Gambia, The

Gambia, The

area:	11,300sq km (4363sq mi)
population:	1,417,800
capital (population):	Banjul (57,800)
government:	Military, transitional
ethnic groups:	Mandinka (Mandingo or Malinke) 40%, Fulani (Peul) 19%, Wolof 15%, Dyola 10%, Soninke 8%
languages:	English (official)
religions:	Islam 95%, Christianity 4%, traditional beliefs 1%
currency:	Dalasi = 100 butut

Republic of The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa; the capital is Banjul.

Land and Climate

The Gambia consists of a narrow strip of land bordering the River Gambia, and is enclosed by Senegal, except for a short Atlantic coastline. Near the sea, the land is flat. Gambia has hot, humid summers. In winter (November to May), temperatures drop to c.16°C (61°F). Mangrove swamps line the river banks. Much tropical savanna has been cleared for farming. Gambia is rich in wildlife.

History and Politics

Portuguese mariners reached Gambia's coast in 1455, when the area was part of the Mali empire. In the 16th century, Portuguese and English slave traders operated in the area. In 1664, the British established a settlement and later founded a colony, Senegambia (1765), which included parts of present-day Gambia and Senegal. In 1783, this was handed over to France. In 1816, Britain founded Bathurst (now Banjul) as a base for its anti-slavery operations. In 1888, Gambia became a British colony and remained under British rule until it achieved full independence in 1965 with Dawda Jawara as prime minister. In 1970, The Gambia became a republic. In 1981, an attempted coup was defeated with the help of Senegalese troops. In 1992, Jawara was re-elected as president for a fifth term. In July 1994, he was overthrown in a military coup, led by Yahya Jammeh. In 1996, Jammeh was elected president. His regime faced charges of political repression. In 2000, more than 12 people were shot dead during student demonstrations. In 2001, Jammeh lifted the ban on opposition parties and was elected for a second term in office.

Economy

Agriculture employs more than 80% of the workforce (2000 GDP per capita US$1100). The main food crops are cassava, millet, and sorghum; groundnuts are the leading export. Tourism is increasingly important.

Political map

Physical map

Websites

http://www.gambia.gm