Gibraltar

Gibraltar's location on the Iberian Peninsula

Gibraltar (Arb: Jebel Tarik) is the Arabic name for what was formerly known in Western Civilization as the Pillars of Hercules. It is presently 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 Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht (1713). Since then it has provided Britain with an important naval and military base at the western entrance to the Mediterranean Sea overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar.

The territory 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 they roam the Rock. The Rock itself is 4.4 kilometres long and 1.2 kilometres wide, and at its highest point is 419 m above sea level.

Map of Gibraltar

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

Spain has called for Great Britain to return Gibraltar, but the majority of the Gibraltarians reject this. In a referendum in 2002, over 99% voted against a proposal for shared sovereignty.

Politically, Gibraltar is governed by a locally elected parliament under the 2006 constitution. The UK is responsible for defence and foreign affairs.

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.

Links

• The British Conservative Party in Gibraltar
• Gibraltar Broadcasting - with streaming
• General information and reference material