World Factbook
Gibraltar
Last updated: 2026-03-28 (today)
Flag
description: two horizontal bands of white (top, double-width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; a gold key hangs from the castle gate and is centered in the red band meaning: the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, and the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance -- the key to the Mediterranean history: the design comes from Gibraltar's coat of arms, which King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain granted on 10 July 1502
Capital
name
Gibraltar
etymology
from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic jabal tariq , which means "Mountain of Tariq" and refers to the Berber chief who captured the peninsula in A.D. 711
time difference
UTC+1 (6 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
daylight saving time
+1hr, begins last Sunday in March; ends last Sunday in October
geographic coordinates
36 08 N, 5 21 W
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal; and British citizens with six months residence or more
Citizenship
see United Kingdom
Constitution
history
previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007
amendment process
proposed by Parliament and requires prior consent of the British monarch (through the Secretary of State); passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote in Parliament followed by simple majority vote in a referendum; note – only sections 1 through 15 in Chapter 1 (Protection of Fundamental Rights and Freedoms) can be amended by Parliament
Country name
etymology
from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic jabal tariq , which means "Mountain of Tariq" and refers to the Berber chief who captured the peninsula in A.D. 711
conventional long form
none
conventional short form
Gibraltar
Independence
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Legal system
the laws of the UK apply
Government type
parliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK
Judicial branch
note
note: appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
highest court(s)
Court of Appeal (consists of at least 3 judges, including the court president); Supreme Court of Gibraltar (consists of the chief justice and 3 judges)
subordinate courts
Court of First Instance; Magistrates' Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment
judge selection and term of office
Court of Appeal and Supreme Court judges appointed by the governor upon the advice of the Judicial Service Commission, a 7-member body of judges and appointees of the governor; tenure of the Court of Appeal president based on terms of appointment; Supreme Court chief justice and judges normally appointed until retirement at age 67, but tenure can be extended 3 years
Executive branch
cabinet
Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of Parliament by the governor, in consultation with the chief minister
chief of state
King CHARLES III (since 8 September 2022); represented by Governor Sir David STEEL (since 11 June 2020)
head of government
Chief Minister Fabian PICARDO (since 9 December 2011)
election/appointment process
the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the governor usually appoints the leader of the majority party or majority coalition as chief minister
National holiday
National Day, 10 September (1967)
note: day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain
Dependency status
overseas territory of the UK
National color(s)
red, white, yellow
Political parties
Gibraltar Liberal Party or Liberal Party of Gibraltar or LPG Gibraltar Social Democrats or GSD Gibraltar Socialist Labor Party or GSLP GSLP-Liberal Alliance Together Gibraltar or TG
Legislative branch
term in office
4 years
number of seats
18 (17 directly elected, 1 appointed)
electoral system
plurality/majority
legislature name
Parliament
scope of elections
full renewal
legislative structure
unicameral
most recent election date
10/12/2023
expected date of next election
October 2027
percentage of women in chamber
38.5%
parties elected and seats per party
GSLP-Liberal Alliance (9) (GSLP 7, LPG 2); GSD (8)
National anthem(s)
title
"God Save the King"
history
official anthem, as an overseas UK territory
lyrics/music
unknown
National symbol(s)
Barbary partridge
National coat of arms
King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain granted this coat of arms to Gibraltar in 1502; the castle in the center of the shield represents Gibraltar as a fortress, and the gold key represents its strategic position as the gateway to the Mediterranean; below the shield is the national motto, Montis Insignia Calpe (“Badge of the Rock of Gibraltar”); the coat of arms uses the national colors of red, white, and yellow
Diplomatic representation in the US
none (overseas territory of the UK)
Diplomatic representation from the US
embassy
none (overseas territory of the UK)
International organization participation
ICC (NGOs), Interpol (subbureau), UPU