Gibraltar is located at the extreme southwest of Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.

By Treaty of Utrecht in 1713, Gibraltar was ceded to Great Britain by Spain. Gibraltar, which was a British Garrison, due to its strategic importance, became a Colony in 1830.

Geography

A small land mass of only 6.5 square kilometers, Gibraltar has a border with Spain of 1.2 kilometers. The terrain consists of the Rock of Gibraltar which is 426 meters at its highest point and a narrow coastal lowland heading to the Spanish border. The climate is Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers. There are no natural resources including water and arable land. Water is collected by way of concrete or natural rock water catchments which collect rainwater, and a desalination plant.

Population

The population of Gibraltar is approximately 30,000, with ethnic groups of Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese and Portuguese origin. Persons from Gibraltar are known as Gibraltarians. The official language is English while Spanish, Italian and Portuguese are also spoken.

Culture

The Culture of Gibraltar reflects Gibraltarians' diverse origins. While there are Spanish and British influences, a result of the territory's status as a British 'overseas territory' (colony) and its proximity to Spain , the ethnic origins of most Gibraltarians are neither British or Spanish, including Genoese, Maltese, and Portuguese. Others are Jewish of Sephardic or North African origin. Many Gibraltarians of Genoese origin came to the Rock in the 18th century, with the Maltese and Portuguese following in the 19th century, coming to work and trade in the British military base.

The Silent Enemy, was filmed on location in Gibraltar in 1958 and was a dramatisation of the period during the Second World War when Lionel 'Buster' Crabb served as a mine and disposal officer in Gibraltar, and Italian frogmen of the Italian navy's Tenth Light Flotilla were sinking vital shipping.

Every year Gibraltar celebrates its National Day on 10th September to commemorate the 1967 referendum where with a massive majority the people of Gibraltar voted to reject annexation by Spain.

Transport

Within Gibraltar, the main form of transport is the car. Motorbikes are popular and there is a good modern bus service. Unlike other British territories, traffic drives on the right, as it shares a land border with Spain.

There is a cable car which runs from ground level to the top of the rock, with an intermediate station at the apes den.