Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It is bordered to the north by Spain and is located on a narrow peninsula that connects to mainland Spain. The territory is only 6.7 square kilometers in size and has a population of approximately 34,000 people.

Gibraltar is known for its iconic landmark, the Rock of Gibraltar, which rises over 400 meters above sea level and provides stunning views of the surrounding area. The rock is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the Barbary macaques, which are the only wild monkeys in Europe.

Gibraltar has a long and interesting history, dating back to the Phoenicians who used the territory as a trading post. Over the years, Gibraltar has been controlled by various empires, including the Moors, the Spanish, and the British. The British captured Gibraltar in 1704 and it has remained under British control ever since.

Today, Gibraltar is a thriving financial center with a diverse economy that includes tourism, shipping, and online gambling. The territory has its own government, but defense and foreign affairs are handled by the British government. Gibraltar is also known for its tax-friendly environment, with no value-added tax, capital gains tax, or wealth tax.

One of the main attractions for tourists is Gibraltar's unique culture, which combines Spanish and British influences. Visitors can explore the historic sites of the territory, including the Great Siege Tunnels and the Moorish Castle. The territory also boasts a lively nightlife scene and a range of restaurants and cafes that offer a variety of cuisine.

Gibraltar is also a popular destination for sports enthusiasts, with a range of activities available including rock climbing, sailing, and scuba diving. The territory also hosts an annual music festival, the Gibraltar Music Festival, which attracts musicians and fans from around the world.

Telephone Code
350

Local Emergency Phone
999

Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations

Climate
Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Currency (Code)
Gibraltar pounds (GIP)

Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
230 V / 50 Hz / plug types(s): G

Major Languages
English, Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Major Religions
Roman Catholic 72.1%, Church of England 7.7%, other Christian 3.8%, Muslim 3.6%, Jewish 2.4%, Hindu 2%

Time Difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Potable Water
Yes

International Driving Permit
Suggested

Road Driving Side
Right

Tourist Destinations
Rock of Gibraltar; Moorish Castle; Saint Michael Cave; Gibraltar Nature Preserve; Great Siege Tunnels

Major Sports
Soccer, cricket, rugby, darts

Cultural Practices
Spaniards eat their lunch between 2 and 4 in the afternoon. Lunch is often the main meal of the day. Dinner is traditionally much smaller than the midday meal and can be served anytime from 9 to 11 in the evening.

Tipping Guidelines
A service charge is generally included in restaurant bills, but it is usual to leave an extra 10% tip for good service.

Souvenirs
Crystal, alcohol, jewelry, electronics, perfume, and watches, Rock of Gibraltar decorative items, stuffed Macaque animals, model sail boats

Traditional Cuisine
Calentita — an oven-baked dish that looks similar to a pizza without toppings; it consists of chickpea flour, water, olive oil, and seasonings and is served hot

Geography
Area
total: 7 sq km
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km

Climate
Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers

Natural resources
none

People and Society
Population
29,629 (2023 est.)

Ethnic groups
Gibraltarian 79%, other British 13.2%, Spanish 2.1%, Moroccan 1.6%, other EU 2.4%, other 1.6% (2012 est.)

Languages
English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese

Religions
Roman Catholic 72.1%, Church of England 7.7%, other Christian 3.8%, Muslim 3.6%, Jewish 2.4%, Hindu 2%, other 1.1%, none 7.1%, unspecified 0.1% (2012 est.)

Population growth rate
0.19% (2023 est.)

Government
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK

Capital
name: Gibraltar

Economy
Economic overview
British territorial high-income economy; Brexit caused significant economic disruption to longstanding financial services, shipping, and tourism industries; ongoing negotiations to rejoin EU Schengen Area; independent taxation authority

Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$2.044 billion (2014 est.)

Real GDP per capita
$61,700 (2014 est.)

Agricultural products
none

Industries
tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco

Exports
$202.3 million (2014 est.)

Exports - partners
Poland 31%, Netherlands 27%, France 11%, Germany 8%, United States 6% (2019)

Exports - commodities
cars, ships, refined petroleum, fish, recreational boats (2019)

Imports
$2.967 billion (2004 est.)

Imports - partners
Spain 19%, US 12%, India 12%, Italy 12%, Netherlands 11%, United Kingdom 7%, Greece 6% (2019)