Gibraltar

Cultural Attributes

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Holidays

• National Day

  9/10

  Independence

  day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or go with Spain

Dates of Interest

• Septermber 10th

  Day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the United Kingdom or with Spain.

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Historical Eras

Overview

Timeline of Key Events

1. 0

   The African Plate collided tightly with Europe some 55 million years ago.

   The African Plate collided tightly with Europe some 55 million years ago. The Mediterranean became a lake which, in the course of time, dried up until 5 million years ago when the Atlantic broke through the Strait of Gibraltar and flooded it again, isolating the Rock of Jurassic limestone.

2. 711

   Gibraltar captured by Muslim commander Tariq Ibn-Ziyad.

   Gibraltar captured by Muslim commander Tariq Ibn-Ziyad.

3. 940

   The Rock becomes a place of worship.

   The Phoenicians follow other navigators from the eastern Mediterranean in visiting the Strait and found the city Carteia at the head of the Bay of Gibraltar. The Rock becomes a place of worship where sailors sacrifice to the gods before entering the Atlantic.

4. 1160

   Foundations were laid for the first city in Gibraltar - the Medinat al-Fath, the City of Victory.

   By the 11th Century AD Gibraltar is part of the Arab kingdom of Seville except for a short period when it comes under Berber rule from Malaga. The mounting threat of invasion by North Africa sects forces the Arab Governor of Algeciras to order in 1068 the building of a fort in Gibraltar. Spain is eventually overrun by another North African sect, the Almohads, and it was their leader, Abd-ad-Mummin, who commanded the building of the first city in Gibraltar - the Medinat al-Fath, the City of Victory. It was by all accounts, an impressive city and its foundations were laid on the 19th May 1160 AD. On completion of the works Al - Mummin personally crossed the Strait to inspect the works and stayed in Gibraltar for two months, inviting all his subordinate kings to see his works. It is said that Al - Mummin was especially impressed by a large windmill which had been built on top of the hill (Windmill Hill).

5. 1333

   Ferdinand to offer freedom from justice to anyone who lived in Gibraltar for one year and one day.

   The Spaniards set to repair the fortifications and shipyard but few people wanted to settle in Gibraltar, which was considered to be a high risk town. This forced Ferdinand to offer freedom from justice to anyone who lived in Gibraltar for one year and one day. By 1333 Gibraltar was once more in Muslim hands as Abdul Malik, son of the King of Morocco, laid siege. The garrison surrendered after four and a half months of siege.

6. 1374

   Gibraltar becomes part of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada.

   Gibraltar becomes part of the Muslim Kingdom of Granada.

7. 1462

   Gibraltar is recaptured by Castille.

   Gibraltar is recaptured by Castille and became part of the estates of the Duke of Medina Sidonia.

Religion

Languages Spoken

• English
• Italian
• Portuguese
• Spanish

Population

Population

34,000

Nationality Noun

Gibraltarian(s)

Ethnic Groups

Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese

Education

Literacy Definition

NA

Health Information

Life Expectancy at Birth

Gibraltar consistently ranks among the top territories in the world for life expectancy, reflecting its high standard of living, quality healthcare infrastructure, and generally favorable lifestyle conditions. Residents of Gibraltar can expect to live, on average, into their early to mid-80s, with overall life expectancy at birth estimated at approximately 80 to 82 years. Women in Gibraltar tend to outlive men by several years, with female life expectancy reaching into the mid-80s while male life expectancy typically falls in the late 70s to early 80s. These figures place Gibraltar on par with, or slightly above, many Western European nations and reflect the territory's access to modern medical care. Gibraltar operates a publicly funded healthcare system that provides residents with free or heavily subsidized medical services, including access to specialists and hospital care both locally and through referrals to hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom when advanced treatment is required. Several factors contribute to Gibraltar's strong life expectancy outcomes. The territory has a relatively small and well-managed population of around 33,000 to 34,000 people, which allows healthcare resources to be concentrated effectively. Gibraltar benefits economically from its status as a British Overseas Territory and as a financial and gaming services hub, generating a high GDP per capita that supports investment in public health and social services. Low rates of extreme poverty and a well-educated population further contribute to positive health outcomes. Gibraltar also records low infant mortality rates, which positively influence overall life expectancy figures. The territory's Mediterranean climate and cultural proximity to Spain may also play a role in lifestyle habits, including diet, though the influences of British culture on food and daily life are also significant. While Gibraltar does not always appear in major global health indices due to its status as a non-sovereign territory, the data available consistently indicate that its residents enjoy long, healthy lives comparable to those in some of the world's most developed nations. Ongoing investment in healthcare services and public health programs supports the continuation of these positive trends.

Life Expectancy

Life Expectancy at Birth

Gibraltar consistently ranks among the top territories in the world for life expectancy, reflecting its high standard of living, quality healthcare infrastructure, and generally favorable lifestyle conditions. Residents of Gibraltar can expect to live, on average, into their early to mid-80s, with overall life expectancy at birth estimated at approximately 80 to 82 years. Women in Gibraltar tend to outlive men by several years, with female life expectancy reaching into the mid-80s while male life expectancy typically falls in the late 70s to early 80s. These figures place Gibraltar on par with, or slightly above, many Western European nations and reflect the territory's access to modern medical care. Gibraltar operates a publicly funded healthcare system that provides residents with free or heavily subsidized medical services, including access to specialists and hospital care both locally and through referrals to hospitals in Spain and the United Kingdom when advanced treatment is required. Several factors contribute to Gibraltar's strong life expectancy outcomes. The territory has a relatively small and well-managed population of around 33,000 to 34,000 people, which allows healthcare resources to be concentrated effectively. Gibraltar benefits economically from its status as a British Overseas Territory and as a financial and gaming services hub, generating a high GDP per capita that supports investment in public health and social services. Low rates of extreme poverty and a well-educated population further contribute to positive health outcomes. Gibraltar also records low infant mortality rates, which positively influence overall life expectancy figures. The territory's Mediterranean climate and cultural proximity to Spain may also play a role in lifestyle habits, including diet, though the influences of British culture on food and daily life are also significant. While Gibraltar does not always appear in major global health indices due to its status as a non-sovereign territory, the data available consistently indicate that its residents enjoy long, healthy lives comparable to those in some of the world's most developed nations. Ongoing investment in healthcare services and public health programs supports the continuation of these positive trends.

Country Identity

Country Name

Gibraltar

Government Structure

Government Type

NA

Legal System

English law

Executive Branch

chief of state: King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022), represented by Governor Sir David STEEL (since 8 February 2020) head of government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011) cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Gibraltar Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister elections: none; the monarch 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

Unicameral Parliament of Gibraltar (17 seats; 10 members elected by popular vote from a single constituency using a modified block voting system, with voters casting up to 10 votes; members serve four-year terms; the Speaker, who is elected by the Parliament and need not be a member, presides but does not vote; the Governor may also appoint an Attorney General and a Financial Secretary as ex officio members in certain circumstances) Elections: last held on 12 October 2023 (next to be held no later than 2027) Election results: percent of vote by party - GSLP-Liberal Alliance 52.0%, GSD 47.7%; seats by party - GSLP-Liberal Alliance 8, GSD 7; the GSLP-Liberal Alliance, led by Chief Minister Fabian Picardo, retained power for a fourth consecutive term

Judicial Branch

Supreme Court; Court of Appeal

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal, plus other UK subjects who have been residents six months or more

Constitution

30-May-69

Independence

none (overseas territory of the UK)

National Holiday

National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or go with Spain

Capital City

Capital Name

Gibraltar

Capital - geographic coordinate

36 08 N, 5 21 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

Military

Branches: Royal Gibraltar Regiment

Snapshot

Currency Name and Code

Gibraltar Pound (GIP)

GDP Real Growth Rate

6%