While visitors to Gibraltar may hear several languages being spoken while they are exploring the area, the only official language is English. This is used for all the workings of government and commercial purposes, as well as being the language used for teaching in schools. Its position in the Mediterranean, so close to Spain, Portugal and North Africa, means that it is strongly influenced by other languages and cultures.

Gibraltar has a multi-cultural society and many of the inhabitants will be able to converse in another language, usually Spanish, due to the country's location next to Spain. Those born and raised in Gibraltar are usually familiar with 'Llanito' – a dialect which is a mixture of English and Andalusian Spanish, but which reflects the influences of other European languages too. However, it is not necessary to be familiar with any other language than English.

Gibraltar does attract a great many expats and as a result of this, languages used on a daily basis include Arabic, Maltese and some Hebrew, as well as the more frequently used Spanish. Italian and Russian voices are also often heard and Portuguese is also becoming more widely used.

An English speaker could certainly be able to get by without learning any other languages, though those spending any length of time in the country will be able to pick up a bit of Spanish quite easily, though the Spaniards that work in the country are usually fluent in English. Those who have a language other than English as their native tongue will need to learn enough to converse easily.

English is not a difficult language to learn to speak. Most Europeans will be familiar with at least a few English phrases as it is widely taught in schools in Europe and language classes are easily found for those who need them. Those moving to Gibraltar for work and who do need language training should have some organised by their employer, but it is easy enough to find a course or a private tutor that can help.

There are several language schools which offer different types of courses and different languages. Courses are offered in groups or one-to-one, and there are classes for children as well as adults. There is something to suit everybody. There will be numerous opportunities to learn Spanish while in Gibraltar and the proximity to Spain means that there are also plentiful opportunities to practise your skills.