THE GAMBIA

Date of establishment: February 18, 1965

Brief history:

7th century – The first Arab traders arrive in the region that is now The Gambia, engaging in trade with the indigenous peoples.

13th century – The Mali Empire rises to prominence in West Africa, and its influence extends over the region that includes present-day Gambia.

15th century – Portuguese explorer Alvise Cadamosto arrives in The Gambia (1455), followed by Diogo Gomes (1456). The Portuguese establish trade in the region, primarily in gold, ivory, and slaves.

16th century – The arrival of European powers such as the Portuguese, French, and English affects trade dynamics in the region. The Portuguese and later the French establish trading posts along the Gambia River.

17th century – The British establish control over James Island (now Kunta Kinteh Island) in 1661, which becomes an important location in the transatlantic slave trade. The Gambia becomes part of the British Empire.

19th century – In 1821, The Gambia becomes part of the British West African Settlements, administered from Sierra Leone. Later, in 1888, The Gambia becomes a separate colony and protectorate of Britain.

1965 – The Gambia gains independence from Britain on February 18, 1965, becoming a sovereign state within the Commonwealth with Dawda Jawara as its first Prime Minister and later President.

1994 – A military coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh overthrows the government of Dawda Jawara on July 22, 1994. Jammeh becomes the head of state.

2016 – Yahya Jammeh loses the presidential election to Adama Barrow but initially refuses to step down. This leads to intervention by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and Jammeh’s subsequent exile to Equatorial Guinea in January 2017.

 

International abbreviation: GM

 

Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD)

The dalasi is the official currency of The Gambia and is divided into 100 bututs. The currency was introduced in 1971, replacing the Gambian pound, which had been in use since The Gambia’s independence from Britain in 1965.

As a smaller and less economically developed African country, the dalasi does not have significant international trade value and is primarily used only within The Gambia. The Central Bank of The Gambia is responsible for issuing the currency.

The denominations of coins in The Gambia include 1, 5, 10, 25, and 50 bututs, as well as 1 dalasi. The banknotes are issued in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 dalasis.

 

Internet domain: .gm

 

Dialing code: +220

 

Time zone: -1 GMT

 

Geography:

It is a mostly flat country located in an area called the Senegalese Plain. The most important river is the Gambia River, which flows through the entire length of the country from east to west. The Gambia River is central to the country’s geography and economy.

Highest peak: Red Rock 53 m a.s.l. (174 feet above sea level)

It is located inland about 10 kilometers (6 miles) northeast of the town of Basse Santa Su.

The peak of Red Rock reaches an altitude of only 53 meters (174 feet) above sea level and is made up of sand dunes and rocks. Although it is the highest point in the country, it is not a major mountain or a tourist spot.

 

Climate:

The Gambia has a tropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. The average annual temperature ranges between 24 and 29°C (75 and 84°F). The warmest months are from March to June, with average temperatures ranging from 27 to 32°C (81 to 90°F). The coolest months are from November to February, when average temperatures range from 18 to 23°C (64 to 73°F).

The country experiences a distinct dry season from November to May, characterized by lower humidity and cooler temperatures, with the Harmattan wind bringing dry and dusty conditions. The rainy season spans from June to October, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring in August and September. During the rainy season, The Gambia receives most of its annual precipitation, which is crucial for agriculture and water supply.

 

Fauna and flora:

The rivers and swampy areas of The Gambia are home to various species of crocodiles, including the Nile crocodile and the West African crocodile. The country is a paradise for ornithologists, with many bird species such as pelicans, cormorants, ibises, herons, kingfishers, eagles, and ospreys. The Gambia is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, particularly in areas like the Abuko Nature Reserve and the Tanji Bird Reserve.

Hippos, while not common, can occasionally be seen in the rivers and swamps, particularly in the eastern parts of the country. Monkeys such as patas monkeys, vervet monkeys, and baboons are found in various forested areas. The savannah regions are inhabited by various species of antelope, including bushbucks, and duikers, as well as rodents and warthogs.

The country has extensive mangroves along the coast and estuaries, which serve as important habitats for many animal species, including fish, crustaceans, and birds. There are various types of palm trees, such as the oil palm, which yield fruits and oils. The Gambia also has iconic baobab trees, also known as “trees of life,” which are culturally and ecologically significant.

Acacias are found in dry areas and provide shade and food for many species of animals. The Gambia also boasts a variety of orchids and other flowers, contributing to the country’s rich botanical diversity.

 

Agriculture:

The main crops in The Gambia are groundnuts (peanuts), rice, and millet. In addition, crops such as maize, sorghum, cassava, sweet potatoes, beans, and onions are also grown. Fruits such as papaya, citrus fruits, mangoes, bananas, and cashews are cultivated as well.

Groundnut plantations are the most widespread type of agriculture in the country, occupying a significant portion of agricultural land. Groundnuts are a major export product and a critical source of income for many farmers. Rice is the second most important crop and is a staple food for a significant portion of the population. However, The Gambia imports a substantial amount of rice to meet domestic demand.

Millet and sorghum are important subsistence crops, especially in the rural areas. Horticulture, including the cultivation of vegetables and fruits, is also an important agricultural activity, particularly for local consumption and urban markets.

Agriculture in The Gambia is predominantly rain-fed and characterized by smallholder farms.

 

Extraction of natural resources:

The Gambia has limited extraction of natural resources, and mining activities are not a major part of its economy. Some small-scale extraction of mineral materials such as quartz, sand, and gravel occurs, mainly for construction purposes. There have been occasional explorations for minerals like heavy mineral sands (ilmenite, rutile, and zircon) but these have not developed into large-scale mining operations.

The Gambia does not have significant reserves of oil, natural gas, or coal and is therefore heavily dependent on imports to meet its energy needs. However, the country has shown interest in exploring offshore oil potential, and some exploratory drilling has taken place, but no commercial production has been established.

Renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, are being increasingly utilized in The Gambia to generate electricity for the local population and industry. There are ongoing efforts to expand the use of solar energy, given the country’s high solar insolation.

 

Industry:

Most industrial activities in The Gambia focus on the processing of agricultural products, with groundnuts (peanuts) being the primary crop. Groundnut processing is a significant industry, including the production of groundnut oil and groundnut cake.

In addition to groundnut processing, several other products are manufactured in The Gambia. These include textiles, soap, cosmetics, and furniture. Wood products are also produced, primarily from locally sourced timber. The food and beverage sector includes small-scale production of baked goods, bottled water, and soft drinks.

The industrial sector is relatively small and limited, with most manufacturing activities being small-scale and artisanal.

 

Services and other areas of the economy: tourism and transport

 

Natural and historical attractions: Kiang West and Niokolo-Koba National Parks, and Kunta Kinteh Island.

The Gambia has many natural beauties and cultural monuments that attract tourists from all over the world. The biggest attraction for tourists is the beautiful beaches on the Atlantic coast, where visitors can swim, surf, and enjoy various water sports. Popular beach destinations include Kololi Beach, Kotu Beach, and Cape Point.

Further attractions include national parks and protected areas, where visitors can observe a diverse array of wildlife. Notable parks include the River Gambia National Park (home to chimpanzees), Kiang West National Park, and Niumi National Park. These areas offer the opportunity to see many animals and birds, such as monkeys, crocodiles, hippos, and a variety of bird species.

The Gambia also has several cultural monuments, historical buildings, museums, markets, and villages with traditional houses. Among the most important cultural and historical sites are Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly known as James Island), which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and Fort Bullen. The Gambia National Museum in Banjul provides insights into the country’s history and culture.

Abuko Nature Reserve, one of the country’s oldest and most visited protected areas, offers a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of The Gambia. The reserve is home to various wildlife species and is a popular spot for birdwatching.

Traditional markets, such as the Albert Market in Banjul, offer a vibrant experience where visitors can buy local crafts, textiles, and food. Villages with traditional houses, such as those found in the rural areas, provide cultural insights and opportunities to experience local customs and lifestyles.

 

 

Form of government: presidential republic

The Gambia is a presidential republic with a unicameral parliament. The president is the head of state and government. He or she is elected by universal suffrage for a five-year term and may be re-elected indefinitely, as there is no limit on the number of terms a president can serve. The president has broad powers in the country, including the right to appoint the government and judges.

Legislative power in The Gambia is vested in the National Assembly, which has 58 members. Members of parliament are elected for five-year terms in general elections. Parliament is responsible for approving laws, which are then signed by the president.

The judiciary is intended to be independent, and judges are appointed by the president on the recommendation of the Judicial Service Commission. The judiciary includes the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court, along with lower courts. The judicial system is based on a combination of English common law, customary law, and Sharia law for personal status issues among the Muslim population.

 

Capital city: Banjul

Banjul is the capital of The Gambia and is located on St. Mary’s Island at the mouth of the Gambia River, near the Atlantic Ocean. The city was founded in 1816 by the British as a trading post and a base for suppressing the slave trade.

Many notable institutions are located in Banjul, such as the National Museum of The Gambia, the National Archives of The Gambia, the Supreme Court of The Gambia, and various government offices. The city also has a port, which is crucial for the country’s economy and trade with other states.

Banjul is a relatively small city with a compact center that consists of traditional African markets, historic buildings, and modern constructions. The Albert Market is one of the most famous traditional markets in the city. Additionally, Banjul features several parks and gardens, such as the Arch 22 Memorial Park, which houses a large arch commemorating Gambian independence.

The city has a population of about 495 000.

 

Area: 11 295 km2 (4 361 square miles)

 

Population: 2 706 000 (2022 estimate)

The Gambia is home to many ethnic groups, the largest being the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule. A smaller number of European and Asian immigrants also live there. The most widespread religion is Islam, which is followed by approximately 95% of the population. The remaining 5% profess Christianity and traditional African religions.

The official language is English, which serves as a means of communication in schools, government, and the media. This is a legacy of the British colonial era when The Gambia was a British colony. In addition to English, several local languages are also spoken in The Gambia, including Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule, with Mandinka and Wolof being among the most commonly spoken.

Most of the population lives in rural areas and makes a living from agriculture, although there is significant urban migration, particularly to the Greater Banjul Area, which includes the cities of Banjul, Kanifing, and Serekunda.

Healthcare in The Gambia faces several challenges, including limited resources, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of medical professionals. The country struggles with health problems such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and other infectious diseases, but there is no significant presence of Ebola in The Gambia. Efforts are ongoing to improve healthcare services and address these health issues.

 

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 2

 

  1. Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites (2003) – Formerly known as James Island, Kunta Kinteh Island lies in the Gambia River and is associated with the history of the transatlantic slave trade. The UNESCO listing includes several historical sites on the island, such as Fort James, a former slave trading post, and various related sites on the mainland, including Albreda, Juffureh, and Fort Bullen.
  2. Stone Circles of Senegambia (2006) – This UNESCO World Heritage Site consists of four large groups of stone circles located in both The Gambia and Senegal. These stone circles are part of an extensive megalithic complex that dates from the 3rd century BCE to the 16th century CE and are believed to be ancient burial grounds. The main sites in The Gambia are located at Wassu and Kerbatch.

 

National parks: 2

 

  1. Kiang West National Park
  2. Niumi National Park