Country Profile: Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a strategically located overseas territory of the United Kingdom on the southern coast of Spain, bordering the Strait of Gibraltar which connects the Mediterranean Sea with the North Atlantic Ocean. The territory has a population of approximately 29,683 people and operates under a parliamentary democracy. Its economy is driven by tourism, banking, and financial services, but has faced disruptions due to Brexit, prompting ongoing negotiations to enhance its status within the EU framework.

Geography

Gibraltar occupies a mere 7 square kilometers, making it significantly smaller than major urban areas worldwide. It is characterized by a Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and warm summers, and is dominated by the imposing Rock of Gibraltar. The territory has a single land border with Spain and a coastline measuring 12 kilometers.

1.2 km: Total land border with Spain
426 m: Highest point at the Rock of Gibraltar
3 nm: Territorial sea limit
12 km: Coastline length
0%: Agricultural land usage (2022 estimate)

People and Society

The population of Gibraltar is predominantly Gibraltarian, with 79% identifying as such, alongside diverse communities of British, Spanish, and Moroccan descent. The territory boasts a high urbanization rate, with 100% of its inhabitants living in urban areas. English serves as the primary language, while Spanish is also widely spoken due to its proximity to Spain.

29,683: Estimated total population (2024)
36.8 years: Median age (2024)
80.9 years: Life expectancy at birth (2024)
1.01 male(s)/female: Overall sex ratio (2024)
13.7 births/1,000 population: Birth rate (2024)

Economy

Gibraltar's economy is classified as a high-income territory with a focus on tourism, financial services, and shipping. Brexit has posed challenges, impacting these traditionally robust sectors. The territory operates under an independent taxation authority and trades mainly with EU countries.

$2.044 billion: GDP (2014 estimate)
38%: Exports to the Netherlands (2023)
100%: Electrification of the population (2022)
91,000 bbl/day: Refined petroleum consumption (2023)
77.196 million cubic meters: Natural gas consumption (2023)

Government

Gibraltar is governed as a parliamentary democracy and is an overseas territory of the UK. The Chief Minister leads the government, while the British monarch serves as the head of state, represented locally by a Governor. Gibraltar enjoys a significant degree of autonomy, with its own constitution established in 2007.

18: Total seats in Parliament (unicameral)
4 years: Term length for elected officials
9 December 2011: Date Chief Minister Fabian Picardo took office
10 September: National Day, marking the 1967 referendum
38.5%: Percentage of women in Parliament

Military and Security

The defense of Gibraltar is the responsibility of the United Kingdom, with the Royal Gibraltar Regiment functioning as the local military force. The territory maintains a relatively stable security environment, despite historical tensions with Spain over sovereignty issues.

2025: Year Royal Gibraltar Regiment is noted as active
UK: Provides defense and foreign relations

Energy

Gibraltar's energy sector relies entirely on fossil fuels, with 100% of its electricity generation capacity derived from this source. The territory has achieved full electrification and has made strides in managing its energy consumption effectively.

50,000 kW: Installed generating capacity (2023)
213.744 million kWh: Total electricity consumption (2023)
100%: Electricity access (2022)
77.196 million cubic meters: Natural gas imports (2023)

Environment

Gibraltar faces challenges concerning its limited natural freshwater resources due to its compact size and geography. The region experiences a Mediterranean climate, which influences its environmental management strategies and urban planning.

100%: Urban population (2023)
15.608 million metric tonnes: CO2 emissions (2023)
0%: Agricultural land (2022 estimate)

Transportation

Gibraltar features one airport and a merchant marine that includes various vessel types, contributing to its transport infrastructure. The territory's strategic location enhances its role as a key maritime link.

1: Number of airports (expected by 2025)
129: Total vessels in the merchant marine (2023)

Communications

Gibraltar benefits from a well-established telecommunications infrastructure with a high rate of mobile penetration. The Gibraltar Broadcasting Corporation provides essential media services to the territory's population.

37,000: Mobile cellular subscriptions (2022 estimate)
94%: Internet penetration rate (2016 estimate)
17,000: Fixed-line telephone subscriptions (2022 estimate)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	29,683	Estimated (2024)
Area	7 sq km	Total area
GDP	$2.044 billion	Estimated (2014)
Energy Consumption	213.744 million kWh	(2023)
Birth Rate	13.7 births/1,000 people	Estimated (2024)
Life Expectancy	80.9 years	Estimated (2024)
Unemployment Rate	Not available	No specific data available
Urbanization Rate	100%	Urban population (2023)
Electric Access	100%	Total (2022)
CO2 Emissions	15.608 million metric tonnes	Estimated (2023)