The Gambia

COUNTRY FLAG

COAT OF ARMS
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LOCATION MAP

AREA MAP
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INFORMATION

Capital: Banjul

 

Government: Unitary Presidential Republic

Current President: Adama Barrow

Economy:

  • Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts.
  • About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood and the sector provides for about one-third of GDP.
  • In 2011, tourism contributed about one-fifth of GDP.

Population: 2,092,731 (2018)

Land Size: 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles)

Major Ethnic Groups:

  • Mandinka: 42%
  • Fula: 18%
  • Wolof: 16%,
  • Jola: 10%
  • Serahuli: 9%
  • Other: 4%)
  • Non-African: 1% (2003 census)
 Religions:

 

  • Muslim: 90%
  • Christian: 8%
  • African Indigenous Religions: 2%

Language(s):

  • English (official)
  • Mandinka
  • Wolof
  • Fula
  • other indigenous vernaculars

Links:

RECENT NEWS

  • Fri - Dec 3, 2021: Citizens Keep Their Marbles As They Head to the Polls for Crucial Elections - AllAfrica News: Gambia
    [RFI] When voters cast their ballots in The Gambia on Saturday, they'll be using marbles, a technique put in place in 1947 that is used only in this West African country. However the tech-savvy Gambians will be also be following the vote count with a new smartphone app called, appropriately, Marble.
  • Fri - Dec 3, 2021: African Union to Observe the 4th December 2021 Presidential Election in the Republic of the Gambia - AllAfrica News: Gambia
    [African Union] The African Union Election Observation Mission (AUEOM) is in the Republic of The Gambia to observe the 4th December 2021 Presidential Election at the request of the Government of the Republic of The Gambia. The AUEOM comprises nine (9) long-term observers (LTOs) and 60 short-term observers (STOs) from 30 Member States. The AUEOM is led by H.E. Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of the Republic of South Africa.
  • Fri - Dec 3, 2021: Truth Commission Calls for Prosecution of Ex-Officials - AllAfrica News: Gambia
    [HRW] Banjul -- Government Should Initiate Procedures to Investigate Yahya Jammeh, Associates
  • Fri - Dec 3, 2021: High Stakes in Polls As Six Candidates Vie for Presidency - AllAfrica News: Gambia
    [RFI] The Gambia's presidency is up for grabs, with the youth vote playing a pivotal role in the 4 December vote - where former dictator Yahya Jammeh still has support, despite living in exile in Equatorial Guinea, accused of rights abuses.
  • Thu - Dec 2, 2021: Private Remittances - A Cushion for Survival - AllAfrica News: Gambia
    [Foroyaa] A lot of families in The Gambia rely on private remittances to meet their needs. In other words, they rely on what their children or other relatives send them to buy food, clothes, foot medical bills and so many other needs. In short, private remittances have become the means of survival for many, many families.