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Europe :: Gibraltar (overseas territory of the UK)

- ## Introduction :: GIBRALTAR

- Background:
  Strategically important, Gibraltar was reluctantly ceded to Great Britain by Spain in the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht; the British garrison was formally declared a colony in 1830. In a referendum held in 1967, Gibraltarians voted overwhelmingly to remain a British dependency. The subsequent granting of autonomy in 1969 by the UK led Spain to close the border and sever all communication links. Between 1997 and 2002, the UK and Spain held a series of talks on establishing temporary joint sovereignty over Gibraltar. In response to these talks, the Gibraltar Government called a referendum in late 2002 in which the majority of citizens voted overwhelmingly against any sharing of sovereignty with Spain. Since late 2004, Spain, the UK, and Gibraltar have held tripartite talks with the aim of cooperatively resolving problems that affect the local population, and work continues on cooperation agreements in areas such as taxation and financial services; communications and maritime security; policy, legal and customs services; environmental protection; and education and visa services. Throughout 2009, a dispute over Gibraltar's claim to territorial waters extending out three miles gave rise to periodic non-violent maritime confrontations between Spanish and UK naval patrols and in 2013, the British reported a record number of entries by Spanish vessels into waters claimed by Gibraltar following a dispute over Gibraltar's creation of an artificial reef in those waters. A new noncolonial constitution came into effect in 2007, and the European Court of First Instance recognized Gibraltar's right to regulate its own tax regime in December 2008. The UK retains responsibility for defense, foreign relations, internal security, and financial stability.

- ## Geography :: GIBRALTAR

- Location:
  Southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which links the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, on the southern coast of Spain
  Geographic coordinates:
  36 08 N, 5 21 W
  Map references:
  Europe
  Area:
  total: 6.5 sq km
  land: 6.5 sq km
  water: 0 sq km
  country comparison to the world: 244
  Area - comparative:
  more than 10 times the size of The National Mall in Washington, D.C.
  Land boundaries:
  total: 1.2 km
  border countries (1): Spain 1.2 km
  Coastline:
  12 km
  Maritime claims:
  territorial sea: 3 nm
  Climate:
  Mediterranean with mild winters and warm summers
  Terrain:
  a narrow coastal lowland borders the Rock of Gibraltar
  Elevation extremes:
  lowest point: Mediterranean Sea 0 m
  highest point: Rock of Gibraltar 426 m
  Natural resources:
  none
  Land use:
  agricultural land: 0%
  arable land 0%; permanent crops 0%; permanent pasture 0%
  forest: 0%
  other: 100% (2011 est.)
  Irrigated land:
  NA
  Natural hazards:
  NA
  Environment - current issues:
  limited natural freshwater resources: large concrete or natural rock water catchments collect rainwater (no longer used for drinking water) and adequate desalination plant
  Geography - note:
  strategic location on Strait of Gibraltar that links the North Atlantic Ocean and Mediterranean Sea

- ## People and Society :: GIBRALTAR

- Nationality:
  noun: Gibraltarian(s)
  adjective: Gibraltar
  Ethnic groups:
  Spanish, Italian, English, Maltese, Portuguese, German, North Africans
  Languages:
  English (used in schools and for official purposes), Spanish, Italian, Portuguese
  Religions:
  Roman Catholic 78.1%, Church of England 7%, Muslim 4%, other Christian 3.2%, Jewish 2.1%, Hindu 1.8%, other 0.9%, none 2.9% (2001 est.)
  Population:
  29,258 (July 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 219
  Age structure:
  0-14 years: 20.11% (male 3,014/female 2,870)
  15-24 years: 15.58% (male 2,383/female 2,174)
  25-54 years: 38.44% (male 5,678/female 5,569)
  55-64 years: 10.47% (male 1,418/female 1,644)
  65 years and over: 15.41% (male 2,216/female 2,292) (2015 est.)
  population pyramid:
  Median age:
  total: 34.2 years
  male: 33.3 years
  female: 35.2 years (2015 est.)
  Population growth rate:
  0.24% (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 180
  Birth rate:
  14.08 births/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 139
  Death rate:
  8.37 deaths/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 83
  Net migration rate:
  -3.28 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 183
  Urbanization:
  urban population: 100% of total population (2015)
  rate of urbanization: 0.07% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)
  Major urban areas - population:
  GIBRALTAR (capital) 29,000 (2014)
  Sex ratio:
  at birth: 1.07 male(s)/female
  0-14 years: 1.05 male(s)/female
  15-24 years: 1.1 male(s)/female
  25-54 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
  55-64 years: 0.86 male(s)/female
  65 years and over: 0.97 male(s)/female
  total population: 1.01 male(s)/female (2015 est.)
  Infant mortality rate:
  total: 6.16 deaths/1,000 live births
  male: 6.85 deaths/1,000 live births
  female: 5.42 deaths/1,000 live births (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 164
  Life expectancy at birth:
  total population: 79.28 years
  male: 76.43 years
  female: 82.34 years (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 46
  Total fertility rate:
  1.91 children born/woman (2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 134
  HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS:
  NA
  HIV/AIDS - deaths:
  NA
  Education expenditures:
  NA

- ## Government :: GIBRALTAR

- Country name:
  conventional long form: none
  conventional short form: Gibraltar
  etymology: from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic "Jabal Tariq," which means "Mountain of Tariq" and which refers to the Rock of Gibraltar
  Dependency status:
  overseas territory of the UK
  Government type:
  NA
  Capital:
  name: Gibraltar
  geographic coordinates: 36 08 N, 5 21 W
  time difference: UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
  daylight saving time: +1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
  Administrative divisions:
  none (overseas territory of the UK)
  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 join Spain
  Constitution:
  previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007 (2015)
  Legal system:
  the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply
  Citizenship:
  see United Kingdom
  Suffrage:
  18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more
  Executive branch:
  chief of state: Queen ELIZABETH II (since 6 February 1952); represented by Governor Sir James DUTTON (since 6 December 2013); note - Governor DUTTON has resigned and left his post on 28 September 2015; Alison MACMILLAN becomes acting governor; Lt. Gen. Edward DAVIS was appointed governor on 1 October 2015 and will take office in early 2016
  head of government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011)
  cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of the Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister
  elections/appointments: the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor
  Legislative branch:
  description: unicameral Parliament (18 seats; 17 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by majority vote and 1 appointed by Parliament as speaker; members serve 4-year terms)
  elections: last held on 26 November 2015 (next to be held not later than December 2019)
  election results: percent of vote by party - GSLP 68.4%, GSD 31.6%; seats by party - GSLP 10, GSD 7
  Judicial branch:
  highest resident court(s): Court of Appeal (consists of at least 3 judges, including the court president); Supreme Court of Gibraltar (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
  judge selection and term of office: Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 7-member body of judges and appointees of the governor; tenure of the Court of Appeal president based on terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice and judge normally appointed until retirement at age 67, but can be extended 3 years
  subordinate courts: Court of First Instance; Magistrates' Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment
  Political parties and leaders:
  Gibraltar Liberal Party [Joseph GARCIA]
  Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD [Daniel FEETHAM]
  Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP [Fabian PICARDO]
  Progressive Democratic Party [Nick CRUZ]
  Political pressure groups and leaders:
  Chamber of Commerce
  Gibraltar Representatives Organization
  Women's Association
  International organization participation:
  ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), UPU
  Diplomatic representation in the US:
  none (overseas territory of the UK)
  Diplomatic representation from the US:
  none (overseas territory of the UK)
  Flag description:
  two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean
  National symbol(s):
  Barbary macaque; national colors: red, white, yellow
  National anthem:
  name: "Gibraltar Anthem"
  lyrics/music: Peter EMBERLEY
  note: adopted 1994; serves as a local anthem; as a territory of the United Kingdom, "God Save the Queen" remains official (see United Kingdom)

- ## Economy :: GIBRALTAR

- Economy - overview:
  Self-sufficient Gibraltar benefits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference center. Tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. The British military presence has been sharply reduced and now contributes about 7% to the local economy, compared with 60% in 1984. The financial sector, tourism (over 11 million visitors in 2012), gaming revenues, shipping services fees, and duties on consumer goods also generate revenue. The financial sector, tourism, and the shipping sector contribute 30%, 30%, and 25%, respectively, of GDP. Telecommunications, e-commerce, and e-gaming account for the remaining 15%. In recent years, Gibraltar has seen major structural change from a public to a private sector economy, but changes in government spending still have a major impact on the level of employment.
  GDP (purchasing power parity):
  $1.85 billion (2013 est.)
  $2 billion (2012 est.)
  $1.106 billion (2006 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 197
  GDP (official exchange rate):
  $1.85 billion (2013 est.)
  GDP - real growth rate:
  6% (2008 est.)
  8.8% (2007 est.)
  0% (2006 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 40
  GDP - per capita (PPP):
  $43,000 (2008 est.)
  $41,200 (2007 est.)
  $38,400 (2006 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 36
  GDP - composition, by sector of origin:
  agriculture: 0%
  industry: 0%
  services: 100% (2008 est.)
  Agriculture - products:
  none
  Industries:
  tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco
  Industrial production growth rate:
  NA%
  Labor force:
  22,910 (2001) (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 211
  Labor force - by occupation:
  agriculture: NEGL
  industry: 40%
  services: 60% (2001)
  Unemployment rate:
  3% (2005 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 23
  Population below poverty line:
  NA%
  Household income or consumption by percentage share:
  lowest 10%: NA%
  highest 10%: NA%
  Budget:
  revenues: $475.8 million
  expenditures: $452.3 million (2008 est.)
  Taxes and other revenues:
  25.7% of GDP (2008 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 115
  Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-):
  1.3% of GDP (2008 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 23
  Public debt:
  7.5% of GDP (2008 est.)
  9.3% of GDP (2006 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 165
  Fiscal year:
  1 July - 30 June
  Inflation rate (consumer prices):
  2.5% (2013 est.)
  2.2% (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 115
  Exports:
  $271 million (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 182
  Exports - commodities:
  (principally reexports) petroleum 51%, manufactured goods (2010 est.)
  Imports:
  $2.967 billion (2004 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 148
  Imports - commodities:
  fuels, manufactured goods, foodstuffs
  Debt - external:
  $NA
  Exchange rates:
  Gibraltar pounds (GIP) per US dollar -
  0.7489 (2014 est.)
  0.7634 (2013 est.)
  0.64 (2012)
  0.624 (2011)
  0.6472 (2010)

- ## Energy :: GIBRALTAR

- Electricity - production:
  165 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 190
  Electricity - consumption:
  160 million kWh (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 193
  Electricity - exports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 143
  Electricity - imports:
  0 kWh (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 154
  Electricity - installed generating capacity:
  43,000 kW (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 194
  Electricity - from fossil fuels:
  100% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 11
  Electricity - from nuclear fuels:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 99
  Electricity - from hydroelectric plants:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 174
  Electricity - from other renewable sources:
  0% of total installed capacity (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 178
  Crude oil - production:
  0 bbl/day (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 140
  Crude oil - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 129
  Crude oil - imports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 196
  Crude oil - proved reserves:
  0 bbl (1 January 2015 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 138
  Refined petroleum products - production:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 187
  Refined petroleum products - consumption:
  53,000 bbl/day (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 95
  Refined petroleum products - exports:
  0 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 180
  Refined petroleum products - imports:
  53,970 bbl/day (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 76
  Natural gas - production:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 193
  Natural gas - consumption:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 147
  Natural gas - exports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 105
  Natural gas - imports:
  0 cu m (2013 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 201
  Natural gas - proved reserves:
  0 cu m (1 January 2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 142
  Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy:
  3.946 million Mt (2012 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 131

- ## Communications :: GIBRALTAR

- Telephones - fixed lines:
  total subscriptions: 23,400
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 80 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 179
  Telephones - mobile cellular:
  total: 38,000
  subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 130 (2014 est.)
  country comparison to the world: 205
  Telephone system:
  general assessment: adequate, automatic domestic system and adequate international facilities
  domestic: automatic exchange facilities
  international: country code - 350; radiotelephone; microwave radio relay; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)
  Broadcast media:
  Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation (GBC) provides TV and radio broadcasting services via 1 TV station and 4 radio stations; British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) operates 1 radio station; broadcasts from Spanish radio and TV stations are accessible (2008)
  Radio broadcast stations:
  AM 1, FM 5, shortwave 0 (1998)
  Television broadcast stations:
  1 (plus 3 repeaters) (1997)
  Internet country code:
  .gi
  Internet users:
  total: 20,200
  percent of population: 70.14% (2009)
  country comparison to the world: 200

- ## Transportation :: GIBRALTAR

- Airports:
  1 (2013)
  country comparison to the world: 220
  Airports - with paved runways:
  total: 1
  1,524 to 2,437 m: 1 (2013)
  Roadways:
  total: 29 km
  paved: 29 km (2007)
  country comparison to the world: 221
  Merchant marine:
  total: 267
  by type: bulk carrier 3, cargo 146, chemical tanker 64, container 28, liquefied gas 2, petroleum tanker 14, roll on/roll off 2, vehicle carrier 8
  foreign-owned: 254 (Belgium 1, Cyprus 1, Denmark 7, Finland 2, Germany 123, Greece 8, Iceland 1, Italy 4, Jersey 1, Morocco 4, Netherlands 34, Norway 46, Sweden 11, UAE 5, UK 6)
  registered in other countries: 6 (Liberia 5, Panama 1) (2010)
  country comparison to the world: 32
  Ports and terminals:
  major seaport(s): Gibraltar

- ## Military :: GIBRALTAR

- Military branches:
  Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2013)
  Manpower available for military service:
  males age 16-49: 7,037 (2010 est.)
  Manpower fit for military service:
  males age 16-49: 6,017
  females age 16-49: 5,706 (2010 est.)
  Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually:
  male: 228
  female: 220 (2010 est.)
  Military - note:
  defense is the responsibility of the UK; the Royal Gibraltar Regiment replaced the last British regular infantry forces in 1992

- ## Transnational Issues :: GIBRALTAR

- Disputes - international:
  in 2002, Gibraltar residents voted overwhelmingly by referendum to reject any "shared sovereignty" arrangement; the Government of Gibraltar insists on equal participation in talks between the UK and Spain; Spain disapproves of UK plans to grant Gibraltar even greater autonomy

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