Gibraltar - Government
Based on the etymolgy of Gibraltar, it was from the Spanish derivation of the Arabic "Jabal Tariq," which means "Mountain of Tariq" and which refers to the Rock of Gibraltar. The Government system in this country is the parliamentary democracy (Parliament); self-governing overseas territory of the UK type and the different Administrative divisions includes: none (overseas territory of the UK)
National symbols

Barbary macaque; national colors: red, white, yellow.

The flag
The National flag of Gibraltar has two horizontal bands of white (top, double width) and red with a three-towered red castle in the center of the white band; hanging from the castle gate is a gold key centered in the red band; the design is that of Gibraltar's coat of arms granted on 10 July 1502 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain; the castle symbolizes Gibraltar as a fortress, while the key represents Gibraltar's strategic importance - the key to the Mediterranean.
The National Anthem
Title "Gibraltar Anthem"
Lyric/music Peter EMBERLEY
More about the government of Gibraltar
Date of Independence none (overseas territory of the UK)
National holiday National Day, 10 September (1967); note - day of the national referendum to decide whether to remain with the UK or join Spain
Legal system the laws of the UK, where applicable, apply
International law organization participation
Constitution
History Previous 1969; latest passed by referendum 30 November 2006, entered into effect 14 December 2006, entered into force 2 January 2007
Amendments 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
Citizenship
Executive Branch
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)
Cabinet Council of Ministers appointed from among the 17 elected members of Parliament by the governor in consultation with the chief minister
Elections/appointments the monarchy is hereditary; governor appointed by the monarch; following legislative elections, the leader of the majority party or majority coalition usually appointed chief minister by the governor
Legislative branch
Description Unicameral Parliament (18 seats; 17 members directly elected in a single nationwide constituency by majority vote and 1 appointed by Parliament as speaker; members serve 4-year terms)
Elections Last held on 12 October 2023 (next to be held by October 2027)
Election results Percent of vote by party - GSLP-Liberal Alliance 49.9%, GSD 48% independent 2.1%; seats by party - GLSP-Liberal Alliance 9 (GSLP 7, LPG 2), GSD 8; composition including Parliament speaker - men 13, women 5, percentage women 38.5%
Judicial branch
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); note - appeals beyond the Court of Appeal are heard by the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (in London)
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
Subordinate courts Court of First Instance; Magistrates' Court; specialized tribunals for issues relating to social security, taxes, and employment
Diplomatic representation in the US
Diplomatic representation from the US
Embassy None (overseas territory of the UK)
Key Political parties and their leaders in Gibraltar
  • International organization participation
  • ICC (NGOs)
  • Interpol (subbureau)
  • UPU
  • All Important Facts about Gibraltar

    Want to know more about Gibraltar? Check all different factbooks for Gibraltar below.

    Gibraltar is found in Southern Europe