The Gambia

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2011.

Capital: Banjul

Government: Republic

Economy:

• The 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: 1.8 million (UN 2011)

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

Major Ethic Groups:

• African: 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%)
• Non-African: 1% (2003 census)

Religions:

• Muslim: 90%
• Christian: 8%
• indigenous beliefs: 2%

Language(s):

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

For more information about The Gambia, please visit:

https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/ga.html