Day: March 27, 2025
Some Weird & Fun Facts About Gibraltar
Gibraltar, a British Overseas Territory, boasts unique features, including being home to Europe’s only wild monkey population, having a runway that crosses a main road, and a history linked to the “Pillars of Hercules”.
Here are some more weird and interesting facts about Gibraltar:
Europe’s Only Wild Monkeys: Gibraltar is home to the only wild monkey population in Europe, consisting of Barbary macaques, which are believed to have been introduced by the Moors.
“Pillars of Hercules”: Gibraltar, along with Mount Jbel Musa in Morocco, are known as the “Pillars of Hercules,” a reference from ancient Greek and Roman legends.
Runway Crossing a Main Road: Gibraltar International Airport’s runway crosses Winston Churchill Avenue, a major thoroughfare, meaning traffic must stop for aircraft takeoffs and landings.
Low Tax Rates: Gibraltar is known for its low tax rates, making it an attractive location for businesses.
Small but Dense: With a population of around 33,000 people in a small area (2.6 square miles), Gibraltar has one of the highest population densities in the world.
Tunnels: There are more kilometers of tunnels than roads in Gibraltar, with over 50 km of tunnels weaving through the Rock.
Birdwatcher’s Paradise: The Rock of Gibraltar is a popular spot for birdwatchers, as it’s a migratory path for birds between North Africa and Europe.
Unique Flora: The Gibraltar candytuft is a flower native only to the Rock, and wild olive and pine trees grow on the Upper Rock.
Neanderthal History: Gorham’s Cave, located below the Rock of Gibraltar, was a Neanderthal stronghold and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.