Gibraltar has been British overseas territory since 1713.
Queen Elisabeth II is head of state. She is represented by a Governor who works together with the territory's own government in joint British affairs such as defense and foreign policy.
The possession has been a great annoyance to the Spanish government. In 1969 the Franco regime closed the border. Only in 1985, when Spain was a democracy and a member of the EU, was it opened again. Today, goods and labor are exchanged freely across borders.
The territory has 29.000 inhabitants. There is full employment. Every day the border is crossed by Spaniards working in Gibraltar and British working in Spain.
At the weekend, many Britons travel to the nearby town of Sotogrande. Here they have their 'other' home. It is typically larger and cheaper than housing in Gibraltar.
It is uncertain what will happen to Gibraltar after Brexit.
The Spanish government believes British control presupposes that Britain is a member of the EU.
- But they are not stupid and why should they destroy something that works? a business owner asked us rhetorically.
The Czech waiter who served us a real fish & chips was less optimistic.
She had already set out to find a job in Spain when and if Brexit became a reality.
