Gibraltar is a small peninsula (6.5 square kilometers) off the Southeast edge of the Spanish mainland that marks where the Mediterranean (east side) and the Gibraltar Strait (south side) meet. The Peninsula also creates the Bay of Gibraltar on the west side. It is only a few miles from North Africa. Until the Suez Canal was built, the Strait of Gibraltar was the only way in and out of the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar is best known for the 426 meter rock that dominates the peninsula. With its nice bay and big rock, Gibraltar was and still is an ideal location from which to control shipping in and out of the Mediterranean Sea. Gibraltar is currently an overseas British territory and has 28,000 inhabitants.

Up until the British captured Gibraltar in 1704, Gibraltar’s history is the same as Spain’s. Here are a few quick and interesting facts to add. Two Neanderthal skulls Continue reading →