Introduction to Gibraltar

Overview

This small British territory is at the southernmost tip of the Iberian Peninsula, facing Morocco, from which it is separated only by the Strait of Gibraltar and its fifteen kilometres.

Key Facts

• Location: at the southern tip of Spain, facing Morocco, from which it is separated by the Strait of Gibraltar.

• Latitude/longitude: 36.08' N, 5.21' W.

• Local time: Heure : 1932.

• "Capital": Gibraltar.

• Nature of the state: British Overseas Territory.

• Official language: English.

• Currency: Gibraltar pound.

• Population: 29,461 inhabitants (2018).

• Area: 6.5 km².

• Density: 4,532 inhabitants/km².

• Highest point: Rock of Gibraltar (426 m).

• Lowest point: sea level.

• Coastline: 12 km.

• Driving: on the right, as in Spain, not on the left as in the United Kingdom.

• Flag: [drapeau: Gibraltar]

Tourism

In terms of tourism, Gibraltar benefits from being both a stopover for cruise ships (around 350,000 people disembark in the port each year) and a duty-free zone that’s attractive for shopping. Given the territory’s limited size, this means quite a crowd, especially in summer, as Gibraltar ultimately welcomes over 10 million visitors a year. Generally speaking, the vast majority of visitors stay for a maximum of one day and do not sleep on-site, preferring Spain for more affordable options.

Travel Essentials

• Destination: for beginner travellers.

• By air: France-Gibraltar: 120 € to 250 € return.

• Entry requirements: ID card or passport.

• Currency to bring: euros.

• Exchange rate:

• Daily "backpacker" budget: 50 € to 70 € per person.

• Accommodation: best considered on the Spanish side (hotel, campsite).

• Getting around: on foot or by bus.

• Risks: virtually none in terms of health and safety.

• Best period for climate/crowds/prices: from March to late June and from September to November.

• Interests (out of ★★★★): Nature ★; Adventure ⊘; Culture ★; Relaxation-holidays ★.

Useful Addresses

Tourism

For tourism, Gibraltar is always represented by the British Tourist Office or online by the "Tourist Board" of the local government.

Consulates

As a British Overseas Territory, Gibraltar is represented everywhere by the consulates of Great Britain.

Socio-Economic Statistics

• "Quality of life":

• GDP per capita: $61,700 (2014)

• Average monthly income:

• Inflation: +2.5% (2013)

• "Official" unemployment: 1% (2016)

• Life expectancy: 79.7 years (2017)

• Migration rate per 1,000 inhabitants: -3.3 (2017)

• Population growth: +0.21% (2018)

• Literacy rate: 100% (2019)

• Urban population: 100% (2019)