Gibraltar, Gibraltar

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Gibraltar, Gibraltar

Region: Gibraltar


Geographic Coordinates: 36.133300, -5.350000
Temperature Range: 15.0°C to 25.0°C (59°F to 77°F)
Climate: Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers.
Population: 187083
Language: English

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory situated on the southern coast of Spain. It is a small rocky peninsula that extends into the Mediterranean Sea and has around 34, 000 inhabitants. The territory covers an area of only 2.6 square miles and shares a border with Spain to the north. The history of Gibraltar goes back thousands of years, With evidence indicating that it was occupied as far back as the Neanderthal period. Throughout its history, Gibraltar has been governed by various powers, Including the Phoenicians, Romans, Moors and Spanish.

However, Under the Treaty of Utrecht in 1713 it was ceded to Great Britain. One of Gibraltar’s most well-known landmarks is its iconic rock formation which stands over 1, 300 feet tall and can be seen from miles away. The rock played an essential role in Gibraltar’s history as it provided a natural fortress for defense against invaders. Visitors can take a cable car up to the top where they will be rewarded with breathtaking views across both Gibraltar and Morocco.

St Michael’s Cave is another popular attraction in Gibraltar – a series of limestone caverns that have been utilized for various purposes throughout history including as a hospital during World War II. Today visitors can take tours through the caves which are filled with stunning stalactites and stalagmites. Despite its small size, Gibraltar boasts an impressive variety of wildlife including Barbary macaques – Europe’s only wild monkeys who roam freely around parts of the territory. Other species found on or around The Rock include dolphins, Whales and various bird species.

One unique aspect about life in Gibraltar is its status as one of only two places in Europe where you can see African flora growing alongside European plants due to its location at the southern tip of Spain. Overall, Gibraltar may be small but it offers visitors plenty to see and do; from exploring ancient caves to taking in stunning panoramic views from the top of its famous rock. Its rich history and unique location make it a fascinating place to visit for anyone interested in culture, Wildlife and natural beauty.



Important Landmarks

  1. The Rock of Gibraltar
  2. St. Michael’s Cave
  3. Moorish Castle
  4. Great Siege Tunnels
  5. Gibraltar Nature Reserve and Upper Rock
  6. Europa Point Lighthouse
  7. Apes Den
  8. Ocean Village Marina
  9. Casemates Square
  10. Cathedral of St Mary the Crowned

Primary Industries

  1. The major industries and businesses in Gibraltar include:
    • Finance
    • Tourism
    • Shipping services
    • Online gaming
    • E-commerce
  2. The financial sector is a significant contributor to the economy of Gibraltar as it offers tax-efficient structures for international companies.
  3. Tourism is also a crucial industry in Gibraltar as it attracts visitors with its historical landmarks and natural attractions.
  4. Shipping services play an essential role in Gibraltar’s economy as the port serves as a hub for transshipment of goods between Europe and Africa.
  5. Online gaming is another thriving industry in Gibraltar due to its favorable regulatory environment.
  6. Finally, e-commerce has grown significantly in recent years due to the increase in online shopping worldwide.

Noteable History

  1. The Rock of Gibraltar has a long history as a strategic location for military and naval operations, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neanderthal era.
  2. After being captured by the Moors in 711 AD, Gibraltar remained under Muslim control until it was conquered by the Spanish in 1462.
  3. During the War of Spanish Succession (1701-1714), an Anglo-Dutch force captured Gibraltar from Spain, leading to its status as a British Overseas Territory.
  4. In World War II, Gibraltar played a crucial role in Allied operations as a naval base and airfield, earning it the nickname The Rock.
  5. Some notable people associated with Gibraltar include Sir Joshua Hassan who served as Chief Minister for over two decades and helped negotiate Britain’s entry into the European Economic Community; Joe Bossano another former Chief Minister who founded the Gibraltar Socialist Labour Party; and John Mackintosh who established several educational institutions on The Rock.
  6. In recent years there have been tensions between Spain and Britain over sovereignty claims to Gibraltar, with Spain asserting that it should be returned to Spanish control despite overwhelming support among Gibraltarians for remaining under British rule.

Museums and Things To See

  1. The Gibraltar Museum
  2. The Great Siege Tunnels
  3. St Michael’s Cave
  4. Moorish Castle
  5. The Rock of Gibraltar
  6. Europa Point Lighthouse and Mosque
  7. Trafalgar Cemetery
  8. World War II Tunnels
  9. City Under Siege Exhibition
  10. Shrine of Our Lady of Europe


Sports Teams

  1. The Gibraltar national football team is the oldest football team in Gibraltar, established in 1895. They became members of UEFA and FIFA in 2013.
  2. Europa FC is a professional football club based in Gibraltar, founded in 1925. They have won multiple domestic titles, including the Rock Cup and the Premier Division.
  3. Mons Calpe SC is a semi-professional football club based in Gibraltar, founded in 2013. They have quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the top teams and won promotion to the Premier Division for the first time in 2020.
  4. Lynx FC is a professional football club based in Gibraltar, founded in 2007. They have won multiple domestic titles including the Rock Cup and were runners-up of the Premier Division twice.
  5. St Joseph’s FC is a professional football club based on an independent entity from Lincoln Red Imps as recently as possible (independent from Lincoln Red Imps), although it was originally founded as early as 1912. They have won multiple domestic titles including two consecutive Rock Cups (2019-2020).
  6. Gibraltar Phoenix F.C., which was just established this year (2021), hopes to gain promotion to higher divisions soon enough while competing for their first season!


Cultural Events

  1. Gibraltar Music Festival
  2. Gibraltar National Day
  3. Gibraltar International Literary Festival
  4. Gibraltar World Music Festival
  5. Calentita Food Festival
  6. Gibunco Gibraltar International Air Display
  7. Christmas Light Switch On and Festivities
  8. Spring Flower Show
  9. The Convent Open Day
  10. New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Cuisine

  1. Calentita – a traditional dish made with chickpea flour, olive oil, water, salt, and pepper. It is typically served as a starter or snack.
  2. Gambas al Ajillo – garlic prawns cooked in olive oil and served with bread.
  3. Rosto – a slow-cooked beef stew that is traditionally eaten on Sundays.
  4. The Kasbar – a Moroccan restaurant that serves tagines, couscous, and other North African dishes.
  5. The Clipper – a seafood restaurant that offers fresh fish caught locally.
  6. Cafe Solo – an Italian restaurant that serves pizza, pasta, and other Italian dishes.
  7. Charlie’s Taverna – a Greek restaurant that offers souvlaki, moussaka, and other Greek specialties.
  8. La Terraza Tapas Bar & Restaurant – a Spanish tapas bar that serves small plates of traditional Spanish food like patatas bravas, croquettes, and tortilla española.
  9. The Rock Hotel Restaurant – an elegant dining venue offering Mediterranean fare with views of the Bay of Gibraltar
  10. The Lounge at Queensway Quay Marina – A relaxed waterfront eatery serving international cuisine including sushi platters

Parks and Recreation

  1. Gibraltar Botanic Gardens: This public park boasts a variety of flora and fauna, including rare and exotic species.
  2. Europa Point Lighthouse: Positioned at the southernmost point of Gibraltar, this lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean Sea.
  3. Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park: This small zoo showcases a range of animals from around the world, such as monkeys, birds, and reptiles.
  4. The Rock of Gibraltar Nature Reserve: Covering over 40% of the rock’s surface area, this protected reserve is home to many unique plant and animal species.
  5. Eastern Beach: A popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, kayaking and windsurfing in Gibraltar.
  6. Dolphin Watching Tours: Witness wild dolphins in their natural habitat on a boat tour through the Strait of Gibraltar.
  7. St Michael’s Cave: An impressive limestone cave system located within the Rock that features stunning stalactites and stalagmites formations.
  8. Cable Car Ride to Upper Rock Nature Reserve: Enjoy panoramic views over Gibraltar by taking a cable car ride up to the top of the rock.
  9. Moorish Castle Complex: Explore this historic castle complex dating back to 711 AD when it was built by Muslim rulers during their conquests in Spain.
  10. Scuba Diving Tours – Experience underwater adventures with scuba diving tours around some of Gibraltar’s most beautiful dive sites featuring shipwrecks, reefs, caves and tunnels etc.

Suitcase

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