Gibraltar is a small British Overseas Territory located on the Southern coast of Spain. It’s easily overlooked when planning European travels. But don’t let its small size deceive you. Its total area of 6.7 square kilometres (2.6 square miles) means it’s pretty easy to do and see a lot when you visit Gibraltar. It’s the perfect place to go for a day trip from southern Spain, such as Malaga, Seville and Torremolinos. Or you might visit Gibraltar for a short weekend trip from Europe. It’s a destination worth paying a visit. As you plan your visit, here are 14 interesting facts you need to know about visiting Gibraltar.
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14 Interesting Facts to Know About Visiting Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar
The peninsula is home to the “Rock”, a limestone promontory rising 426 metres (1,398 feet) high and stretching 5 kilometres (3 miles) long. Over 40% of Gibraltar’s land area is a nature reserve, located on the Upper Rock and filled with wildlife and attractions. The Rock was formed approximately 200 million years ago and is composed of Jurassic Limestone.
Barbary Macaques
Gibraltar is home to Europe’s only wild monkey population, the Barbary macaques. Around 300 of these tailless monkeys freely roam the Rock, adding an enchanting touch to your visit. Observing these fascinating animals provides a unique wildlife experience when going to Gibraltar.
Crossing the Airport Runway
Upon landing at Gibraltar’s airport, you get the chance to walk across the very runway you touched down on just minutes before. With a single runway intersecting the main road, pedestrians can cross it when there’s no plane arriving or departing. This unique experience also provides one of the best views of the Rock of Gibraltar.
Given that there are only about four planes arriving and leaving Gibraltar each day (check out Gibraltar International Airport’s live flight info), there’s plenty of opportunity to cross the runway.
British Overseas Territory
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory, which means that it has a constitutional and historical connection with the United Kingdom but does not form part of the UK itself. There are 14 British Overseas Territories worldwide, including Bermuda and the Cayman Islands. Gibraltar has been a British overseas territory since 1713, so it has been British longer than the United States has been American.
Notably, Gibraltar’s history is marked by enduring challenges, including 14 recorded sieges. Presently, the issue of sovereignty over Gibraltar remains a point of contention between the UK and Spain.
Underground Passages
Gibraltar’s Underground Passages, an intricate network of tunnels spanning over 55 kilometres (34 miles), are a testament to the territory’s rich military history. These passages were constructed over nearly 200 years, mainly by the British Army. Primarily built for military purposes, the Underground Passages played a vital role in Gibraltar’s strategic defence during various conflicts, including the Great Siege of Gibraltar from 1779 to 1783, during which Spain and France unsuccessfully attempted to capture Gibraltar from the British.
Densely Populated Location
Despite its small size of 6.7 square kilometres (2.6 square miles), Gibraltar has approximately 33,000 inhabitants. This makes Gibraltar the fifth most densely populated country/territory in the world in 2022, right behind Macau, Monaco, Singapore, and Hong Kong.
To put Gibraltar’s size into perspective: Central Park in Manhattan covers 3.4 square kilometres (1.3 square miles), about half the size of Gibraltar, highlighting the remarkable density of this British Overseas Territory. This is probably one of the most surprising and interesting facts about Gibraltar.
European Union Connection
As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar was a part of the European Union (EU) due to its constitutional and historical connection with the UK. During the 2016 referendum, Gibraltar adamantly asserted its right to have its votes counted alongside the rest of the UK. Despite an overwhelming 96% vote to remain in the EU, Gibraltar had to exit the EU in 2020 following the UK’s decision to withdraw (Brexit). At the end of 2020, the UK, Spain and the EU agreed that Gibraltar would remain part of EU agreements, such as the Schengen area. However, the mentioned agreement is not legally binding. Formal negotiations have been ongoing since 2021.
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Southernmost Mosque in Europe
The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque at Europa Point was a gift from the late King of Saudi Arabia. Constructed as a symbol of cultural and religious harmony and inaugurated in 1997, it’s one of Europe’s largest mosques in a non-Muslim country. The mosque is also the southernmost mosque in Europe. Its architecture reflects Islamic styles, with elements inspired by traditional Andalusian, Moroccan, and Moorish designs.
Languages and Llanito
While English is the official language, Gibraltar boasts a unique local language called Llanito. It’s a Gibraltarian dialect and a blend of Andalusian Spanish, English, Portuguese, Maltese, Genoese medieval dialect, and Hebrew elements. One of its notable features is the tendency of speakers to seamlessly switch between languages within a single sentence, reflecting the territory’s diverse cultural influences. Moreover, many Gibraltarians are bilingual and proficient in both English and Spanish.
Low Taxes
Gibraltar’s low-tax environment makes it an attractive destination for businesses and entrepreneurs, contributing to its thriving economy and international appeal. The corporate tax rate is currently set at 10%, significantly lower than many other European countries. Gibraltar also doesn’t impose a value-added tax (VAT), but most goods imported into Gibraltar are subject to import duty at varying rates. Moreover, Gibraltar doesn’t levy capital gains tax or inheritance tax on assets passed down to heirs.
Thriving Gambling Scene
Gibraltar is renowned for its thriving gambling industry. It has numerous casinos, online betting companies, and gambling operators. The territory’s favourable regulatory environment has attracted international gambling companies, contributing significantly to Gibraltar’s economy. Many well-known online casinos and betting platforms have established their headquarters in Gibraltar due to its low taxes, advanced infrastructure, and regulatory expertise.
Currency
One of the crucial things to know before going to Gibraltar is that the official currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar Pound (symbol: GIP), which is tied to the British Pound Sterling. While you can use UK banknotes and coins within Gibraltar, Gibraltarian pound banknotes or coins aren’t accepted in the UK.
The Euro (€) is also widely accepted in the territory, particularly in tourist areas and businesses that cater to visitors from neighbouring Spain. Many shops, restaurants, and hotels in Gibraltar accept Euros as a form of payment, especially those close to the border with Spain. However, it’s important to note that while Euros are widely accepted, the exchange rate might not be as favourable as in official currency exchange offices.
Governance
Gibraltar has its own government and parliament but remains under British sovereignty as a British Overseas Territory. Gibraltar is responsible for its internal affairs, such as education, healthcare, tourism, and transportation. However, Gibraltar’s foreign affairs and defence remain the responsibility of the UK Government.
Driving a Car
Unlike the UK, Gibraltar drives on the right-hand side of the road, much like the rest of continental Europe, despite being a British Overseas Territory. Due to its border with Spain, Gibraltar changed to driving on the right in 1929.
These are the vital things to know before going to Gibraltar for an unforgettable trip. Did any of these interesting Gibraltar facts surprise you? We’d love to hear which one intrigued you the most! Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Who knows, your comment might spark our next adventure!
And while you’re at it, check out our article on the best things to do and see in Gibraltar!
📸 All pictures captured with Panasonic Lumix S5
16 comments
I never knew all these things about Gibraltar! Very interesting post.
I’m glad it caught your interest, Tara!
I had no idea there was so much more to Gibraltar than the rock! Also great photos, loving the pic of the Macaques!
I’m pleased you found it interesting, Emma! Those Macaques are quite photogenic.