1. We are home to Europe's only wild monkeys – The Barbary macaques are the only wild monkey population in Europe. Legend has it that as long as the macaques remain in Gibraltar, the territory will stay under British control.
2. We're one of the most densely populated territories in the world – Despite being only 2.6 square miles (6.7 km²), Gibraltar has a population of around 34,000 people.
3. We have our own language – While English is the official language, locals also speak "Llanito," a unique mix of English and Andalusian Spanish with influences from Genoese, Maltese, and Portuguese.
4. Our airport runway intersects a road – Winston Churchill Avenue. Before the opening of the Kingsway tunnel in 2023, the main road connecting Gibraltar to Spain would cross the airport runway. Traffic had to be stopped when plane was due to take off or land.
5. The Rock of Gibraltar is hollow – Over 30 miles (48 km) of tunnels run through the Rock of Gibraltar, originally dug by the British military for defense purposes.
6. We're a British Overseas Territory – Gibraltar has been under British control since 1704 after it was captured from Spain during the War of the Spanish Succession.
7. The Great Siege Tunnels were dug by hand – During the Great Siege of Gibraltar (1779–1783), British soldiers carved out tunnels in the Rock to create strategic firing positions.
8. Home to the Pillars of Hercules – The Rock of Gibraltar is considered one of the two mythical "Pillars of Hercules" that marked the edge of the known world in ancient times.
9. Gibraltar played a key role in World War II – The Rock served as a strategic naval base, and there were secret chambers prepared for a possible Nazi invasion.
10. We have our own currency – Gibraltar has its own pound (GIP), which is pegged to the British pound sterling.
11. It’s a tax haven – Gibraltar is known for its favorable tax laws, attracting businesses and financial services companies from around the world.
12. There’s a naturally formed 'Cathedral' inside the Rock – St. Michael’s Cave, a natural limestone cave, has a cathedral-like chamber used for concerts and events.
13. The Mediterranean and Atlantic meet at Gibraltar – The Strait of Gibraltar is where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Atlantic Ocean, creating unique water currents.
14. We have a rare 'Moorish Castle' – The Moorish Castle, built in the 8th century, still stands as a reminder of Gibraltar's Islamic history.
15. We're closer to Morocco than Marbella – Morocco is only about 14 miles (23 km) away across the Strait of Gibraltar, Marbella is about 33 miles up the coast. (sorry, Essex!)
16. We're one of the sunniest places in Europe – Gibraltar enjoys around 300 sunny days per year.
17. We're a hotspot for bird migration – Gibraltar lies on a major migration route for birds traveling between Europe and Africa.
18. The Rock of Gibraltar is made of Jurassic limestone – It dates back to around 200 million years ago, making it one of the oldest geological formations in the region.
19. There’s a military listening post hidden in the Rock – The British military still maintains a secret listening post within the Rock.
20. We have a botanical garden with free-roaming animals – The Gibraltar Botanic Gardens are home to turtles, lizards, and even peacocks.
