Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of the Iberian Peninsula. It has a population of about 29,000 people within an area of less than 7 square kilometers. Gibraltar has its own government but defense and foreign affairs are handled by the United Kingdom. The economy uses the Gibraltar pound, which is equal in value to the British pound sterling. Gibraltar has a mix of English and Spanish culture and celebrates its National Day each September 10th.
3. Introduction Is an overseas territory
of the UK, with the
status of British
Overseas
Territories, and
extensive capabilities
of self-government.
It is located at the
southern end of the
Iberian Peninsula, east
of the Bay of
Gibraltar, and
extending on the
geological formation of
the rock of Gibraltar.
Bordered by Spain and
has a population of
about 29,000
inhabitants in an area
of less than 7 km2.
5. Geography
Gibraltar is a narrow peninsula on the
southern Mediterranean coast of the
Iberian Peninsula, between the Bay of
Algeciras and the Alboran
Sea, northwest of the Strait of
Gibraltar. It is about 6 km long and 1.2
km wide and is connected to Spain by
a low, sandy isthmus, approximately 2
km in length.
6. Wildlife and
flora There are over 500 species of flowering plants in Gibraltar.
One of them, known as the Gibraltar candytuft is endemic to
the rock.
The rock is protected by olive and pine trees.
Mammals including rabbits, foxes, dolphins and macaque
Gibraltar.
Also common are migratory birds, and Gibraltar is home to
the only Barbary Partridges copies of Euoropa.
7. Politics The Government of Gibraltar is elected for a
term of four years.
The Governor is responsible for matters of
defense and foreign affairs.
Gibraltar is part of the European Union (EU)
but with a special status:
a) It is outside the EU customs union.
b) Is excluded from the Common Agricultural
Policy (CAP).
c) It is excluded from VAT harmonization.
d) Not intended for any share of customs
revenues to the EU.
9. Economy
Gibraltar has its own currency, the
Gibraltar pound is equal to the pound
sterling in respect to its value.
Therefore, the Gibraltar government
produces its own coins.
1€ is equivalent to 0.80 pounds
10. Culture The only official language is
English.
The overwhelming majority
of Gibraltarians also speaks
Spanish.
The llanito, is a mixture
mainly based on the Spanish
Andalusian English major
influence among many other
Mediterranean languages.
Gibraltar celebrates its
National Day on September
10 each year.
To celebrate the feast are
released 30,000 red and
white balloons (representing
each of the population),
followed by music, dancing
and other celebrations that
last until dawn the next day.