Gambia

Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa. It is the smallest country within mainland Africa and is surrounded by Senegal, except for its western coast on the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia is situated on either side of the Gambia River, which flows through the center of the country and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The area of present-day Gambia has been inhabited for thousands of years. The first written records of the region come from Arab traders in the 9th and 10th centuries. The Gambia was part of the Mali Empire and later the Songhai Empire. In the 15th century, the Portuguese reached the region, and it later became a focal point for the transatlantic slave trade. In 1765, The Gambia became a part of the British Empire and was administered as a part of the Senegambia colony. It gained independence from the United Kingdom on 18 February 1965. The Gambia became a republic on 24 April 1970, with Dawda Jawara as its first president. In 1994, a military coup led by Yahya Jammeh overthrew the government. Jammeh ruled until 2017, when he was succeeded by Adama Barrow following a democratic election.

Geography

The Gambia is a narrow strip of land that extends about 450 km (280 mi) from the Atlantic Ocean into the interior of West Africa. It is bordered by Senegal on the north, east, and south, and has a coastline along the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Gambia River is the dominant geographical feature, flowing through the center of the country.

Climate

The Gambia has a tropical climate with a distinct dry season and a rainy season. The dry season, from November to May, is characterized by cooler temperatures and lower humidity. The rainy season, from June to October, brings higher temperatures and heavy rainfall.

Economy

The Gambia's economy is predominantly agricultural, with groundnuts (peanuts) being the main cash crop. Other important sectors include fishing, tourism, and services. The country has limited mineral resources and relies heavily on foreign aid and remittances from Gambians living abroad.

Demographics

The Gambia has a population of approximately 2.4 million people. The largest ethnic groups are the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, and Jola. The official language is English, but various indigenous languages are also widely spoken. The majority of the population practices Islam, with a small Christian minority.

Culture

The Gambia has a rich cultural heritage, with music and dance playing a significant role in society. Traditional instruments such as the kora and the balafon are commonly used. The country is also known for its vibrant festivals and ceremonies.

Politics

The Gambia is a presidential republic with a multi-party system. The President of The Gambia is both the head of state and the head of government. The National Assembly is the legislative body, and the judiciary is independent of the executive and the legislature.

Related Pages

• Senegal
• West Africa
• Gambia River
• Dawda Jawara
• Yahya Jammeh
• Adama Barrow
• Mali Empire
• Songhai Empire
• British Empire
• Senegambia