Page last updated on January 29, 2014

Introduction:
Background:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led to Spain closing the border and severing all communication links. Between 1997 and 2002, the UK and Spain held a series of talks on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have held tripartite talks with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols and in 2013, the British reported a record number of entries by Spanish vessels into waters claimed by Gibraltar. A new noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008. The UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.
Geography:
Location:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain
Geographic coordinates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
36 08 N, 5 21 W
Map references:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Europe
Area:
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total: 6.5 sq km
country comparison to the world: 243
land: 6.5 sq km
water: 0 sq km
Area - comparative:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Land boundaries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1.2 km
border countries: Spain 1.2 km
Coastline:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12 km
Maritime claims:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
territorial sea: 3 nm
Climate:
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Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers
Terrain:
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a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar
Elevation extremes:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m
Natural resources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none
Land use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
arable land: 0%
permanent crops: 0%
other: 100% (2011)
Irrigated land:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Natural hazards:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Environment - current issues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking water) and adequate desalination plant
Geography - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea
People and Society:
Nationality:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
noun: Gibraltarian(s)
adjective: Gibraltar
Ethnic groups:
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Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German, North Africans
Languages:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
Religions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, other Christian 3.2%, Muslim 4%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other or unspecified 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 census)
Population:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
29,111 (July 2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 219
Age structure:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0-14 years: 20.1% (male 3,013/female 2,845)
15-24 years: 16.4% (male 2,481/female 2,284)
25-54 years: 37.7% (male 5,493/female 5,493)
55-64 years: 11.2% (male 1,580/female 1,667)
65 years and over: 14.6% (male 2,081/female 2,174) (2013 est.)
population pyramid: "> Median age:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 33.8 years
male: 32.9 years
female: 34.8 years (2013 est.)
Population growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0.26% (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
Birth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
14.19 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 140
Death rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
8.28 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 91
Net migration rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
-3.3 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
Urbanization:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
urban population: 100% of total population (2010)
rate of urbanization: 0.2% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
Sex ratio:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.06 male(s)/female
15-24 years: 1.09 male(s)/female
25-54 years: 0.99 male(s)/female
55-64 years: 1 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.95 male(s)/female
total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2013 est.)
Infant mortality rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 6.42 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 166
male: 7.14 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 5.64 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)
Life expectancy at birth:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total population: 78.98 years
country comparison to the world: 47
male: 76.13 years
female: 82.03 years (2013 est.)
Total fertility rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1.93 children born/woman (2013 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
HIV/AIDS - deaths:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Education expenditures:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Literacy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
definition: NA
total population: above 80%
male: NA
female: NA
Government:
Country name:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
conventional long form: none
conventional short form: Gibraltar
Dependency status:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
overseas territory of the UK
Government type:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA
Capital:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: Gibraltar
geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W
time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
Administrative divisions:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Independence:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain
Constitution:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007; amended 2009 (2009)
Legal system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply
Suffrage:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
18 years of age; universal; and British citizens who have been residents six months or more
Executive branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir James DUTTON (since 6 December 2013)
head of government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011)
cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister
(For more information visit the World Leaders website )
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
elections: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or the leader of the majority coalition is usually appointed chief minister by the governor
Legislative branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
unicameral Parliament (18 seats: 17 members elected by popular vote, 1 for the speaker appointed by Parliament; members serve four-year terms)
elections: last held on 8 December 2011 (next to be held not later than 8 December 2015)
election results: percent of vote by party - GSD 48%, GSLP 46.8%, Progressive Democratic Party 4.4%, other 0.8%; seats by party - GSD 10, GSLP 7
Judicial branch:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
highest court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of at least three judges, including the court president); Supreme Court of Gibraltar (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges)
judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 7-member body of judges and appointees of the governor; tenure of the Court of Appeal president based on terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice and judge normally appointed until retirement at age 67, but can be extended 3 years
subordinate courts: Court of First Instance; Magistrates' Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment
Political parties and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]
Political pressure groups and leaders:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Chamber of Commerce
International organization participation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), UPU
Diplomatic representation in the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Flag description:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean
National symbol(s):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Barbary macaque
National anthem:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
name: "Gibraltar Anthem"
lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY
note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)
Economy:
Economy - overview:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (almost 5 million visitors in 1998), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.
GDP (purchasing power parity):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.275 billion (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 201
GDP (official exchange rate):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$1.106 billion (2006 est.)
GDP - real growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
6% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 46
GDP - per capita (PPP):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$43,000 (2006 est.)
country comparison to the world: 18
GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: 0%
industry: 0%
services: 100% (2008 est.)
Agriculture - products:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
none
Industries:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco
Industrial production growth rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Labor force:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
12,690 (2001) (2001)
country comparison to the world: 215
Labor force - by occupation:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
agriculture: negligible
industry: 40%
services: 60% (2001)
Unemployment rate:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3% (2005 est.)
country comparison to the world: 24
Population below poverty line:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
NA%
Household income or consumption by percentage share:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
lowest 10%: NA%
highest 10%: NA%
Budget:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
revenues: $475.8 million
expenditures: $452.3 million (2008 est.)
Taxes and other revenues:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
43% of GDP (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 31
Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.1% of GDP (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 22
Public debt:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
7.5% of GDP (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
Fiscal year:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 July - 30 June
Inflation rate (consumer prices):
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
2.8% (2008)
country comparison to the world: 81
Exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$271 million (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 181
Exports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
(principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods
Imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$2.967 billion (2004 est.)
country comparison to the world: 146
Imports - commodities:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
fuels, manufactured goods, foodstuffs
Debt - external:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
$NA
Exchange rates:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar -
Energy:
Electricity - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
166.4 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 185
Electricity - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
154.7 million kWh (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 189
Electricity - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 201
Electricity - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 kWh (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
Electricity - installed generating capacity:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
43,000 kW (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 192
Electricity - from fossil fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 14
Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 94
Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 170
Electricity - from other renewable sources:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Crude oil - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
country comparison to the world: 173
Crude oil - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 119
Crude oil - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 191
Crude oil - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 135
Refined petroleum products - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180
Refined petroleum products - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
24,920 bbl/day (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 122
Refined petroleum products - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 bbl/day (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 178
Refined petroleum products - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
28,380 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 93
Natural gas - production:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 135
Natural gas - consumption:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
Natural gas - exports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 107
Natural gas - imports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 197
Natural gas - proved reserves:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)
country comparison to the world: 142
Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
4.905 million Mt (2011 est.)
country comparison to the world: 126
Communications:
Telephones - main lines in use:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
23,100 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 184
Telephones - mobile cellular:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
34,750 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 206
Telephone system:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities
domestic: automatic exchange facilities
international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
Broadcast media:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides TV and radio broadcasting services via 1 TV station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible (2008)
Internet country code:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
.gi
Internet hosts:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
3,509 (2012)
country comparison to the world: 151
Internet users:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
20,200 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 193
Transportation:
Airports:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
1 (2013)
country comparison to the world: 217
Airports - with paved runways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 1
1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
Roadways:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 29 km
country comparison to the world: 220
paved: 29 km (2007)
Merchant marine:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
total: 267
country comparison to the world: 32
by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 146, chemical tanker 64, container 28, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 14, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 8
foreign-owned: 254 (Belgium 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 7, Finland 2, Germany 123, Greece 8, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4, Netherlands 34, Norway 46, Sweden 11, UAE 5, UK 6)
registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)
Ports and terminals:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
major seaport(s): Gibraltar
Military:
Military branches:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2013)
Manpower available for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 7,037 (2010 est.)
Manpower fit for military service:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
males age 16-49: 6,017
females age 16-49: 5,706 (2010 est.)
Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
male: 228
female: 220 (2010 est.)
Military - note:
Field Background: For all countries in alphabetical order
defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces in 1992