Nestled on the western coast of Africa, The Gambia is a small but vibrant country that captivates visitors with its rich culture, diverse ecosystems, and warm hospitality. Often referred to as the “Smiling Coast of Africa,” the narrow strip of land is surrounded by Senegal on three sides, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Geographically, it is the smallest country in continental Africa.
The country is officially called the Republic of The Gambia or Gambia. The Gambia is one of a small number of countries for which the definite article is commonly (although far from universally) used in its English-language name.
The name “Gambia” is derived from the Mandinka term Kambra/Kambaa, meaning Gambia River (or possibly from the sacred Serer Gamba, a special type of calabash beaten when a Serer elder dies).
The country’s name has undergone a series of transition. Upon independence in 1965, the country used the name, The Gambia. Following the proclamation of a republic in 1970, the long-form name of the country became Republic of The Gambia. The administration of Yahya Jammeh changed the long-form name to Islamic Republic of The Gambia in December 2015. On January 29, 2017 President Adama Barrow changed the name back to Republic of The Gambia.
The country is characterized by a meandering river that cuts through the heart of the nation, aptly named the Gambia River. This waterway is the lifeblood of the country, shaping its landscape and providing sustenance for both people and wildlife.
The national namesake river demarcates the elongated shape of the country, which has an area of 11,295 square kilometres (4,361 sq mi). About 1,300 square kilometres (500 square miles) (11.5%) of The Gambia’s area are covered by water.
The capital city is Banjul, which has the most extensive metropolitan area in the country. The second and third-largest cities are Serekunda and Brikama. The Gambia contains three terrestrial eco-regions; Guinean forest-savanna mosaic, West Sudanian savanna, and Guinean mangroves. The Gambia has a tropical savannah climate. A short rainy season normally lasts from June until September, but from then until May, lower temperatures predominate, with less precipitation. The cli- mate in The Gambia closely resembles that of neighboring Senegal, of Mali, and of the northern part of Guinea.
The country has a population of about 2,468,569 people. English is the official language of The Gambia. Approximately 96% of the population identify as Sunni Muslim, mostly Malikite Sufi. Except for a tiny fraction of one percent, the remainder of the population are Christians. Intermarriage between Muslims and Christians is common.
Residing in the western and southern parts of The Gambia, most members of the Christian community identify themselves as Roman Catholic. However, smaller Christian denominations are also present, including Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and small evangelical congregations.
Arab Muslim merchants traded with native West Africans in Gambia throughout the 9th and 10th centuries. In 1455, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter Gambia, although they never established significant trade there.
The region was made a part of the British Empire by establishment of a colony in 1765 and exactly 200 years later, in 1965, The Gambia gained independence under the leadership of Dawda Jawara. Jawara ruled until Yahya Jammeh seized power in a bloodless 1994 coup, with Jammeh ruling until 2017.
Adama Barrow became The Gambia’s third President in January 2017, after defeating Jammeh in the December 2016 elections. Jammeh initially accepted the results, but then refused to leave office, triggering a constitutional crisis and military intervention by the Economic Community of West African States that resulted in his removal two days after his term was initially scheduled to end.
The Gambia has been a member of the Economic Community of West African States since its conception in 1975 and is a member of the Commonwealth.
GOVERNANCE
Politics of The Gambia takes place within the framework of a presidential republic, whereby the President of The Gambia is both Head of state and Head of government, and of a multi-party system.
The Cabinet of the Gambia is the chief executive body of the Republic. The Cabinet is made up of the President, the Vice President, and the Cabinet Ministers. Total executive power is vested in the President. The President appoints the Vice President and cabinet of ministers and also chairs the cabinet. The office of Prime Minister was abolished in 1970. The President can also appoint five members of the National Assembly, the judges of the superior courts, regional governors, and district chiefs. In terms of the civil service, he can appoint the Public Service Commission, the ombudsman, and the Independent Electoral Commission.
The President is directly elected for five-year terms based on a simple majority of votes. There are no term limits. Adama Barrow is the incumbent President. Muhammad B. S. Jallow is the country’s Vice President.
In the Gambia, the National assembly is the legislative branch of the Government. The National Assembly is headed by the Speaker. The Speaker and Deputy Speaker may only be chosen from among the presidential appointees to the National Assembly, not the elected members.
Consisting of 53 members, 48 of which are directly elected for a term of 5 years, while the remaining 5 are appointed by the President. Members are often given the abbreviated title of NAM’s (National Assembly Members). The National Assembly is unicameral.
The Supreme Court of the Gambia is a superior court of record and the highest court in The Gambia. Hassan Bubacar Jallow is the current Chief Justice, having held the position since February 2017.
Gambia’s legal system contains elements of English common law, Gambian statutory law, customary law and religious law (mainly Islamic law). The court structure in The Gambia operates at two levels: namely, the superior and subordinate courts. The superior courts consist of the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal and the High Court.
The Supreme Court has appellate jurisdiction over appeals from cases concluded by the Court of Appeal, whilst the Court of Appeal has jurisdiction over appeals from the High Court, and other courts and tribunals.
In addition, the Supreme Court has exclusive jurisdiction over matters relating to presidential elections, and issues advisory opinions on matters involving the interpretation or application of the Constitution and in matters of general importance.
In addition to the superior courts, the Constitution provides for subordinate courts such as Magistrates’ courts, Kadhi courts, court martial, and any other court or local tribunal established by an Act of Parliament.
The traditional, or Kadhi courts are presided over by a local chief and a council of elders who profess the Islamic religion and have knowledge of Islamic law. These courts have jurisdiction over limited types of proceedings relating to personal status, marriage, divorce or inheritance.
ECONOMY
The Gambia has a liberal, market-based economy characterized by traditional subsistence agriculture, a historic reliance on groundnuts (peanuts) for export earnings, a re-export trade built up around its ocean port, low import duties, minimal administrative procedures, a fluctuating exchange rate with no exchange controls, and a significant tourism industry.
The Gambia’s economy is dominated by farming, fishing, and especially tourism. In 2015, 48.6% of the population lived in poverty. In rural areas, poverty was even more widespread, at almost 70%.
Since 2017, China has invested in Gambia as part of its Belt and Road Initiative. China is the Gambia’s main import and export partner. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita remains low, reflecting the low level of economic development.
The Gambian economy has been characterized by its vulnerability to external shocks, dependence on rain-fed agriculture, and reliance on foreign aid. Statista pegged the Gambian GDP for 2021 at US$2.04bn USD.
AGRICULTURE
Agriculture is a cornerstone of The Gambia’s economy, engaging a significant portion of the population. The sector mainly relies on rain-fed cultivation, and key crops include peanuts (groundnuts), millet, sorghum, rice, and vegetables.
Agriculture accounts for roughly 30% of the gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 70% of the labor force. Within agriculture, peanut production accounts for 6.9% of GDP, other crops 8.3%, livestock 5.3%, fishing 1.8%, and forestry 0.5%.
Peanuts, in particular, have been a major cash crop and an important export commodity. However, the reliance on rain-fed agriculture makes the sector susceptible to climate variability, and efforts to diversify and modernize farming practices have been ongoing.
In recent years, there has been a push to promote sustainable agricultural practices and enhance food security. Various initiatives focus on improving irrigation systems, introducing modern farming techniques, and supporting farmers with access to credit and markets.
INDUSTRY
In 2022, industry contributed approximately 17.26 percent to the Gambia’s gross domestic product.
Manufacturing
The manufacturing sector in The Gambia is relatively small and centered on food and beverage processing, particularly the production of groundnut oil and milling of cereals.
There are also efforts to promote small-scale manufacturing industries, such as textiles and handicrafts, to enhance economic diversification and employment opportunities. Other manufacturing activities involve soap, soft drinks, and clothing.
Extractives
“The Gambia does not possess large mineral reserves or any discovered deposits of precious stones or gems.”
The mining industry does not play a major role in the economy as the economy mainly relies on tourism, agriculture, and imports. Some of the minerals locally available in the country include zircon, titanium, laterite, clay, silica sand and rutile. Due to lack of investors, most of these minerals remain largely unexploited.
Although the mining industry in the Gambia is very small because the country lacks large mineral reserves, successful mineral operations have been ongoing, especially in areas with glass and quartz sand deposits. It is estimated that the existing reserves can yield up to one million tons of quartz sand.
Construction
The construction industry in The Gambia has witnessed growth, particularly in response to infrastructure development projects. Road construction, housing projects, and improvements in tourism-related infrastructure have contributed to the sector’s expansion. The government’s efforts to in- vest in infrastructure play a vital role in supporting economic development and attracting foreign investment.
Tourism also has an indirect impact on the construction industry, as the demand for hotels, resorts, and related infrastructure has led to ongoing development projects. However, the sector’s resilience is subject to global economic conditions and the potential impact of events such as the COVID-19 pandemic on international travel.
While The Gambia faces economic challenges, efforts to diversify and develop key sectors like agriculture, manufacturing, and construction are underway. The success of these initiatives, along with potential developments in extractive industries, will influence the country’s economic trajectory in the coming years.
SERVICES
In 2022, the services sector contributed about 52.3 percent to The Gambia’s gross domestic product.
Banking
The Central Bank of The Gambia is the central bank of The Gambia. Its name is abbreviated to CBG. The bank is located in Banjul and was established in 1971. Buah Saidy is the current Governor.
CBG is responsible for providing banking services to the Gambian government, for managing interest rates and foreign exchange, for interacting with Gambian industries, for supporting microfinance, and for managing the value of the Dalasi, which is The Gambia’s currency.
There are about 12 licensed commercial banks in the country. In 2024, the projected Net Interest Income in the Banking market of Gambia is estimated to reach US$264.3m, with traditional Banks expected to dominate the market.
The Net Interest Income is anticipated to demonstrate an annual growth rate (CAGR 2024-2028) of 5.30%, resulting in a market volume of US$324.9m by 2028.
When compared globally, it is noteworthy that the United States is expected to generate the highest Net Interest Income, amounting to US$877.4bn in 2024.
Gambia’s banking sector is experiencing a surge in digital banking services, with mobile banking apps gaining popularity among the younger population.
The Gambia does not possess large mineral reserves or any discovered deposits of precious stones or gems.
Tourism
Despite its modest size, The Gambia offers a unique and enrich- ing experience for travelers seeking an authentic African adventure.
The capital city, Banjul, is a melting pot of cultures, where colonial architecture stands alongside bustling markets and modern developments. The Albert Market is a must-visit, offering a glimpse into everyday life as locals engage in trade and commerce, and visitors can purchase handmade crafts and souvenirs.
For nature enthusiasts, The Gambia presents a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems, from lush mangrove swamps to savannah grasslands. The Abuko Nature Reserve, the country’s first wildlife reserve, is a haven for birdwatchers, hosting over 300 species of birds, including the vibrantly colored African paradise flycatcher and the elusive African finfoot.
The River Gambia National Park provides a pristine setting to witness the convergence of river and forest ecosystems, offering a chance to spot hippos, crocodiles, and an array of birdlife. Boat trips along the river are popular for those seeking a tranquil and immersive wildlife experience. Bijilo forest park, often known as monkey park, is also an interesting tourist destination.
The Gambia holds historical significance as a key location in the transatlantic slave trade. Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a poignant reminder of this dark chapter in history. Visitors can explore the ruins of Fort James and learn about the island’s role in the slave trade at the museum.
Additionally, the Arch 22 monument in Banjul serves as a symbolic gate way to the nation’s independence, commemorating Gambia’s break from British colonial rule in 1965. Kachikally crocodile pool is located in the heart of Bakau about 10 miles (16 km) from the capital Banjul. It is one of three sacred crocodile pools used as sites for fertility rituals. The others are Folonko in Kombo South and Berending on the north bank.
CULTURE
One of The Gambia’s most remarkable features is its cultural diversity, with a harmonious coexistence of various ethnic groups, including the Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and Jola. This diversity is celebrated through traditional music, dance, and festivals that showcase the vibrant history and heritage of the Gambian people.
Other languages include Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Serer, Soninke, Krio, Jola and other indigenous vernaculars. Owing to the country’s geographical setting, knowledge of French (an official language in much of West Africa) is relatively widespread.
Mandinka is spoken as a first language by 38% of the population, Pulaar by 21%, Wolof by 18%, Soninke by 9%, Jola by 4.5%, Serer by 2.4%, Manjak and Bainouk by 1.6% each, Portuguese Creole by 1%, and English by 0.5%. Several other languages are spoken by smaller numbers. Gambian Sign Language is used by the deaf.
The Gambia is closely linked musically with that of its neighbour, Senegal. It fuses popular Western music and dance, with sabar, the traditional drumming and dance music of the Wolof and Serer people of Senegal.
The Gambia has a tradition of oral literature, including the griots, traditional storytellers and musicians.
Some Gambian delicacies include Benachin, Domoda, Mbahal or Nyankatang, Nyambeh nyebbeh, Yassa and Maafe.
SPORTS
As in the national and most popular sport in The Gambia is wrestling.
Association football and basketball are also popular. Football in The Gambia is administered by The Gambia Football Federation (GFA), who are affiliated to both FIFA and CAF.
The GFA runs league football in The Gambia, including top division GFA League First Division, as well as The Gambia national football team.
Nicknamed “The Scorpions”, the national side have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup, but qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations at senior level for the first time in 2021.
They play at Independence Stadium. The Gambia won two CAF U-17 championships one in 2005 when the country hosted, and 2009 in Algeria automatically qualifying for FIFA U-17 World Cup in Peru (2005) and Nigeria (2009) respectively. The U-20 also qualified for FIFA U-20 (2007) in Canada. The female U-17 also competed in FIFA U-17 World Cup 2012 in Azerbaijan.
The Gambia featured a national team in beach volleyball that competed at the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup in both the women’s and the men’s section.