Gambia flag
Official name: Republic of The Gambia
Capital: Banjul
Area: 11,295 sq km, 4,361 sq mi
Population: 1,735,464 (2008 estimate)
Population growth rate: 2.72 percent (2008 estimate)
Population density: 174 persons per sq km, 449 persons per sq mi (2008 estimate)
Urban/rural distribution:
Share urban 26 percent (2005 estimate)
Share rural 74 percent (2005 estimate)
Largest cities: Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama, Bakau
Religious affiliations:
Muslim 87 percent
Christian 4 percent
Indigenous beliefs 8 percent
Other 1 percent
Life expectancy:
Total 55 years (2008 estimate)
Female 56.9 years (2008 estimate)
Male 53.1 years (2008 estimate)
Literacy rate:
Total 42.4 percent (2005 estimate)
Female 35 percent (2005 estimate)
Male 50.2 percent (2005 estimate)
Form of government: Multiparty republic
Total number of military personnel: 800 (2004)
Introduction:
The Gambia, a country on the western coast of Africa, fronting the Atlantic Ocean. Senegal encloses the country on the other three sides. Straddling the Gambia River, the country extends eastward for about 320 km (200 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean. At its widest, this narrow country measures only about 50 km (30 mi) across.
The Gambia, also called Gambia, is the smallest country on the African mainland. Among African countries, only the Seychelles, a group of islands off the eastern coast, cover a smaller area. The port city of Banjul is the capital of The Gambia, but Serrekunda is the largest city.
The Gambia is a largely agricultural country, and its people are poor. Peanuts, the main crop, are grown largely for export. Tourism also helps the economy. Beaches along the Atlantic coast draw visitors to The Gambia, as does the rich bird life along the Gambia River.
The Gambia became a British colony during the 1800s. It gained its independence in 1965. Following independence, The Gambia was regarded by Westerners as a stable democracy until a bloodless military coup in 1994 removed its president. Yahya Jammeh, the military leader who became president after the coup, was subsequently reelected.
Banjul,Gambia
Banjul is the capital of The Gambia and the country’s largest city. Located at the mouth of the Gambia River the city serves as a busy port and administrative and economic center.
Gambia River
The Gambia River is a major transportation route within The Gambia. The mouth of the river is near the port city of Banjul, Gambia’s capital. These villagers are waiting to transport visitors and supplies to shore from the river ferry.
Muslim Men in The Gambia
Three Muslim men stand outside a mosque in the small town of Pakali Nding in The Gambia. The vast majority of Gambians are Muslim.