Who Owns Gibraltar? British Overseas Territory Status

Gibraltar is a British Overseas Territory (BOT) — self-governing under UK sovereignty.

Constitutional Status

• Sovereignty: United Kingdom (since 1713 Treaty of Utrecht).
• Self-government: 2006 Constitution — elected parliament (17 seats), Chief Minister, own laws (except defense, foreign policy, internal security).
• UK Responsibilities: Defence, foreign affairs, internal security, good governance oversight.
• Not part of UK: Distinct jurisdiction; not in UK Parliament.
• EU/UK Relations: Left EU with UK (2020); negotiating separate treaty for Schengen-like access.

Geography & Demographics

• Area: 6.8 km² (2.6 sq mi) — limestone peninsula ("The Rock").
• Population: ~34,000 (2023) — Gibraltarians (British citizens) + UK expats, Moroccans, others.
• Border: 1.2 km land border with Spain (La Línea).

Spain’s Claim

• Irredentist claim — seeks sovereignty return.
• UN decolonization committee lists Gibraltar — UK argues "self-determination" applies.
• 2002 referendum: 99% rejected shared sovereignty.

Economy

• Financial services, online gaming, shipping, tourism, bunkering.
• No VAT, low tax — OECD "white list."

Gibraltar: British by law, Gibraltarian by identity, strategic by geography, contested by Spain.