The Gambia facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Republic of The Gambia
Flag Coat of arms
Motto: "Progress, Peace, and Prosperity"
Anthem: "For The Gambia Our Homeland"
Location of The Gambia (dark green) in western Africa
Capital	Banjul 13°27′00″N 16°34′30″W / 13.45000°N 16.57500°W / 13.45000; -16.57500
Largest metropolitan area	Serekunda
Official languages	English
National languages	List: Mandinka Pulaar Wolof Serer Jola English Balanta Arabic Jola-Fonyi Mandjak Mankanya Noon Dyula Soninke Fula Karon Kassonke Cangin Gambian Sign Language
Ethnic groups (2013 Census)	34% Mandinka 25% Fula 16% Wolof 11% Jola 8% Soninke 3% Serer 2% Manjago 1% Bambara 0.5% Aku 1.5% other
Religion (2023)	96.4% Islam 3.5% Christianity 0.1% others
Demonym(s)	Gambian
Government	Unitary presidential republic
• President	Adama Barrow
• Vice President	Muhammad B.S. Jallow
• Speaker of the National Assembly	Fabakary Tombong Jatta
Legislature	National Assembly
Independence from the United Kingdom
• from the United Kingdom	18 February 1965
• dissolution of the Senegambia Confederation	30 September 1989
Area
• Total	11,300 km2 (4,400 sq mi) (159th)
• Water (%)	11.5
Population
• 2023 estimate	2,468,569 (144th)
• Density	176.1/km2 (456.1/sq mi) (74th)
GDP (PPP)	2023 estimate
• Total	$7.502 billion (166th)
• Per capita	$2,837 (175th)
GDP (nominal)	2023 estimate
• Total	$2.388 billion (185th)
• Per capita	$903 (180th)
Gini (2015)	▼ 35.9 medium
HDI (2022)	0.495 low · 174th
Currency	Gambian dalasi (GMD)
Time zone	UTC (GMT)
	Daylight saving time is not observed
Driving side	right
Calling code	+220
ISO 3166 code	GM
Internet TLD	.gm

The Gambia, officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, is a country located in West Africa. It is the smallest country on the mainland of Africa. The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on three sides. Its western border is along the Atlantic Ocean.

The country is shaped by the Gambia River, which flows through its center and into the Atlantic. The Gambia covers about 11,300 square kilometers (4,007 sq mi). In 2024, its population was around 2.7 million people. The capital city is Banjul, which is also the largest metropolitan area. Other big cities include Serekunda and Brikama.

Arab Muslim traders first came to The Gambia in the 9th and 10th centuries. The Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in 1455. The British Empire made it a colony in 1765. The Gambia became independent in 1965, led by Dawda Jawara. Later, Yahya Jammeh took power in 1994.

In 2017, Adama Barrow became the third president. He won the election against Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh first accepted the results but then refused to leave office. This led to a difficult situation. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) stepped in. They helped remove Jammeh from power.

The Gambia's economy mainly relies on farming, fishing, and tourism. In 2022, a small part of the population lived in extreme poverty. The Gambia is a founding member of ECOWAS. It rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations in 2018. English is the country's only official language. It became common during British rule.

About the Name "The Gambia"

The name "Gambia" comes from the Mandinka words Kambra or Kambaa. These words mean the Gambia River.

When The Gambia became independent in 1965, it was called The Gambia. In 1970, when it became a republic, its full name became Republic of The Gambia.

For a short time, from 2015 to 2017, it was called the Islamic Republic of The Gambia. This change was made by President Yahya Jammeh. But in 2017, President Adama Barrow changed the name back to Republic of The Gambia.

The Gambia is one of the few countries that uses "the" in its official English name. This is because the region was named after "The Gambia River". In 1964, before independence, the Prime Minister asked to keep "the" in the name. This helped avoid confusion with Zambia, which also became independent around that time.

A Look at The Gambia's Past

History of the Gambia

Early Influences: Muslims and Portuguese (9th–16th Centuries)

Arab traders were the first to write about The Gambia area. This was in the 9th and 10th centuries. Muslim merchants and scholars set up communities in West Africa. They created trade routes across the Sahara Desert.

They traded local people who were captured and sold as slaves. Gold and ivory were also important exports. Manufactured goods were brought in through these routes.

By the 11th or 12th century, leaders of kingdoms like Takrur and ancient Ghana became Muslim. They hired Muslims who could read and write Arabic. In the early 14th century, most of The Gambia was part of the Mali Empire. The Portuguese arrived by sea in the mid-15th century. They started to control trade from overseas.

British and French Rule

In 1588, the Portuguese claimant sold trade rights on the Gambia River to English merchants. King James I of England later gave a charter to an English company for trade.

Between 1651 and 1661, parts of The Gambia were ruled by the Duchy of Courland and Semigallia. This was a small state in what is now Latvia. These colonies were given to England in 1664.

In the late 17th and 18th centuries, the British Empire and the French Empire fought for control. They wanted power over the Senegal and Gambia Rivers. The British took over The Gambia in 1758. The 1783 Treaty of Versailles gave Great Britain control of the Gambia River. France kept a small area called Albreda. This area was given to the United Kingdom in 1856.

The Sad History of Slavery (17th–19th Centuries)

About three million people were taken as slaves from this region. This happened during the 300 years of the transatlantic slave trade. Many were sold by other Africans to Europeans. Some were prisoners of war. Others were sold because of debts or were kidnapped.

At first, people were sent to Europe as servants. Later, the demand for workers grew in the West Indies and North America. In 1807, the United Kingdom stopped the slave trade in its empire. They also tried to stop it in The Gambia. Slave ships caught by the Royal Navy were brought back to The Gambia. The freed people were settled on MacCarthy Island up the Gambia River. The British set up a military post in Bathurst (now Banjul) in 1816.

Becoming a British Colony (1821–1965)

Gambia Colony and Protectorate

Over the years, Bathurst (now Banjul) was sometimes managed by the British Governor-General in Sierra Leone. In 1888, The Gambia became a separate colony.

Britain and France agreed on the colony's borders in 1889. The Gambia became a British Crown colony. It was called British Gambia. It was split into the colony (Banjul area) and the protectorate (the rest of the land). The Gambia slowly moved towards self-rule. Slavery was officially ended in 1906. British rule became strong after a short conflict with local Gambians.

During World War II, some Gambian soldiers fought with the Allies of World War II. Banjul had an airstrip for the US Army Air Forces. It was also a port for Allied ships.

After World War II, The Gambia gained more self-governance. In 1962, general elections were held. The United Kingdom gave full internal self-rule the next year.

Independence and Modern Times (1965–Present)

From Monarchy to Republic

The Gambia became independent on February 18, 1965. It was a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations. Queen Elizabeth II was the Queen of The Gambia.

In 1970, The Gambia became a Republic within the Commonwealth. Prime Minister Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara became the first President. He was both the head of state and head of government. President Jawara was re-elected five times.

1981 Attempted Takeover

On July 29, 1981, there was an attempt to take over the government. This happened when President Jawara was away in London. A group of people tried to seize power.

President Jawara asked Senegal for help. Senegal sent troops to The Gambia. By August 6, the rebel group was defeated. Many people were killed during this event.

Senegambia Confederation

Senegambia Confederation

After the 1981 event, Senegal and The Gambia formed the Senegambia Confederation in 1982. They wanted to combine their armies and economies. However, The Gambia left the confederation in 1989.

1994 Military Takeover and Return to Democracy

In 1994, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) took over the government. They removed President Jawara. Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh, who was 29 years old, became the head of state. The AFPRC promised to return to a democratic government.

A new constitution was written. In 1996, Yahya Jammeh was elected president. The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) was set up to manage elections.

The IEC held elections in 2001 and 2002. Foreign observers said these elections were fair. President Yahya Jammeh was re-elected. His party, the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), won many seats.

Leaving the Commonwealth and a Brief "Islamic Republic" Title

In 2013, The Gambia left the Commonwealth of Nations. The government said it would not be part of any "Neo-Colonial institution."

In 2015, President Jammeh declared The Gambia an Islamic Republic. This was done without legal authority. He said it was to break from the country's colonial past. However, the constitution remained secular.

2016 Presidential Election and Political Challenges

2016 Gambian presidential election

The time before the December 2016 election was tense. A youth leader from the main opposition party died in prison. The party leader, Ousainou Darboe, and others were jailed. This meant Adama Barrow ran for president instead.

A Difficult Change of Power

After the December 2016 elections, the election commission announced Adama Barrow as the winner. Jammeh, who had ruled for 22 years, first agreed to step down. But then he changed his mind and said the results were wrong. This caused a serious political problem.

An ECOWAS military group stepped in. On January 20, 2017, Jammeh announced he would step down. He then left the country.

Barrow's First Term

In January 2017, President Barrow removed the "Islamic" title from The Gambia's name. The Gambia also started the process to rejoin the Commonwealth. It officially rejoined on February 8, 2018.

2021 Presidential Election

2021 Gambian presidential election

On December 4, 2021, Adama Barrow won re-election. In December 2022, there was a reported attempt to overthrow the government. Four soldiers were arrested. However, the Gambian army denied that a coup attempt was made.

Exploring The Gambia's Geography

Geography of the Gambia

The Gambia is a very small and narrow country. Its borders follow the winding Gambia River. It lies between 13 and 14 degrees North latitude. It is also between 13 and 17 degrees West longitude.

The Gambia is less than 50 kilometers (31 mi) wide at its widest point. Its total area is about 11,295 square kilometers (4,361 sq mi). About 1,300 square kilometers (500 sq mi) of this area is water. It is the smallest country on the African mainland. The Gambia is slightly larger than the island of Jamaica.

Senegal surrounds The Gambia on three sides. The western side has 80 kilometers (50 mi) of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean.

The current borders were set in 1889. This happened after an agreement between the United Kingdom and France. It took almost 15 years to mark the final borders. The British gained control of areas about 10 miles (16 km) north and south of the Gambia River.

The Gambia has different natural areas. These include forests, savannas, and mangrove swamps.

The Climate of The Gambia

The Gambia has a tropical savannah climate. This means it has a wet season and a dry season. The short rainy season usually lasts from June to September. From September to May, it is drier and cooler.

Wildlife in The Gambia

Wildlife of the Gambia The Gambia is home to various animals. Its river and different habitats support many species. Tourists often visit to see the wildlife.

Government and How The Gambia is Run

Politics of the Gambia

The Gambia became independent from the United Kingdom on February 18, 1965. From 1965 to 1994, it was a multi-party liberal democracy. Sir Dawda Jawara and his party ruled during this time.

In 1994, a military group took power. This group was called the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC). After two years, a new constitution was written. In 1996, the leader of the AFPRC, Yahya Jammeh, was elected president. He ruled for a long time.

In the 2016 election, Adama Barrow won. He was supported by many opposition parties. The Gambia is now working to strengthen its democracy.

The Constitution of The Gambia

The Gambia has had several constitutions. The 1970 constitution made The Gambia a presidential republic. The 1996 constitution was used during Jammeh's rule. It was kept after Barrow won.

The 1996 constitution gives the President a lot of power. The President is the head of state, head of government, and leader of the armed forces.

The Role of the President

The president chooses the vice president and government ministers. The president also leads the cabinet meetings. The office of Prime Minister was removed in 1970.

The president has full executive power. They can also appoint five members of the National Assembly. They appoint judges, regional governors, and district chiefs. The president is elected for five-year terms. There are no term limits right now. However, changes are being considered to add a two-term limit.

International Groups The Gambia Belongs To

The Gambia is a member of many important international organizations:

• Commonwealth of Nations
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• Organization of Islamic Cooperation
• United Nations
• African Union

How The Gambia is Divided for Local Government

Local government areas of the Gambia

The Gambia is divided into eight local government areas. This includes the capital city, Banjul. These divisions were created by the Independent Electoral Commission.

Administrative divisions

Name	Area (km2)	Population census		Capital	Number of districts
		2003	2013 (provisional)
Banjul (capital city)	12.2	35,061	31,301	Banjul	3
Kanifing	75.6	322,735	382,096	Kanifing	1
Brikama (formerly Western)	1,764.3	389,594	699,704	Brikama	9
Mansa Konko (formerly Lower River)	1,628.0	72,167	82,381	Mansakonko	6
Kerewan (formerly North Bank)	2,255.5	172,835	221,054	Kerewan	7
Kuntaur (formerly the western half of Central River Division)	1,466.5	78,491	99,108	Kuntaur	5
Janjanbureh (formerly the eastern half of Central River Division)	1,427.8	107,212	126,910	Janjanbureh	5
Basse (formerly Upper River)	2,069.5	182,586	239,916	Basse Santa Su	7
Total Gambia	10,689	1,360,681	1,882,450	Banjul	43

These local government areas are further divided into 43 districts. Some areas like Kanifing are part of the larger Banjul area.

The Gambian Economy

Economy of the Gambia

The Gambia has a market-based economy. This means businesses are mostly private. It relies on traditional farming and fishing. Groundnuts (peanuts) are a main export. The country also has a re-export trade through its port.

Tourism is a very important industry. From 2006 to 2012, The Gambian economy grew by 5–6% each year.

Farming makes up about 30% of the country's total economic output (GDP). It employs about 70% of the workers. Peanut production is a big part of farming. Industry makes up about 8% of GDP. Services, like tourism, make up around 58%.

Most manufacturing is related to agriculture. This includes processing peanuts and making bread. Other products include soap and soft drinks.

In the past, the United Kingdom and the EU were the main buyers of Gambian exports. Now, Senegal, the United States, and Japan are also important trade partners. Denmark, the United States, and China are major sources for imports.

In 2009, there were twelve commercial banks in The Gambia. The oldest, Standard Chartered Bank, started in 1894.

Since 2017, China has invested in The Gambia. This is part of its Belt and Road Initiative. A main focus has been processing fish into fish meal for export. This has caused some debate about its economic and environmental effects.

In 2024, the country opened its first solar power plant.

• 

  Brightly painted fishing boats are common in Bakau.

• 

  The Gambia's wildlife, like this green monkey, attracts tourists.

Getting Around The Gambia (Transportation)

Transport in the Gambia

Transportation in The Gambia includes both public and private options. It has roads, water transport, and air travel. The Trans-Gambia Highway runs along both sides of the Gambia River. The river divides the country. You can cross the river by ferry or by the Senegambia bridge. There are no railways in the country.

The country has about 3,742 kilometers (2,325 mi) of roads. Only 723 kilometers (449 mi) are paved. The rest are unpaved.

The Gambia has 390 kilometers (240 mi) of waterways. The Port of Banjul is the only port. It is managed by The Gambia Ports Authority.

The country's only international airport is the Banjul International Airport. It is located at Yundum, about 26 kilometers (16 mi) from Banjul.

People and Population (Demographics)

Demographics of the Gambia

Population in The Gambia
Year	Million
1950	0.27
2000	1.2
2018	2.3

In 2011, about 57.3% of the population lived in cities. More areas are becoming urban. This means more Gambians are experiencing modern ways of life. However, traditional clothing, celebrations, and the importance of the extended family are still very strong.

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) ranked The Gambia 151st out of 169 countries in 2010. This was based on factors like life expectancy and schooling.

Different Ethnic Groups

Ethnic Groups in the Gambia
Ethnic Groups			percent
Mandinka			34%
Fula			31%
Wolof			11%
Jola			9%
Sarahule			7%
Serere			3%
Mangajo			2%
Bambara			1%
Aku			.5%
Other			1.5%

Many ethnic groups live in The Gambia. Each group keeps its own language and traditions. The Mandinka are the largest group. Other major groups include the Fula, Wolof, and Jola.

About 3,500 non-African people live in The Gambia. These include Europeans and families from Lebanon. Most Europeans are British.

Languages Spoken in The Gambia

Languages of the Gambia

English is the official language of The Gambia. It is used for official business and in schools. Other languages spoken include Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula.

Mandinka is the first language for 38% of the people. Pulaar is spoken by 21%, and Wolof by 18%. Because The Gambia is surrounded by French-speaking countries, many people also know some French.

Education for Kids in The Gambia

Education in the Gambia

The constitution says that primary education in The Gambia should be free and required. However, it has been hard to make this happen due to limited resources. In 1995, about 77% of primary school-aged children were enrolled.

School fees used to stop many children from attending. But in 1998, President Jammeh ordered that fees for the first six years of school be removed. Girls make up about 52% of primary school students. About 20% of school-aged children go to Quranic schools.

Higher Education Options

The Gambia has public and private colleges and universities. The Gambia College was started in 1978. It offers programs in health, education, nursing, and agriculture.

The University of the Gambia was founded in 1999. It offers bachelor's, master's, and PhD degrees. A new university campus opened in Faraba in 2024.

The International Open University has its main office in The Gambia. It offers online higher education to students worldwide.

Religions in The Gambia

Religion in the Gambia

Religions in the Gambia
Religions			Percent
Islam			96.4%
Christianity			3.5%
Other			0.1%

About 96% of the population are Sunni Muslims. Most follow the Maliki school of thought. About 3.5% of the population are Christian. The constitution protects the right to practice any religion. It is common for Muslims and Christians to marry each other.

Islam

Life in The Gambia slows down during major Muslim holidays. These include Eid al-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr. Most Muslims in The Gambia follow the Maliki school of jurisprudence. There is also a small Ahmadiyya community. A Shiite Muslim community exists, mainly from Lebanese and other Arab immigrants.

Christianity

The Christian community makes up about 4% of the population. Most Christians live in the western and southern parts of The Gambia. Many are Roman Catholic. Other Christian groups include Anglicans, Methodists, and Baptists.

Traditional Beliefs

Some people still practice traditional African beliefs. For example, the Serer religion believes in a supreme god called Roog. They have religious festivals like the Xooy. The Jola people also have their own customs, including a ceremony called Boukout.

Other Religions

There are also small numbers of Hindus and followers of the Baháʼí Faith. These are mainly immigrants from South Asia.

The Culture of The Gambia

Even though The Gambia is small, its culture is very diverse. The country's shape follows the River Gambia. This river has been very important to the nation's history. The Gambia is home to many ethnic groups found across western Africa, especially those in Senegal.

Europeans also played a big role in Gambian history. The Gambia River could be traveled far inland. This made the area a profitable place for the slave trade for centuries. Later, it became important for stopping this trade. The book and TV series Roots was set in The Gambia.

Music and Dance

Music of the Gambia

The music of The Gambia is very similar to that of its neighbor, Senegal. It mixes popular Western music and dance. It also includes sabar, which is traditional drumming and dance music. This music comes from the Wolof and Serer people of Senegal.

Delicious Gambian Food (Cuisine)

Gambian cuisine

The food in The Gambia is much like the food in Senegal. It uses local ingredients and has historical influences. A popular dish is domoda. This is a tasty peanut stew made with meat, peanut paste, and vegetables. It is a comforting meal.

Yassa is another popular dish. It has marinated fish or chicken seasoned with lemon, onions, and mustard. Gambian food often includes peanuts, rice, fish, meat, onions, tomatoes, and various vegetables. Oysters from the River Gambia are also enjoyed.

Sports in The Gambia

Like in neighboring Senegal, the most popular sport in The Gambia is wrestling. Association football (soccer) and basketball are also well-liked.

Football in The Gambia is managed by The Gambia Football Federation. They are part of both FIFA and CAF. The GFA runs the football league and the national football team. The national team is nicknamed "The Scorpions." They have never qualified for the FIFA World Cup. However, they qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 and 2023. They play at Independence Stadium.

The Gambia also has a national team for beach volleyball. They competed in the 2018–2020 CAVB Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.

See also

In Spanish: Gambia para niños