Gibraltar

What is Gibraltar?

Gibraltar is an overseas territory and dependence of the United Kingdom

Where is Gibraltar located?

Gibraltar is located on the southern coast of Spain in Western Europe. Gibraltar borders the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean. Its strategic location at the entrance to the Mediterranean Sea from the Atlantic, along the Strait of Gibraltar, has been influential in the region’s history.

How big is Gibraltar?

Gibraltar has area of approximately 6.5 square kilometers.

What is the population of Gibraltar?

Gibraltar’s population is estimated around 29,000.

What religions are practiced in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar’s population primarily identifies as Christian, with about 78% Roman Catholic. Gibraltar has a significant Muslim and Jewish population, as well as Hindu.

The Jewish community in Gibraltar has been around for more than 650 years, who faced anti-semitism during Spanish rule of the region.

What languages are spoken in Gibraltar?

English is the official language, taught in schools, and used for official purposes, but Spanish, Llanito

Italian, and Portuguese are also spoken.

What does Llanito mean?

The people of Gibraltar call themselves Llanitos, meaning “people of the little flat land.”

Llatino also refers to the language of Gibraltarians, which is a creole (mix) of Andalusian Spanish, and British English, creating a kind of Spanglish. The language has influences from Genoese (from Genoa, Italy), Hebrew, Maltese, and Portuguese. The language is mostly spoken, not written, and consists of code switching between Spanish and British English.

What is Gibraltar’s national holiday?

Gibraltar celebrates the date of its national referendum to determine whether it would remain a territory of the United Kingdom or return to Spain, which was decided on September 10, 1967.

Who are the political leaders of Gibraltar?

As a territory of the United Kingdom, Gibraltar’s Chief of State is Queen Elizabeth II, who is represented by Governor of Gibraltar, Vice Admiral Sir Adrian Johns. The head of government is Chief Minister Peter Caruana

What are the main features of Gibraltar’s economy?

Gibraltar is mainly financially self-sufficient. It’s main industries are shipping trade, banking, tourism, and gaming. British military previously made up a large part of Gibraltar’s economy, but their presence has been reduced in recent years.

What form of currency is used in Gibraltar?

Gibraltar uses the Great Britain Pound Sterling (GBP) as its standard currency. As a British territory, Gibraltar is also allowed to issue its own currency, the Gibraltar Pound, which is fixed to the GBP. The Pound Sterling can be used in Gibraltar, but the Gibraltar Pound can only be spent in Gibraltar.

What is Gibraltar’s relationship to Great Britain and Spain?

Spain and the United Kingdom have struggled for control of Gibraltar for many years.

In 1501, Gibraltar became ruled by the Spanish Crown, Isabelle I of Castile, after hundreds of years under the rule of the Moors after the Islamic conquest in 711. During the War of Spanish Succession, an Anglo-Dutch invasion in 1704 brought Gibraltar under British control. The 1716 Treaty of Utrecht gave Gibraltar to Britain in perpetuity, which lasted until 1779 when Spain began the Great Siege of Gibraltar, in an attempt to take the region back. Gibraltar was formally declared a British colony in 1830.

Gibraltar proved a valuable resource for Great Britain, helping in the Crimean War, and then when the Suez Canal opened, as an important port on the sea route between the UK and the rest of the British Empire, east of Suez. Gibraltar also served as a fortress for British troops during World War II.

Spanish dictator, Francisco Franco tried to renew Spain’s claim to control of Gibraltar in the 1950s. A 1967 referendum resulted in Gibraltarians voting to remain a dependency of Britain. Two years later, the United Kingdom granted Gibraltar autonomy, which Spain was upset about, closing the Spanish border and cutting off communication. The border was partially reopened in 1982, and fully reopened in 1985. Gibraltarians were given British citizenship in 1981.

Another referendum in 2002 resulted in Gibraltar overwhelmingly rejecting a proposal for Spain and Britain to share sovereignty of Gibraltar. The New Constitution Order of 2006 was approved.

Since 2004, negotiations between Spain, the United Kingdom, and Gibraltar continue, as they work together to resolve issues and end restrictions. Though Gibraltar is primarily self-governed, Britain is responsible for defense and security, foreign relations, and the financial stability of Gibraltar. Spain does not want Gibraltar to have additional sovereignty.

San Marino

What is San Marino?

San Marino is an independent republic within Italy, and the oldest sovereign state still in existence. San Marino is the 3^rd smallest country in Europe after Holy See and Monaco. The nation is sometimes called the “Most Serene Republic of San Marino” and its people are known as Sammarinese. Because of its location within Italy, San Marino shares many aspects of Italian culture, including its food and language.

What is the population of San Marino?

San Marino’s population is about 31,000. San Marino’s population has the 3^rd longest life expectancy of any country in the world, after Monaco and Macau.

How big is San Marino?

San Marino spans about 61 square miles.

What is the capital of San Marino?

The City of San Marino is the capital of San Marino.

What are the administrative divisions of San Marino?

San Marino is divided into 9 castles (castelli):

• San Marino (capital)
• Acquaviva
• Borgo Maggiore
• Chiesanuova
• Domagnano
• Faetano
• Fiorentino
• Montegiardino
• Serravalle

When was San Marino founded?

San Marino was founded as a monastic community on September 3, 301. A stonemason from the island of Rab (off the coast of modern-day Croatia), named Marinus, who later became Saint Marinus, founded the city-state. Marinus fled to what became San Marino because of religious persecution during the Diocletianic Persecution in the Roman empire.

San Marino’s constitution is the world’s oldest still in effect, written in the year 1600, and its independence as a country was recognized by the Pope in 1631.

During Italian unification in the 1800s, San Marino was supportive of the unification efforts of Garibaldi, who then allowed San Marino to remain independent from Italy, rather than forcing its incorporation into Italy.

Where is San Marino?

San Marino is an enclave of Italy, meaning it is completely surrounded by the country. San Marino is located in the mountains of the Apennine in Northern Italy, close to the Adriatic Sea, though it does not have any coastline. San Marino is situated between Italian regions Emilia Romagna and Marche. The Italian city, Rimini, is the beach town next to San Marino.

What language is spoken in San Marino?

Italian is the main language spoken in San Marino, and the Italian dialect Emiliano-Romagnolo (of the nearby region of Italy, Emilia Romagna) is also commonly spoken.

Who are the political leaders of San Marino?

San Marino is led by two Co-chiefs of State, known as captains regent, who are elected every 6 months.

Captain Regent Maria Berti

Captain Regent Filippo Tamagnini

San Marino’s head of government is Secretary of State Antonella Mularoni.

What is the currency used in San Marino?

Though San Marino is not a member of the European Union, it does use the euro as its currency because of an arrangement based on its close ties to Italy. San Marino even has euro coins with its national designs.

Before adopting the euro, San Marino used the Sammarinese lira, which was similar to the Italian lira.

What religions are practiced in San Marino?

Catholicism is the main religion by an overwhelming majority of about 97% of the population. There is also a small minority of Jews in San Marino, and the city-state served as a refuge for persecuted Jews during World War II.

What are the major aspects of San Marino’s geography?

San Marino is located entirely in the hills of the Apennine, with none of the city at ground-level. This aspect of San Marino’s geography has probably helped the country remain independent throughout its history, as it makes it largely inaccessible. In central San Marino, Monte Titano towers high above the nation, as the highest peak. The 3 peaks of Mount Titano each contain a tower, known collectively as the Three Towers of San Marino. The “Three Towers” are the namesake for San Marino’s famous cake, Torta di Tre Monti.

Holy See and Vatican City

What is Vatican City?

Vatican City is a sovereign city-state within Rome, in Italy. The city is a walled, and includes Saint Peter’s Basilica, Saint Peter’s Square, the Vatican Museums, and the Vatican Gardens. Vatican City was created to ensure the independence of the Holy See. The Holy See and Vatican City are closely related, but separate. Though Vatican City is the independent nation, the Holy See is the entity that maintains foreign embassies and treaties, often acting on behalf of Vatican City. The Vatican City is in charge of issuing regular passports, while the Holy See only issues diplomatic or service passports.

What is the Holy See?

The Holy See is distinct from Vatican City, and is the main episcopal see, or the seat, of the Catholic church, which is ruled by its bishop, the Pope. It serves as the government of the Catholic church, which operates from Vatican City. The Holy See is not a country, though its creation dates back to early Christian times. The Holy See’s Secretariat of State is located within Vatican City, but the Holy See has other territories both inside and outside of Rome, including the Pope’s summer residence, Castel Gandalfo. These territories are under international law.

What is the capital of the Holy See?

Vatican City can be considered the capital of the Holy See.

When was Vatican City established?

Vatican City was established in 1929 by the Lateran Treaty.

What was the Lateran Treaty?

The Lateran Treaty was an agreement made between the Kingdom of Italy and the Holy See on June 7, 1929. The treaty acknowledged the sovereignty of the Holy See, making it the State of Vatican City, and also made the Catholic Church the religion of Italy, answering the Roman Question.

What was the Roman Question?

Between Italy’s unification in 1861, and the formation of Vatican City in 1929, arguments over the status of Rome and whether the Holy See fell under the jurisdiction of the newly created Italian government became known as the Roman Question. Rome was captured by those unifying Italy, who wanted to make Rome their capital. Some argued that Florence could be made the capital, so the Catholic church could keep Rome, and there would be no conflict with having the seat of Italian government and the seat of the Catholic church in the same city. The Popes during the Roman Question refused to accept the Italian government. The Roman Question was solved with the agreement between Mussolini and Pope Pius XI in the 1929 Lateran Treaty, with the creation of Vatican City.

How big is Vatican City?

Vatican City is 0.44 square kilometers, making it the smallest independent nation in the world.

What currency is used in Vatican City?

Vatican City has used the Euro since 1999. Before this, the city-state minted its own Vatican lira, which was similar to the Italian lira.

What languages are spoken in Vatican City and Holy See?

While Italian is the main language of Vatican City, Holy See’s official documentation is done primarily in Latin. German is used to give commands to the Swiss Guards, but Italian is typically spoken around the city.

What is the population of Vatican City?

Vatican City’s population is 832.

What ethnic groups are living in Vatican City?

Vatican City’s population is primarily made up of Italians and Swiss.

Who are the Swiss Guards?

The Pontifical Swiss Guards are ceremonial guards of Vatican City. The Guard in Vatican City was founded in 1506. They wear Renaissance-style blue and yellow striped uniforms, colors chosen by Pope Julius II to reflect his familial colors.

Monaco

What is Monaco?

The Principality of Monaco is a sovereign city-state in Europe.

What is the capital of Monaco?

Since Monaco is both a city and an independent nation, Monaco is also the capital. Sometimes mistaken for the capital, Monte Carlo is only a region in Monaco, though it is the most populated region.

How was Monaco formed?

Italians from the nearby region, Liguria, received the area of modern-day Monaco as a land grant from Emperor Henry VI in 1191. They built a fortress in what is now Monaco in 1215, and was part of the Republic of Genoa through the Renaissance. The Grimaldi family took control in 1297, though not permanently until 1419. During the Renaissance, Monaco was part of the Republic of Genoa.

Over the years since then, Monaco has been taken over by a few different countries. In 1793, French Revolutionaries captured Monaco, holding it until 1814 when the Bourbons returned to the throne. This did not last long though, as Monaco soon became a Protectorate of the Kingdom of Sardinia from 1815 until 1860, when it returned to France. Monaco gained its sovereignty under the Franco Monegasque treaty of 1861. In 1869, Monaco’s casino earned so much money, the country stopped collecting income taxes, making Monaco a great place to live.

The Monegasque Revolution in 1910 led to its 1911 constitution, which moved the country away from absolute rule. Prince Albert I quickly suspended it, and has been constitutional monarchy since then.

The Franco-Monegasque Treaty of July 1918 granted limited French protection over Monaco. Today, Monaco relies on France for its defense.

Monaco briefly became part of Italy during its fascist occupation in 1942. In 1993, Monaco became a member of the United Nation.

What form of currency is used in Monaco?

Even though Monaco is not a member of the European Union, it is closely linked to the organization because of its relationship with France, so Monaco uses the Euro as its form of currency. Until recently, Monaco minted its own coins, called the Monegasque franc, which were produced until 2002.

What are the main economic factors of Monaco?

Today, Monaco is one of the richest nations in the world, with the highest GDP nominal per capita.

With the addition of a railroad link to France in the late 19^th century, Monaco’s economy began rapidly developing. Tourism became a major part of Monaco’s economy when the nation opened its casino in Monte Carlo, which helped Monaco become the world famous tourist destination it is today. In 1869, the government of Monaco decided to stop collecting income taxes because the casino brought in enough money, making Monaco a great place to live. Monaco’s own citizens, however, are prevented by law from gambling at their casino.

How big is Monaco?

Monaco is only 2 square kilometers, making it the second smallest sovereign nation in the world, after Holy Sea (Vatican City). Almost all of Monaco is urban, with only a tiny portion of the 4 kilometers devoted to agriculture. Some of Monaco’s area has been reclaimed from the sea in recent times.

Where is Monaco located?

Monaco is located in Western Europe, along the southeastern part of France. Monaco’s 4 kilometers of coastline is along the area known as the French Riviera (Côte d’Azur), which has some of the world’s most beautiful beaches along the Mediterranean Sea. Monaco borders France on all three of its land borders, but Italy’s coast is only a few kilometers away.

What is the population of Monaco?

Monaco’s population is around 30,500. With a life expectancy of almost 90 years, the population of Monaco has the world’s longest life span! Since Monaco has such a small area, it has the highest population density in the world.

What are the main ethnic groups in Monaco?

The French make up almost half of the population of Monaco, while Monegasque and Italian make up nearly 20% each.

What is the religion of Monaco?

Monaco has no official religion, but about 90% of the population identifies as Roman Catholic.

What languages are spoken in Monaco?

French is the official language of Monaco, but English, Italian, and Monegasque are also spoken. Monegasque evolved from the Italian dialect from Liguria, the Italian region closest to Monaco. Monegasque is influenced by French as well as Intemelio and Mentonasc dialects.

What type of government does Monaco have?

Monaco is a constitutional monarchy, and a principality, meaning the monarch holds the title of prince or princess.

Who are the political leaders of Monaco?

Chief of State: Prince Albert II

Minister of State: Michel Roger

What type of administrative divisions does Monaco have?

Monaco is one commune that was traditionally divided into four quarters: Fontvieille, La Condamine, Monaco-Ville, Monte-Carlo.

When did Monaco achieve independence?

Monaco’s independence is widely accepted to be the year 1419, when the House of Grimaldi became the permanent rulers of the nation.

When is Monaco’s national holiday?

Monaco celebrates Saint Rainier’s Day on November 19 every year as the national holiday.

Who was Princess Grace?

Grace Kelly was an award-winning American actress who married Prince Rainier III of Monaco, and became Princess Grace. The couple’s elaborate wedding ceremony was broadcast around the world, and Grace became a style icon of her time. The son of Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace is Prince Albert, the current ruler of Monaco.

Berlin: Been there, done that

Germany’s capital, Berlin, is a world city with both modern and historical influences and architecture. Berlin’s eventful history makes it a great place to learn about Germany past and present. With its 12 neighborhoods, and even more attractions, Berlin takes several days to experience. Tourists can probably get by in Berlin without knowledge of the German language, but knowing key phrases is usually appreciated by the locals. Berlin is big city, but it has an extensive public transportation system with several types of transportation that go everywhere: the S-bahn (S for street train), the U-bahn (U for underground train), trams, and buses.

Since the public transportation is so good in Berlin, visitors can stay anywhere in the city and be connected to the sights. The Mitte district, however, is close to many of Berlin’s main sights, restaurants, and shopping, as well as hotels and hostels across all price ranges.

Mitte, which means “middle” in German, is the historic part of Berlin, which was mainly part of East Berlin when the Wall divided the city. Unter den Linden is a beautiful boulevard in this part of Berlin, which is great for shopping or just going for a stroll. The street’s name means “Under the Linden,” which are a type of tree which line the street, leading the way to the Prussian royal palace. Attractions near Unter den Linden include a statue of Frederick the Great of Prussia on a horse, and historic buildings like the Old Library, on Bebelplatz, the square where Nazi book burning took place – where there is now a memorial of empty bookshelves.

A bit farther down the street, the Brandenburger Tur (the Brandenburg Gate) stands as the entrance to the city. Built in 1730, the wall has served as part of the fortification of the city, a symbol of the Nazi Party, and eventually as a symbol of freedom, once the Berlin Wall fell. Nearby, the Reichstag building, with its glass dome top, is Berlin’s parliament building. The building offers tours and free admission, allowing visitors to trek up the dome and onto the roof for spectacular views of Berlin. Visitors must make reservations in advance.

The Siegessäule, or Victory Column, also offers panoramic views of the city after a climb up the 67 meter tower (there’s no elevator). This column is situated in the middle of a busy roundabout, but an underground passage allows visitors easy access. The column is topped with Victoria the Goddess of Victory, also known as Goldelse (Golden Else).

The Berliner Dom, or Cathedral is a must-see ornate Protestant church, with great architecture, also located in the Mitte district. A short distance from that, Museum Island sits in the Spree River, with 5 museums containing art and artifacts from the Greeks, Etruscans, Egyptians, and more: Altes (Old) Museum, Neues (New) Museum, Alte Nationalgalerie (Old National Gallery), Pergamon Museum, and Bode Museum. The Jewish Museum has two buildings of informative exhibits and contains 2,000 years of Jewish history.

World War II and the years that followed had a large impact on Berlin, especially because of the division of the city. The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961, and torn down at the start of Berlin’s reunification on November 9, 1989, but parts of it remain. The East Side Gallery is a mile-long stretch of the Berlin Wall, which was painted with murals and political graffiti by artists from around the world in 1990. The wall serves as a sobering reminder of the people who were trapped behind the walls, or were shot for trying to escape.

The Holocaust Memorial, called the Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, was dedicated in 2005. The memorial consists of rows of concrete blocks (called stelae) of various heights covering 4 acres, which demonstrates the disorienting effects order can have.

Another remnant from the Berlin Wall-era is Checkpoint Charlie, one of the checkpoints between East and West Germany. The checkpoint still stands in the middle of Friedrichstrasse, where actors in military uniform stand guard for photos. Next to it, the Checkpoint Charlie Museum offers a glimpse into life with the Berlin Wall, as well as many stories of escape.

Friedrichstrasse is a main street for shopping, and was once the main spot for Berlin’s Roaring Twenties. Other busy centers that visitors to Berlin must check out are Alexanderplatz and Potsdamerplatz.

Berlin’s food specialties are the “Berliner” or pfankuchen, which are jelly-filled donuts, Currywurst, which was created in Berlin, and other types of sausage, especially from street vendors. Beer, sauerkraut, and potatoes are the perfect additions to your Berlin meal. On food, Fernsehturm Berlin (Berlin TV Tower) has a good restaurant and offers 360 degree views.

With all these sights and more, most visitors to Berlin quickly find their way back to experience more of this beautiful city.