Overview of The Gambia

Profile

The Gambia is a former British colony that gained independence in 1965 as an English-speaking nation. The country stretches approximately 320 km east to west with a maximum width of 48 km along the river, and the Gambia River that flows through the center serves as the lifeline for people''s livelihoods and the economy. About 90% of the population is Muslim, and despite being a multi-ethnic state, communities coexist relatively peacefully. Major industries include agriculture, tourism, and re-export trade to neighboring Senegal. The dry season runs from November to May, and the rainy season from June to October, attracting European beach resort visitors seeking warm winter weather. The international airport is Banjul International Airport, also developed as an alternative Space Shuttle landing site. The political system is a presidential republic, and since the end of long-term dictatorship in 2017, democratization has been progressing.

Official name: Republic of The Gambia
Common name: The Gambia
Numeric code: 270
Alpha-3 code: GMB
Alpha-2 code: GM
Population: Approximately 2.7 million (2023)
Population density: Approximately 239 people/km²
Primary languages: English
Major religions: Islam, Christianity
National anthem: For The Gambia, Our Homeland
Calling code: +220
Internet TLD: .gm

History

Entered the Mali Empire sphere in the 13th century, became British territory in 1783, and gained independence in 1965. After military rule from 1994-2017, currently under civilian government.

The area historically flourished as the southern terminus of trans-Saharan trade routes. In the 15th century, the Portuguese arrived, followed by competition between Britain and France from the 17th century onwards. It became British territory under the Treaty of Paris and cast a dark shadow in history as a hub of the slave trade. Independence was achieved in 1965 as a Commonwealth realm, transitioning to a republic in 1970. After a failed 1981 coup attempt, a confederation with Senegal was formed but dissolved in 1989. In 1994, Yahya Jammeh''s military regime was established with prolonged human rights abuses, but in the 2016 election, an opposition coalition won and Adama Barrow assumed the presidency in 2017. Since then, rejoining the Commonwealth and restoring relations with the international community have been progressing.

Geography & climate

The territory consists mainly of low-lying alluvial plains and mangrove wetlands along both banks of the Gambia River, with savanna grasslands inland. The highest point is only 73 meters above sea level.

Tropical savanna climate (Aw)

Area: Africa / 11295 km²
Capital: Banjul
Largest city: Serekunda
Coastal status: Yes
Bordering countries: Senegal

Natural resources

Seafood, peanut farmland, fertile alluvial soil, forest resources, river gravel, titanium ore (rutile), undeveloped heavy mineral sands, clay, solar energy, tourism resources, freshwater aquifers

Politics

Government: Presidential republic

Economy

Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD)

GDP (nominal): 23 hundred million USD (2022)

GDP (PPP): 68 hundred million international dollars (2022)

Language & timezone

Primary languages: English

Time zone: Greenwich Mean Time

Culture & customs

Ethnic groups

Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serahuli, Serer, Manjago, Bambara, Aku, Others

Life expectancy

62.4 years

Literacy rate

50.8%

National sports

Football, Senegambian wrestling, Athletics, Basketball, Cricket, Beach volleyball