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About The GambiaOverviewThe Gambia is situated on West Africa's Atlantic coast. The country consists of a thin ribbon of land, at no point wider than 50km (30 miles), running east-west on both banks of the River Gambia. The Gambia is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is the smallest and westernmost mainland African nation. The country mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is bisected by the river and is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river's tributaries. In the west of the country, near the coast, the river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while in the inland area which extends from central Gambia to the eastern border the river has steep red ironstone banks covered with tropical forest. Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as baobab, silk-cotton, mahogany and oil palm. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of beaches, the best of which are broad, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.The area around the River Gambia, known to the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC, subsequently became part of several successive African empires. During the colonial period, several European powers contested for ownership of the river and the rich trade which it carried. Britain eventually gained control of the lowest reaches, establishing an enclave in the surrounding French territories of Senegal and a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements. The Gambia was Britain's first and last colony, being officially colonised in 1765 and gaining independence 200 years later in February 1965. Since then, the country has enjoyed long spells of stability; unfortunately this has yet to translate into prosperity for its inhabitants. Although The Gambia is mainland Africa's smallest nation, it is scenically varied, with sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa's great waterways, dominates the country. The Gambia is a birdwatcher's paradise, with over 540 different species. While the country's parks, reserves and up-country villages are a major draw for eco-tourists and those interested in African culture, for many visitors it is the country's pleasant tropical climate and relaxing beach resorts which are the star attraction. Social ConventionsHandshaking is a common form of greeting; Salaam aleikum ('Peace be upon you') is the traditional greeting. Nanga def ('How are you?' in Wolof) is widely used on the coast; Kaira be ('I wish you peace' in Mandinka) is widely used inland. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and in general visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality, but should exercise common sense in their dealings with the persistent would-be guides, known locally as 'bumsters', who operate in some tourist areas. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand, not the left, must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages in up-country Gambia. Travellers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.EconomyThe economy of The Gambia is basically agricultural, with groundnuts (nuts, oil and cattle cake) accounting for 50% of total exports. Forestry and fishing are also important. Rice is one of the main staples; some is homegrown but most is imported. There are no viable mineral deposits although surveys have located some oil deposits. The small industrial sector is dominated by agro-industrial activities. Tourism, a significant generator of foreign exchange, is growing, as is the construction industry.Government economic strategy aims both to stimulate agricultural productivity and position The Gambia as a regional hub for trade, finance and telecommunications. Over the last decade, substantial infrastructural progress has been made. Overall, the economy has performed fairly well, achieving annual growth since 2000, with 5.5% growth in 2005, but The Gambia has external debts of US$629 million (2003 estimate) and remains heavily dependent on international aid. General Information Area11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).Population1.6 million (2006 estimate).Population Density142 per sq km.CapitalBanjul.Population:38,828 (2003).GovernmentRepublic.Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Head of State and Government: President Al-Haji Yahya AJJ Jammeh since 1996. Recent history: Yahya Jammeh was elected for a third term in the September 2006 presidential elections, winning 67.3% of the vote. He came to power in a coup in 1994. LanguageThe official language is English. The most widely spoken local languages are Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Manjago, Serahule, Serer and Wolof.ReligionOver 85% Muslim, with the remainder holding either Christian or animist beliefs.TimeGMT. |
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