How long has Gibraltar been under British rule

Asks serge

A. It has been a British colony since 1713.

Q. Why is it called the Rock of Gibraltar

A. Gibraltar is an actual rock that sits in the Mediterranean (with Spain to the north and west of it, and Morocco to the south) it is made of Jurassic limestone and is over 5km (3 miles long). The rock is home to 143 natural caves and many tunnels. The main town and harbours of Gibraltar lie along the less steep west side facing the Bay of Gibraltar.

The Strait of Gibraltar (which is overlooked by the rock) is a narrow neck of water that officially separates Europe from Africa and provides the only link between the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.

Q. What is the official language

A. English, although all nationals of Gibraltar speak both English and Spanish.

Q. What is the population

A. At the last census (1997) it was approximately 30,000.

Q. What is the currency

A. The Gibraltar pound is the currency, and it has the same value as the British pound although different notes and coins. You can also use pesetas.

Q. When is the best time to visit

A. The busiest and hottest time of year is in July and August, so this is a great time to visit if you're after a tan (average temperatures are 85F or 28.5C) and don't mind crowds. Otherwise spring, especially in April and May is the best time to visit, as the weather is calm and warm. The colony celebrates its National Day on 10 September, with modest celebrations.

Q. What are the best sights to see

A. Some of the 'must-sees' during your visit should include:

Town centre: You can still see remnants of British fortifications in the centre of town, including huge gates and gun emplacements. The main thoroughfare in the town, Main Street, runs for most of the length of the colony.

The Gibraltar Museum: is the place to visit if you're interested in the history of the colony; among its displays is an old and extremely detailed model of the Rock of Gibraltar that dates back to 1863. The museum is built above a complete 14th-century Moorish Bath House.

Trafalgar Cemetery: many British sailors who fought at the Battle of Trafalgar (1805) are buried here.

The Convent: is today the residence of the Governor, but was formerly a 16th Century Franciscan Monastic house, the grounds are open to visitors.

Europa Point: is the southern most tip of Gibraltar and easy to walk to from any part of the island, it is home to a lighthouse so it is easy to find, and a Shrine to Our Lady of Europe. A new mosque has recently been built here too.

Upper Rock Nature Reserve: the whole of the upper part of the rock is a nature reserve and a great place to spot many of its natural inhabitants raptors, storks and the only wild primates in Europe - the Barbary Macaques. These apes are a symbol of Gibraltar. St Michael's Cave is located on the upper part of the rock and was once home to Gibraltar's Neolithic inhabitants. Today its natural arena and acoustics are put the great use as the space is used as a theatre and concert hall. A cable car from the centre of town (on Main Street) will take you all the way to the top of the rock, the mid-way point is known as Ape's Den.

Siege Tunnels: these natural tunnels were used as gun emplacements during the war of 1779-83 and you can visit them today as part of a guided tour, it is well worth doing as most of the other tunnels on Gibraltar are off limits to the general public. The Tower of Homage, near the entrance to the tunnels is also worth visiting as it is all that remains of the Muslim castle built there in 1333.

Beaches: Gibraltar has five main beach areas the Eastern Beach, Catalan Bay, Sandy Bay, Little Bay and Camp Bay/Keys Promenade.

Q. Can you fly direct to Gibraltar from the UK

A. Yes, Monarch airlines operate a direct service. The flight time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. Alternatively, daily flights from Tangier in Morocco only take 20 minutes.

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By Karen Anderson