Changes

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

[[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]] overlooking 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 Article X of the Treaty of Utrecht (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.

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

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

[[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.

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

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. 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.