In the southern part of the Pyrenees has settled a tiny state called Gibraltar.The country, photos of which are shown below, since 1704 part of the UK in the form of its self-governing colony.This includes the same name rock and sandy isthmus that connects it to the mainland.Due to its geographical position, even in ancient times, this area was of great strategic importance for the whole of Europe.For more information about her and will be discussed further.
General description
itself is a peninsula of rock length of 5 kilometers and a width of 1.2 kilometers.The highest point above sea level is located at around 426 meters.The form of Gibraltar is a constitutional monarchy.It is headed by a governor appointed by the British Queen.The total area of the peninsula is 6.5 km2.Its southern part is washed by the Straits of Gibraltar, the eastern - the Atlantic Ocean and the western - the Mediterranean Sea.In the north the country borders with Spain.The local terrain is mostly limestone cliffs, cut by numerous tunnels.
Gibraltar - a country which in 1973 together with the UK joined the European Union.In this regard, there is valid the same policy, the Schengen agreement and customs regulations, as well as in its other Member States.Moreover, local people have the right to vote in elections to the European Parliament.
Brief History
As noted above, Gibraltar - a country that boasts a very good location.The northern part of the rock is impregnable.It is at the beginning of the eighth century saw the invading Moors in Spain.It was here that they founded their first European outpost.To capture him, the Europeans took almost five centuries.Later the fortress was repeatedly otvoёvyvalas each other Spaniards and Moors.
In the early eighteenth century, the territory became interested in other European countries.In 1704 the allied Anglo-Dutch troops in just one day seized the rock.At that time, Gibraltar was declared a British property.Even the involvement of the French did not help the Spaniards to regain the territory.At the end of the twentieth century there was established a military base of NATO.Today the peninsula, in fact, became a self-governing, because thanks to successful economic policy depends on the UK only formally.
Population and languages
gustozaselёnnyh One of the areas on the planet is considered to Gibraltar.Population, which is of the order of 30 thousand lives rather compact.This is not surprising, given the modest area of the state.If we talk about the ethnic composition, it is dominated by Gibraltarians, British, Moroccans and Indians.Local authorities are trying to solve the problem of acute shortage of land by draining the coast.Whatever it was, the population density as of the date exceeds the mark of 4,500 people per square kilometer.
official status in Gibraltar is English.Along with this it is a fairly common "Yanit."It is a mixed conversational speech with local Andalusian dialect of Spanish.As for religion, the seven out of ten local inhabitants are Catholics.About 10% of local residents are Muslim.
Economy
Gibraltar - a country with a fairly high standard of living.The average GDP of this tiny state is about 500 million US dollars.Thus, per capita here accounts for about 17 thousand dollars, which can be called a pretty good indicator.The most developed areas of activity here is the financial and banking, tourism, construction and repair of ships.Due to the nature of the relief the agricultural sector is non-existent.Quite a significant source of income is a ship service.In addition, Gibraltar makes a re-export of liquid fuels in the United States, Spain, the UK, Morocco and other countries.
Climate
to the peninsula is characterized by a Mediterranean mild climate.The hottest time of the year is the period from July to August, when the temperature here reaches 29 degrees.Summer is usually clear and sunny weather, and therefore at this time here comes a huge number of beach lovers.The coldest month - January.The average daily temperature at this time is 16 degrees above zero.From November to January, and the country's most precipitation falls.Other months are quite dry.The average annual rainfall is between 800 millimeters.
Interesting facts
rock with a sandy isthmus - that is to Gibraltar.Its capital, respectively, bears a similar name.
Many tourists come here not only for the opportunity to see from the cliff opposite coast of Africa, but also for shopping, because local prices are much lower than many European countries.
main tourist attractions, local residents consider the local nature with an abundance of caves, trees, cypress trees and more than 600 varieties of flowers.
in the State can pay with British pounds or Spanish pesetas.In the back it is also Gibraltar Pound.However, the money is just paper and coins borrowed from Britain.
Gibraltar - a country in which there are practically no parking spaces.In this regard, while traveling in his car on it is advisable to leave it to a special parking lot at the border.
Gibraltar is one of the recognized world centers of sailing.In the bay built yachting center with all the infrastructure.
