Gibraltar sits in a key strategic position between two continents: Africa and Europe. It is land linked to Spain and has its own international airport. However, it is only 9 sea miles from Africa. It offers a unique ‘bi-continental’ sense of living. Faintly Phoenician, the romance of the Latin, the mystique of the Al Andalus Arab and the quaint charm of the Anglo-Saxon Briton all combine to create the cultural essence of Gibraltar.
Its historical and architectural past commenced with the invasion of the Moors in 972 under Gibral Tariq, from which it derives its name. Its British colonial military heritage goes back to the Wars of the Spanish Succession, when under the terms of the Treaty of Utrecht, Gibraltar was ceded in perpetuity to England by a grateful Spanish monarch. It was the key British naval base in the battle of Trafalgar, and sadly the initial resting place for the body of Lord Nelson after the great victory. It was a vital Ally stronghold in the Second World War guarding the Strait of Gibraltar against German U-boats. In latter years, Franco took a dim view of having a slice of Britain too close to his dictatorship and closed the land frontier. Gibraltar survived as a UK garrison town dependent economically on the UK and the labour demands of the MoD who had in excess of 50,000 troops based on the Rock.
In 1985, as a result of Spain’s accession to the EU, the frontier was re-opened. Gibraltar became less important militarily and it began its successful development into becoming a major league and well-regulated international finance centre. In 2006, the Chief Minister, the Hon Peter Caruana signed a land mark agreement with Spain, known as the Cordoba Agreement, which allows for the mutual use of Gibraltar International Airport for both Spain and Gibraltar. It also streamlined the Customs channels and immigration procedures at the Frontier. In return, Spain now fully respects the status quo.
Climatically, it enjoys mild Mediterranean winters and temperate summers cooled by the fresh Atlantic breeze. Its unique geographical location, at the crossroads of the Atlantic and the Mediterranean with central European time zoning, has allowed the Rock to develop as a major commercial, financial, gaming and shipping centre. Customers flock from all over the world to profit from such an unrivalled location. Famous for being one of the Pillars of Hercules, zealously guarded by the Barbary Macaques (tailless monkeys), it is still very much the gateway to three commercial worlds.
It is within easy driving distance of the major millionaire playgrounds on the Costa del Sol and the beautiful beaches and golf courses of Cadiz. Morocco is a 35 minute ferry ride from Tarifa which boasts kilometres of beautiful white sandy beaches and some of the best kite surfing conditions in Europe. There are direct daily flights to the UK and to Madrid from its own airport. Most other international destinations can be reached from the nearby airports of Malaga or Jerez de la Frontera using a brand new Spanish motorway network for rapid transit.
Further information on Flights to Gibraltar International Airport can be found at:
http://www.ba.com/
http://www.iberia.com/
http://www.fly-monarch.com/
KEY FACTS ABOUT GIBRALTAR
- The Official Language is English, though Spanish is widely spoken and understood
- Its currency is Gibraltar Pound - Sterling
- The law is English Common law with local Gibraltarian bye-laws
- Its official status is a Crown Colony of the United Kingdom
- It is a member of the EU under its status as a Crown colony of the United Kingdom
- It has a UK Government appointed Governor
- It has a locally elected Chief Minister who reports to a locally elected House of Assembly
- Its banking system is within the UK clearance network
- Its planning and development procedures are based on the UK processes
- It has a population of some 30,000
- It is an isthmus, land linked to Spain, 3 miles long by 1.5 miles wide