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Gibraltar is a self-governing British overseas territory located near the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The territory shares a border with Spain to the north. Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British Armed Forces and is the site of a Royal Navy base.

The name of the territory is derived from the Arabic name Jabal Tāriq (جبل طارق), meaning "mountain of Tariq", or from Gibel Tāriq, meaning "rock of Tariq". It refers to the geological formation, the Rock of Gibraltar, and the Berber Umayyad general Tariq ibn-Ziyad, who led the initial incursion into Iberia in advance of the main Moorish force in 711. Earlier, it was known as Mons Calpe, one of the Pillars of Hercules. Today, Gibraltar is known colloquially as Gib or The Rock.

The sovereignty of Gibraltar is a major issue of contention in Anglo-Spanish relations. Spain requests the return of sovereignty, ceded by Spain in perpetuity in 1713 under the Treaty of Utrecht. The overwhelming majority of Gibraltarian strongly oppose this, along with any proposal of shared sovereignty.

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The Barbary Macaque population in Gibraltar is the last in the whole of the European continent, which, unlike that of North Africa, is thriving. At present there are some 230 animals in five troops occupying the area of the Upper Rock, though occasional forays into the town result in monkey mayhem. Because they are a tailless species, they are also known locally as Barbary Apes or Rock Apes despite the fact that they are monkeys (Macaca sylvanus).

A popular belief holds that as long as Barbary Macaques exist on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule. In 1942 (during World War II), after the population dwindled to just a handful of individuals (just seven monkeys), British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill ordered that their numbers be replenished immediately from forest fragments in both Morocco and Algeria due to this traditional belief.

A story tells that Gibraltar is linked to Africa by a subterranean passage over 15 miles (24 km) which begins at Lower St. Michael's Cave long under the Strait of Gibraltar. Legend has it that the Barbary Macaques entered The Rock from Morocco this way. (more...)

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Prince George of Hesse-Darmstadt (Darmstadt 1669 - Barcelona September 13, 1705) was a Fieldmarshal in the Austrian army and conqueror of Gibraltar for the British in 1704. First he fought against the Turks under Prince Eugene of Savoy. He was present at the Battle of Mohacs. Then he joined William III of Orange in the Irish campaign. After his return he converted to Catholicism and became Generalfeldwachtmeister in the Austrian Army in 1694, at the age of 24.

In 1704, under his command 1800 Dutch and British Marines were landed near Gibraltar, took the fortress and defended it successfully against a Spanish-French siege, holding of repeated attacks. (more...)

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« Did you know... »

• ... that Gibraltar's St. Michael's Cave (pictured), prepared as an emergency hospital during World War II, at present contains an auditorium and receives almost a million visitors a year?
• ... that Gibraltarian pop rock band Taxi is made up of three of Melon Diesel's former members and write songs in Spanish only despite their being British?
• ...that the Gibraltar Football Association had their UEFA membership application blocked by Spain due to their claim on the territory?
• ...that Gibraltarian degree level students studying in a UK university receive a full scholarship from the Government of Gibraltar?
• ...that Gibraltar passports are full British passports which are particularly issued to Gibraltarians and only differ in some wording?
• ...that the cuisine of Gibraltar includes Maltese, Genoese and Portuguese culinary influences?

« Recent news »

• 10 October - Following severe gale force winds measuring 11 on the Beaufort scale, the bulk carrier MV Fedra ran aground on rocks at Europa Point, and broke in two. The crew were safely rescued, but some of the fuel oil escaped in the very bad weather. The Captain was later arrested.
• 22 September - It was announced that the remaining Iberia flights to Madrid would cease operation at the end of September due to "economic reasons", namely, lack of demand.
• 13 February - Gibraltar Football Association to play the semi-professional footballers of England, Wales and Scotland in a 'Home' Nations quadrangular tournament at the end of May. (Gibraltar Chronicle)
• 10 February - The New Flame's No. 5 cargo hold floods due to stormy weather conditions in the strait, resulting in further sinking. (Gibfocus)
• 6 February - Leader of the Opposition, Joe Bossano, appears as a witness before the Foreign Affairs Committee of the House of Commons in London. (Gibfocus)

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