Gibraltar is just 2.6 square miles in size and is a British territory joined by a land border to Spain at the town of La Linea de la Concepcion. It is basically a peninsula often referred to as the Rock of Gibraltar.
With a history of habitation dating back over 2,500 years, the rock has been fought over by several nations over the years and is a mixture of cultures. Captured by an Anglo-Dutch force in 1704 the rock became British in 1713 and has remained fiercely British ever since despite claims and disputes by Spain over sovereignty rights.
With a population of around 30,000 Gibraltar is densely populated and relies on shipping, tourism and financial services for its main income. Visitors to Gibraltar will be surprised at how British this little enclave actually is. With a large Morrison’s supermarket and its British Pubs and infrastructure this really is like Britain on the Med.
During the Second World War many citizens of Gibraltar were evacuated to London and Jamaica and the rock became a military fortress. With its labrinth of tunnels and buildings inside the limestone it was a well defended strategic outpost guarding the straits of Gibraltar from enemy shipping.
Today a popular tourist destination Gibraltar has its own beaches, marina and historic sights but the most popular attraction are the apes of the rock. Locals believe that as long as the Gibraltar apes live on the rock the territory will remain British.
For more photos of Gibraltar click here or view on You Tube
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