The iconic ‘Rock’ is world-renowned, yet Gibraltar’s history and culture is little understood beyond the peninsula itself.
Gibraltarians are proudly British, the results from two referendums coming in at over 90% in favour of remaining British. This national pride is often lazily portrayed in the media as ‘brits abroad’ - the reality is far more complicated.
As the British Empire’s access point to the Mediterranean since gaining it in 1713, Gibraltar and its naval facilities have played a key role in most of the UK’s international conflicts.
As the Empire crumbled post-WW2 and the UN pushed for decolonisation, Gibraltar remained. This does not make it a relic; despite its isolated location it shares similar ideals to the rest of the UK as a multi-cultural and diverse nation.
Gibraltar stands in a unique position, physically connected to mainland Europe and with a population that voted Remain by 96%. In 2023 as negotiations continue there is uncertainty regarding what the true impact of Brexit will be.
Gibraltar looms over the Spanish town of La Linea.
8,000 Spanish workers cross the border each day to work in Gibraltar.
Gibraltar is one of the most densely populated countries in the world.
Gibraltar has no natural water supply, instead sea water is desalinated.
Many new buildings are built on land reclaimed from the sea.
Car ownership is extremely high, with one company touting the 'carstacker' as a solution
National Day celebrations.
Main Street on National Day.
Gibraltarians reserve their spot at the beach up to 2 days before National Day.
Anti Gibraltar graffiti in the border town of La Linea.
the Strait of Gibraltar is hugely important for international shipping.
Commander of the Gibraltar Regiment.
Commander of British Forces.
Manuel Gatt, Jehovah's Witness.
Jews and Muslims were supposed to be exiled as part of the 1713 Treaty of Utrecht, instead both have always been part of Gibraltar's society.
Rabi Roni Hassid
The Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque is the southernmost mosque in continental Europe and one of the largest in a non-Muslim country.
However most Morrocan Muslims still pray at the smaller mosque in town.
Carmelo Zammit, Catholic Bishop of Gibraltar.
