Country Profile: Gibraltar
Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, strategically positioned along the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean. The territory covers an area of just 7 square kilometers and has a population of approximately 29,733 people (as of 2025). The economy is classified as a high-income economy, heavily reliant on tourism, banking, and shipping, with a unique governance structure as a self-governing territory under the UK. Despite its small size, Gibraltar has a vibrant culture and a complex political history, particularly in relation to its sovereignty.
Geography
Gibraltar's geographic location is significant, bordering the Mediterranean and North Atlantic and featuring a narrow coastal lowland adjacent to the prominent Rock of Gibraltar. The territory comprises 7 square kilometers, with 1.2 kilometers of land boundary with Spain and a 12-kilometer coastline.
- Highest Point: Rock of Gibraltar at 426 m
- Lowest Point: Mediterranean Sea at 0 m
- Climate: Mediterranean, with mild winters and warm summers
- Area Comparison: More than 10 times the size of Washington D.C.'s National Mall
- Irrigated Land: NA (All potable water from desalination)
- Natural Hazards: Occasional droughts
People and Society
The population of Gibraltar is predominantly Gibraltarian, with approximately 79% identifying as such, and includes various ethnic groups such as British and Spanish. The official language is English, used in schools and for official purposes, while Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese are also spoken. The territory has a diverse religious landscape, with Roman Catholicism being the most prevalent faith.
- Population (2025 estimate): 29,733
- Urbanization Rate: 100% of total population
- Life Expectancy: 80.9 years (2024 estimate)
- Total Fertility Rate: 1.88 children born/woman (2025 estimate)
- Infant Mortality Rate: 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 estimate)
- Dependency Ratio: Total dependency ratio of 60 (2025 estimate)
Economy
Gibraltar has a high-income economy, characterized by its financial services, shipping, and tourism industries. Brexit has caused economic disruptions, prompting ongoing negotiations to rejoin the EU Schengen Area. There is no significant agricultural production; the territory is reliant on imports for most commodities.
- GDP (2014 estimate): $2.044 billion
- Main Industries: Tourism, banking and finance, ship repairing, tobacco
- Top Export Partners (2023): Netherlands 38%, France 26%
- Top Import Partners (2023): Italy 26%, Greece 12%
- Currency: Gibraltar pounds (GIP)
- Independent Tax Authority: Operates distinct from the UK
Government
Gibraltar operates as a parliamentary democracy and is a self-governing overseas territory of the UK. The governance structure consists of an elected Parliament, a Chief Minister, and a Governor representing the UK monarch. The constitutional framework was established in 2007 following a referendum.
- Chief of State: King CHARLES III (since 2022)
- Head of Government: Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 2011)
- Parliament Structure: Unicameral with 18 seats
- Suffrage: Universal at 18 years
- Next Election (expected): October 2027
- National Day: September 10 (1967)
Military and Security
Defense and military responsibilities lie with the United Kingdom, with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment serving as the local military unit. The security framework reinforces its status as an overseas territory under British sovereignty.
- Military Forces: Royal Gibraltar Regiment (2025)
- Defense Responsibility: United Kingdom
Energy
Gibraltar relies entirely on fossil fuels for generating electricity, with a 100% electrification rate for its population. The territory has no significant natural resources and must import all energy sources.
- Electricity Access: 100% (2022 estimate)
- Installed Capacity: 50,000 kW (2023 estimate)
- Electricity Consumption: 213.744 million kWh (2023 estimate)
- Petroleum Consumption: 91,000 bbl/day (2023 estimate)
- Natural Gas Imports: 77.196 million cubic meters (2023 estimate)
Transportation
Transportation in Gibraltar features a single airport and a merchant marine fleet. The territory's port is significant for trade and tourism, with Europa Point serving as a key port.
- Airports: 1 (2025)
- Merchant Marine Size: 129 vessels (2023)
- Total Ports: 1 (2024)
Communications
Gibraltar maintains a well-developed communication infrastructure, with a high proportion of the population having access to fixed and mobile telephones, as well as internet services.
- Fixed-line Subscriptions: 17,200 (2022)
- Mobile Cellular Subscriptions: 36,700 (2022)
- Internet Users: 94% of the population (2016 estimate)
- Broadband Subscriptions: 23,000 (2022)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 29,733 | 2025 estimate |
| Area | 7 sq km | |
| GDP | $2.044 billion | 2014 estimate |
| Energy Consumption | 213.744 million kWh | 2023 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 13.55 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | N/A | Data not available |
| Life Expectancy | 80.9 years | 2024 estimate |
| Total Fertility Rate | 1.88 children/woman | 2025 estimate |
| Carbon Dioxide Emissions | 15.608 million metric tonnes | 2023 estimate |
| Infant Mortality Rate | 5.9 deaths/1,000 live births | 2025 estimate |
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