This is THE most famous rock in the world - yet most people know almost nothing about its secrets and its attraction to those who visit again and again. The mountain is honeycombed with tunnels - each with its own history and story as well as monkeys which inhabit the west face - all essential to the security of "The Rock." The village which greets the visitor on arrival can easily be mistaken for a country town in almost any part of England. The people are very friendly and the experience quite unusual. Gibraltar is full of astounding surprises.
Capital: Gibraltar
Population: 27, 000
Area: 2.5 square miles
Language: English and Spanish
Time: + 6 hours from New York
Electricity: 220/240 volts AC/ 50 Hz
Geography: Spain is the only country to border Gibraltar which it does to the north. Otherwise the Mediterranian surrounds the remaining area.
International Airport Gibraltar - Gibraltar Airport (GIB) - The airport is located in the midst of everything with its runway crossing the main thoroughfare into tow. Traffic lights stop traffic long enough for the jet aircraft to make a safe landing. Its is quite a sight!
Tipping: Tipping ranges from 10-15%. The amount is seldom included in the bill but be careful to check.
Shopping: Shops are open from 10 am until 7 pm daily except Sundays when they open at 1 pm and close at 1 pm. Everything here is sold without taxes being added on so prices are quite good. The "Rock" really produces almost nothing of its own so items here are from all over Europe and many parts of the world.
Food and Drink: British cuisine is chief in Gibraltar but Mediterranean foods from Spain, France and Italy are very common. Indian and Chines food are also plentiful. British beer is a favorite and all forms of drink are available.
Social: Gibraltar is a very mixed society with British standards and a population with backgrounds which are from all over the Mediterranean, but mostly from Spain.
Business: Business is conducted in English unless the commerce has anything to do with Spain when conversation will be entirely in Spanish. Remember that Spain claims Gibraltar and recognition of Spain as a major force in the area is important.
Climate
Gibraltar is very warm throughout the year with May through September being very hot and humid. Winters are very mild. There is no rainy season but it seldom rains in the summer. | 