About Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory and is a unique destination in many ways. Situated near the southern most tip of the Iberian Peninsula, it sits on the crossroads of Europe and Africa.

The narrow strait of Gibraltar links the Mediterranean to the North Atlantic and "the Rock", as Gibraltar is affectionately known as by the locals, benefits from the mild Mediterranean climate. In addition its border with Spain provides easy access to the Spanish Costa del Sol and Costa de la Luz, as well as the beautiful Andalucian countryside.

Gibraltar is not only a popular tourist destination, but in recent years it has evolved into a thriving business centre.

The name Gibraltar is derived from the Arabic "Jebel Tarik" which means "Tarik's Rock". It is a reminder of Gibraltar's colourful history. Once dominated by the Romans, the Rock later fell to the Goths before it was taken by the Berber Tarik-ibn-Zeyad and remained under Moorish occupation for six centuries until the Spanish reclaimed it in 1462.

After the War of the Spanish Succession [1701- 1713] the Treaty of Utrecht ceded Gibraltar to the Crown of Great Britain "for ever, without any exception or impediment whatsoever." In the 18th century the Spanish tried to reclaim the territory twice but were unsuccessful.

Relationships between Gibraltar and Spain have since been strained [the border to Spain was closed between 1969 and 1982] but many diplomatic breakthroughs have been achieved in recent years. Today the two countries are co-operating on a variety of issues.