Country Profile: Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory located at the southern tip of Spain, strategically positioned at the entrance of the Mediterranean Sea. With a population of approximately 29,733, the territory has experienced a high-income economy largely reliant on tourism, finance, and shipping industries. Governed as a parliamentary democracy, Gibraltar maintains a unique status that combines British sovereignty with self-governance.

Geography

Gibraltar is situated in southwestern Europe, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar, which connects the Mediterranean Sea to the North Atlantic Ocean. The territory covers an area of approximately 7 square kilometers and has a narrow coastal lowland alongside the famous Rock of Gibraltar.

1.2 km: Total land boundaries with Spain.
12 km: Coastline.
3 nm: Territorial sea claims.
426 m: Highest point is the Rock of Gibraltar.
0%: Agricultural land usage.

People and Society

The population of Gibraltar is estimated at 29,733 in 2025, characterized by a rich cultural blend predominantly composed of Gibraltarians, with a significant presence of British and Spanish communities. The official language is English, but Spanish is also widely spoken.

100%: Urban population.
80.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024 est.).
13.55 births/1,000: Birth rate (2025 est.).
1.01: Sex ratio (total population, 2024 est.).
60: Total dependency ratio (2025 est.).

Economy

Gibraltar has a high-income economy primarily driven by sectors such as tourism, finance, and ship repair. The territory faces ongoing economic challenges due to Brexit, which has disrupted long-standing trade relations.

$2.044 billion: GDP (2014 est.).
38%: Exports to the Netherlands (2023).
100%: Electricity access (2022 est.).
91,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023 est.).

Government

As a parliamentary democracy, Gibraltar operates under a self-governing framework as an overseas territory of the UK. The executive is led by a Chief Minister and a Governor representing the British monarch.

18: Total seats in Parliament.
4 years: Term length for elected members.
10 September: National Day, commemorating the 1967 referendum.
38.5%: Percentage of women in Parliament.

Military and Security

The defense of Gibraltar is primarily the responsibility of the UK, with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment serving as the local military force.

1: Royal Gibraltar Regiment (UK) (2025).

Energy

Gibraltar relies entirely on fossil fuels for its electricity generation, boasting a well-structured energy infrastructure with 100% electrification.

50,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023 est.).
213.744 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023 est.).

Environment

The territory faces environmental challenges, particularly regarding limited natural freshwater resources, which are addressed through desalination.

15.608 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023 est.).
0%: Agricultural land (2022 est.).

Transportation

Gibraltar has a modest transportation network including a single airport and a strategic port that supports its shipping economy.

1: Airport (2025).
129: Merchant marine vessels (2023).

Communications

Gibraltar has a well-developed communication network, ensuring high access to telecommunication services and internet connectivity among its population.

94%: Population with internet access (2016 est.).
17,200: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 est.).

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	29,733	2025 estimate
Area	7 sq km
GDP	$2.044 billion	2014 estimate
Birth rate	13.55 births/1,000	2025 estimate
Life expectancy	80.9 years	2024 estimate
Total dependency ratio	60	2025 estimate
Electricity access	100%	2022 estimate
Refined petroleum consumption	91,000 bbl/day	2023 estimate
Merchant marine	129 ships	2023 estimate
Carbon dioxide emissions	15.608 million metric tonnes	2023 estimate