Gibraltar

Quick Facts

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Capital

Gibraltar

Population

27,000

Government

Overseas territory of the UK

Religions

Christianity (Catholic, Protestant), Islam

Languages

English, Spanish, Italian, Portugese

Calling Code

+350

Nationality

Gibraltarian

Local name

Introduction

The airport runway

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Gibraltar, a huge rock of sand and limestone at the very southern tip of Spain, has always been a strategic location. In the eighth century, the Islamic invasion of Iberia began when Muslims landed on the rock and headed inland from there. A millennium later, the British wrestled with the Spaniards over the land, eventually gaining full control. Now, almost three centuries later, Gibraltar remains under British sovereignty: it is an Overseas Territory of the UK.

It is a fascinating place, not only for its history. Gibraltarians are a modern mix of Spanish, Jewish, British and Genoese descendency, though they firmly regard themselves as British. Reminders of past conflict can be found around Gibraltar, whether in the museum or in the town center. Though Gibraltar may not be worth much more than a week's visit, any trip to the Iberian Penninsula is incomplete without a journey to Gibraltar.

Getting there

Plane

Gibraltar International airport has a limited number of flights, for example with Iberia to Madrid and with Monarch Airlines to London Luton. easyJet is planning to fly to and from London Gatwick. Air Malta has seasonal chartered flights to and from Malta.

Land

Sea