 1704, it was ceded to [[Great Britain]] by Spain under the [[Treaty of Utrecht]] in 1713. Since then it has provided Britain with an important [[Royal Navy|naval]] and military base at the western entrance to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] north of the [[Strait of Gibraltar]].

'''Gibraltar''' is a British Overseas Territory of the [[United Kingdom]] comprising a rocky peninsula attached to the southern coast of [[Spain]]. Captured in 1704, it was ceded to [[Great Britain]] by Spain under the [[Treaty of Utrecht]] in 1713. Since then it has provided Britain with an important [[Royal Navy|naval]] and military base at the western entrance to the [[Mediterranean Sea]] overlooking the [[Strait of Gibraltar]].

 

Gibraltar is dominated by the huge [[Rock of Gibraltar]], which is honeycombed with military tunnels. The rock is inhabited by the famous. Barbary Macaques, the only free ranging monkeys in Europe. Legend has it that Britain will hold Gibraltar as long as these roam the Rock.  The Rock itself is 4.4 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide and at its highest point is 419m above sea level.

Gibraltar is dominated by the huge [[Rock of Gibraltar]], which is honeycombed with military tunnels. The rock is inhabited by the famous. Barbary Macaques, the only free ranging monkeys in Europe. Legend has it that Britain will hold Gibraltar as long as these roam the Rock.  The Rock is 4.4 kilometers long and 1.2 kilometers wide and at is 419m in height.

[[File:Gibralter1.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Map of Gibraltar]]

The population comprises around 28,000 Gibraltarians, the largest ethnic group, of which 78% belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

The population comprises around 28,000 Gibraltarians, the largest ethnic group, of which 78% belong to the Roman Catholic Church.

Politically Gibraltar is governed by a locally elected parliament under the 2006 constitution.  The UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. It is part of the EU, having joined under the British Treaty of Accession.

Politically Gibraltar is governed by a locally elected parliament under the 2006 constitution.  The UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs. It is part of the EU, having joined under the British Treaty of Accession.

[[Image:Spain map.jpg|thumb|200px|Gibraltar's location on the Iberian Peninsula]]

Since the closure of the naval dockyard, which was the major employer, in 1984, Gibraltar has developed a diverse economy based on tourism, financial services, shipping and the Internet.

 

Notable people born in Gibraltar include Sir William Penny, nuclear scientist, Albert Hammond, international musician and John Galliano the designer.

[[category:Europe]]

[[category:Europe]]