Gibraltar
Statistics
Population: 29,500
Currency: Gibraltar Sterling (£)
Core Businesses: Financial Services + support (Legal), Shipping & Tourism
Time Difference: GMT + 1 hour
Overview
Gibraltar is located at the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula, a strategic area marking the meeting point of the Mediterranean and the Atlantic.
Spain ceded Gibraltar to Great Britain in 1713. Since then, Gibraltar’s status has become a major source of contention between the two countries, with Spain continuing to lay claim to the colony. Gibraltarians regard themselves as culturally and historically separate from the Spanish. The issue re-emerged onto the international agenda in 2001 with a series of high-profile meetings between the Spanish and British governments forced upon by the EU.
Gibraltar Economy
Gibraltar is a major offshore financial centre and the only British international finance centre within the EU. The Gibraltar economy is largely based on financial services, tourism and shipping. Financial services are the main driver of the economy, with a 12,000 strong work force.
Gibraltar’s fnance sector
The finance sector is made up of accountancy firms, legal firms, firms that provide a variety of financial services, banks, insurance companies and also pure company management practitioners. According to the Gibraltar Financial Services Commission, the finance sector is continuing to grow at a steady rate.