Gibraltar is situated at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe, it is a British overseas territory. Gibraltar is bordered to the southern tip of Spain, between Gibraltar and the Spanish mainland is a narrow, sandy isthmus functioning as a neutral zone. Gibraltar lies on the Mediterranean Sea, which exits to the Atlantic Ocean in an area known as the Strait of Gibraltar. Its separated from Morocco through the Strait of Gibraltar. Its total area is only 2.6 square miles, it is so small, that it often is called The Rock. The capital of Gibraltar is also named Gibraltar. Gibraltar has no administrative divisions, yet it is divided into seven major residential areas.
Gibraltar is a parliamentary democracy, with the Chief Minister as the head of government, and of a multi-party system. Gibraltar has full internal self-government, but is a British overseas territory of the United Kingdom. The head of state is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by the Governor of Gibraltar, currently Sir Adrian Johns. Defense, foreign relations, internal security and financial stability are the responsibility of the United Kingdom.
Architecture in Gibraltar is a combination of English, Portuguese and Genoese styles and therefore always unique. Tiled walls in the Portuguese style, mixed with Genoese shutters and ironwork balconies English. Space has always been a problem, therefore the Genoese housing style, also known as “patios” is very popular.
The Cathedral of the Holy Trinity is the cathedral for the Church of England, its Moorish revival architecture and its use of horseshoe arches is beautiful. The is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Gibraltar Cathedral of Saint Mary the Crowned, was built in a beautiful gothic style. There is a statue of a soldier outside the cathedral. Deaths in Gibraltar had, until the 19th century, the right to be buried under the floor of the cathedral. In a crypt below the statue of Our Lady of Europe, the Bishops were buried. An important part of the Gibraltarians are of Jewish descent and celebrate Shabbat Friday night with sunset.
A rich diversity of cultures is reflected in the cuisine of Gibraltar. The national dish is Calentita Gibraltar, a bread-like dish with chickpeas flour, water, olive oil, salt and pepper.
From different points, the Rock of Gibraltar is wonderful to see. The Rock of Gibraltar is composed of limestone. The rock arises out the sea up the east and the west slope is more gradual. The highest point is 1396 meters, there are growing aloes, cacti, capers and asparagus in the cracks. On some pieces are lush valleys, where pigeons, partridges, woodcocks, and the Barbary ape, the only wild monkeys in Europe, are found. From ground level to the top of the rock, with an intermediate station on the monkeys’ Den there is a cable car.
The airport of Gibraltar is a little uncommon, it is very close at the centre of the city. The terminal of the airport lies on walking distance of a large part of Gibraltar, and the runway crossed Winston Churchill Avenue, the main north-south street, so that should close when aircraft land or depart . There are new roads and a tunnel under Winston Churchill Avenue, constructed so that the traffic on the road will not have to stop, when the aircraft the runway uses, together with the construction of a new airport terminal building, they would be ready in 2010 or 2011.
Citizens of Schengen countries, Us, Canadians, Australians and New Zealanders do not need a visa. Travelers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.
