Gibraltar

Gibraltar is a tiny British Overseas Territory at the southern tip of Spain. It sits at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar is famous for the Rock of Gibraltar, a massive limestone rock that rises 1,400 feet above the sea. Wild monkeys called Barbary macaques live on the rock.

Land and People

About 34,000 people live in Gibraltar. The territory is only about 2.6 square miles, making it very small and crowded. The Rock of Gibraltar dominates the landscape. On a clear day, you can see the coast of Africa across the Strait of Gibraltar.

Culture and Fun Facts

Gibraltar has a mix of British, Spanish, and other Mediterranean cultures. English is the official language, but many people also speak Spanish. The Barbary macaques are the only wild monkeys in Europe. Legend says that as long as the monkeys live on the Rock, Gibraltar will remain British.

Fun Facts

• The Barbary macaques on the Rock of Gibraltar are the only wild monkeys in all of Europe.
• The Rock of Gibraltar has over 30 miles of tunnels dug into it over the centuries.
• The Strait of Gibraltar is only about 9 miles wide at its narrowest point, separating Europe from Africa.

Did You Know?

An old legend says that if the Barbary macaques ever leave the Rock of Gibraltar, the British will lose the territory. During World War II, Winston Churchill ordered more monkeys to be brought in when the population got too small.