Guarding the western entrance to the Mediterranean, Gibraltar has survived on military and marine revenues. However, as Britain has cut defense spending, so its military presence on the Rock has declined. In response Gibraltarians have developed a vibrant offshore banking industry. Strict antismuggling legislation, in force since 1995, has curbed extensive smuggling from north Africa into Spain. Gibraltar's relationship with Britain and Spain remains contentious. However, the two governments have undertaken to resolve the territory's status by December 2002, prompting mass protest from the colony's inhabitants, who have felt sidelined in the discussions.