Gambia
The smallest country in continental Africa, shaped by the Gambia River.
The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa. Geographically, The Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa; it is bounded by Senegal on all sides except for the western part, which is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean. Its territory is on both sides of the lower reaches of the Gambia River, which flows through the center of the country and empties into the Atlantic. The capital city is Banjul, formerly called Bathurst during the colonial era.
Quick Facts
- Capital
- Banjul
- Currency
- Gambian Dalasi
- Official language
- English
- Majority religion
- Islam
- Region
- West Africa
- Geography type
- River Valley & Coastal Plains
Lore & Background
The name 'Gambia' is derived from the Mandinka term Kambra/Kambaa, meaning the Gambia River. Arab Muslim merchants traded with indigenous West Africans under the trans-Saharan trade. In 1455, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to enter the Gambia. The British Empire established a colony in 1816. The Gambia gained independence in 1965 under Dawda Jawara. Adama Barrow was elected as the third president in December 2016, defeating Yahya Jammeh, and was sworn in on 19 January 2017.
Reader's Guide
The Gambia's economy is dominated by farming, fishing, and especially tourism. English is the country's sole official language. The capital is Banjul, the most extensive metropolitan area. The second- and third-largest cities are Serekunda and Brikama. Other significant cities include Kanifing, Farafenni, Basse, and Soma.
Did You Know?
- The Gambia is one of only two countries for which the definite article 'the' is officially used in its short form English-language name, the other being The Bahamas.
- The Gambia rejoined the Commonwealth of Nations in 2018 after previously withdrawing in 2013.
- The Gambia is a founding member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
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