Gibraltar is British overseas territory situated at the south of Spain bordering Andalusia, with the small population of 29,244. The official language of the country is English, but both Spanish and English are spoken throughout Gibraltar. The currency used is UK £, Gibraltar pound. It has an area of 2.6 square miles (6.7 km2) and a northern border with the Province of Cádiz.
Some sites to see in Gibraltar
Rock of Gibraltar
A monolithic limestone promontory, it is Crown property of the United Kingdom and most of the Rock's upper area is covered by a nature reserve. The Western face of The Rock of Gibraltar’s elevation is 426 m (1,398 ft) and prominence is 426 m (1,398 ft).
The Moorish Castle
This is one of the most recognised land marks of Gibraltar and proudly displays the union flag. It is estimated that it was originally built in the 8th century and was restored in the 14th century by Abu-l-Hasan you can still see the canon marks in the castle walls from the ransacking by the Spanish. This Castle holds the highest tower of any other castle built during the Islamic era on the Iberian Peninsula.
Alameda Wildlife Conservation Park
The AWCP is open 362 days of the year from 10am-5pm. They care for exotic animals confiscated by Gibraltar customs, unwanted exotic pets and animals such as the Cotton-topped tamarin, on loan from international Zoos, to raise awareness of important endangered species. An essential role of the park is the conservation of threatened species.
The Economy
Gibraltar's economy is made up of 4 main sectors: financial services, internet gaming, shipping and tourism. Gibraltar is self-sufficient and profits from an extensive shipping trade, offshore banking, and its position as an international conference centre and tax rates are low to attract foreign investment. Gibraltar is the heart of the online gaming industry.
Here you have an advantage as there is no VAT charged in Gibraltar. Interest is fully allowable on mortgages in Gibraltar, and property here is cheaper than in the UK. That means cheaper cost of living and real savings. The national currency of Gibraltar is the Gibraltar pound. However unofficially, most retail outlets in Gibraltar accept the Euro, though some payphones and the Royal Gibraltar Post Office do not.
The Culture
The culture of Gibraltar exhibits the habitant’s diverse origins. Although there are Spanish mostly from the neighbouring bordering state Andalusia in Spain and British influences, the cultural origins of most Gibraltarians are not limited to just these ethnicities. There are other ethnicity influences of Genoese, Maltese, Portuguese, and German in Gibraltar.
Employment in Gibraltar
In 2011 unemployment in Gibraltar stood at 1.8% and an increase of jobs by 525 to an all-time record of 20,975. There were 10,706 Gibraltarians in employment, which was the highest number employed to record. Gibraltar is a prosperous place to live and the job market is strong here. The minimum wage is £4.50 per hour. The working hours in Gibraltar are very similar to those of the UK, albeit some hours can be from 9 - 6 or take the opposite of working 'summer hours' during July and August and finish at 3.30pm each day. It is also important to note the Government Tax Service at https://www.gibraltar.gov.gi/
Also Persons who are not entitled to work in Gibraltar (e.g. non-EEA nationals) will require the prospective employer to request the issue of a work permit before commencement of employment. Permits last for a period of 12 months and employers are prosecuted for employing staff without a permit.
If Gibraltar sounds like the kind of place you'd like to live and work in then check out our many jobs in Gibraltar by clicking this link and start your life on The Rock.
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