Barbary Macaques, Gibraltar

The Barbary macaque population in Gibraltar is the only one in the European continent, and, unlike that of North Africa, it is thriving. At present, some 300 animals in five troops occupy the area of the Upper Rock. The Gibraltar Barbary macaque is considered Gibraltar's unofficial national animal. There are two legends about these cute animals. A popular belief holds that as long as Gibraltar Barbary macaques exist on Gibraltar, the territory will remain under British rule. In 1942 (during World War II), after the population dwindled to just a handful of individuals (just seven monkeys, Sir Winston Churchill ordered their numbers be replenished immediately from forest fragments in both Morocco and Algeria because of this traditional belief. Another sroty links Gibraltar to Africa by a subterranean passage over 24 km long which passes under the Strait of Gibraltar, and the Gibraltar Barbary macaques entered The Rock this way.

Many thanks to dear Rachel for lovely postcard and stamp! :)

Gibraltar

I received this wonderful postcard several days ago. It shows different views of Gibraltar, British territory in Iberian Peninsula. Lighthouse, Rock, mosque, caves, harbor... all those are symbols of Gibraltar.

Beautiful colorful stamp used. Thanks a lot Rachel!

Gibraltar

Thanks to Rafal and my favourite I'm going to vacation RR, here is my only postcard of Gibraltar sent directly written and stamped from there. Before getting this card, I knew just a few facts about this amazing place, now I know much more. This hobby of mine is really educative. :)

Gibraltar is a British overseas territory, located on the southern end of the Iberian peninsula at the entrance of the Mediterranean. A peninsula with an area of 6.843 square kilometres, it has a northern border with Andalusia, Spain. The Rock of Gibraltar, shown on postcard above is the major landmark of the region. At its foot is the densely populated city area, home to almost 30,000 people. Its economy is based largely on tourism, financial services, and shipping.

Gibraltarians resoundingly rejected proposals for Spanish sovereignty in referendum held in 1967 and 2002. Under its 2006 Constitution Gibraltar governs its own affairs, though some powers, such as defence and foreign relations, remain the responsibility of the UK Government.

Two beautiful stamps used. Gibraltar issues its own stamps.