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Gibraltar is a British overseas territory located on the southern end of the Iberian Peninsula and Europe at the entrance of the Mediterranean overlooking the Strait of Gibraltar. The territory covers 6.843 square kilometres (2.642 sq mi) and shares a land border with Spain to the north. Gibraltar has historically been an important base for the British Armed Forces and is the site of a Royal Navy base.

According to the Jane's Country Risk Ratings 2008, which measures the stability of 235 countries, territories and political entities in the world, Gibraltar is the 5th most stable territory worldwide, and the highest ranked British territory. The ratings are based on five fundamental categories: political, social, economic, external and military and security. Gibraltar has almost complete internal self-government, the Governor retaining responsibilities for external affairs, defence, internal security and the public service.

Tourism

The Rock Hotel, Gibraltar

Tourism is an important asset to Gibraltar and is one of the three pillars of the Gibraltar economy, the other two being the British military and financial services.

Gibraltar attracted over 100,000 visitors in 2005, more than three times its population. There are a large number of attractions in Gibraltar, such as beaches, marinas, the famous Barbary Macaques, the Moorish Castle, Main street and the town, with its squares, tree lined streets, colonial architecture and buildings. The Great Siege Tunnels and the military history of Gibraltar attract many visitors, along with St. Michael's Cave, the 100 ton gun, Europa Point and the Ibrahim-al-Ibrahim Mosque.

Nonetheless, most visitors are attracted by Gibraltar's relatively low-priced and VAT-free goods, particularly duty free tobacco and alcohol.

Sport

The western stands at the Victoria Stadium in Gibraltar.

In 2007 there were eighteen Gibraltar Sports Associations with official recognition from their respective International Governing Bodies. Others, including the Gibraltar National Olympic Committee, have submitted applications for recognition which are being considered. The Government supports the many sporting associations financially. Gibraltar also competes in the bi-annual Island Games, which it hosted in 1995. Football is the most popular sport in Gibraltar. The Gibraltar Football Association applied for full membership of UEFA, but their bid was turned down in 2007 in a contentious decision. Cricket enjoys massive popularity in Gibraltar. The Gibraltar national cricket team recently won the European Cricket Championships. Rugby union is fairly popular, and Campo Gibraltar RFC now play in the Andalusian second division.

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