Gambia

The Smiling Coast of Africa

The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is the smallest country on mainland Africa, bordered on all sides by Senegal except for its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Known for its riverine beauty, cultural richness, and growing tourism sector, The Gambia holds strategic importance in West African peace and diplomacy.

Formation and Historical Background

  • Historically part of various Mandinka and Wolof kingdoms and Islamic trade routes.

  • Became a British colony in the 19th century, focused around the Gambia River.

  • Gained independence from the UK on February 18, 1965.

  • Became a republic in 1970.

  • Experienced authoritarian rule under Yahya Jammeh (1994–2017).

  • Transitioned to democratic governance following peaceful elections in 2016.

Administrative Information

Attribute Details
Official Name Republic of The Gambia
Capital Banjul
Largest City Serekunda
Continent Africa (West Africa)
Official Language English
National Languages Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, Serer
Currency Gambian Dalasi (GMD)
Area Approx. 11,295 sq. km
Population Approx. 2.7 million (2024 est.)
Time Zone UTC+0
ISO Code GM
Internet TLD .gm
Calling Code +220

Government and Leadership

Position Current Officeholder (as of 2024)
President Adama Barrow
Vice President Muhammad B.S. Jallow
Government Type Presidential republic
Legislature National Assembly (unicameral)
Judiciary Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, High Court

Administrative Divisions (Regions & Local Government Areas)

The Gambia is divided into 5 regions and 2 municipalities, which are further divided into districts.

List of Regions and Municipalities:

  1. Banjul (municipality)

  2. Kanifing (municipality)

  3. West Coast Region (Brikama)

  4. Lower River Region (Mansa Konko)

  5. Central River Region (Janjanbureh)

  6. Upper River Region (Basse)

  7. North Bank Region (Kerewan)

Local Government Structure

  • Each region is administered by a Governor appointed by the central government.

  • Municipalities (Banjul and Kanifing) have elected mayors.

  • Wards and districts are represented by Alkalos (village heads) and Ward Councilors.

  • Governance reform efforts emphasize decentralization and citizen participation.

Leadership & Governance

  • The Barrow administration is focused on:

    • Transitional justice (via TRRC)

    • Infrastructure development

    • Electoral and civil service reform

  • The Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) oversees free and fair elections.

  • Civil society remains vibrant and vocal.

Law Enforcement & Safety

  • Managed by:

    • Gambia Police Force

    • Gambia Armed Forces (GAF)

    • Immigration, Drug Enforcement, and Fire Services

  • Relatively stable, with occasional border and political tensions

  • Emergency Numbers:

    • 117 – Police

    • 116 – Fire and rescue

Economy & Industry

  • Agriculture-based economy:

    • Groundnuts (peanuts), rice, millet, fish

  • Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner

  • Remittances from abroad are significant

  • GDP (2023): Approx. USD 2.2 billion

  • Economic priorities:

    • Youth employment

    • Sustainable agriculture

    • Fisheries and infrastructure

Education & Institutions

  • Free basic education policy

  • Leading institutions:

    • University of The Gambia (UTG)

    • Gambia College

  • Literacy improving, though gender gaps exist in rural areas

  • Technical and vocational training is growing in importance

Healthcare

  • Key hospitals:

    • Edward Francis Small Teaching Hospital (EFSTH)

    • Regional hospitals in Basse, Brikama, Farafenni

  • Public health challenges:

    • Maternal health

    • Malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS

  • Government collaborates with WHO, UNICEF, and NGOs for health outreach

Transport & Connectivity

  • Airports:

    • Banjul International Airport (Yundum)

  • Ports:

    • Banjul seaport – gateway for imports and exports

  • Roads:

    • Trans-Gambia highway links to Senegal

  • River transport is key in interior areas

  • Mobile and internet services expanding

Tourism & Attractions

  • Beaches: Kololi, Cape Point, Kotu, Sanyang

  • Nature:

    • Abuko Nature Reserve, Kiang West National Park, River Gambia National Park

  • Culture:

    • Kunta Kinteh Island (UNESCO site)

    • Janjanbureh, Wassu Stone Circles

  • Festivals: Roots Homecoming, International Roots Festival, Gambian Music Awards

Culture & Lifestyle

  • Ethnic groups: Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serer, Aku

  • Religion: ~95% Muslim, ~4% Christian, ~1% traditional/other

  • Music: kora, drumming, mbalax, Afrobeat

  • Cuisine: benachin (jollof rice), domoda (peanut stew), yassa

  • Strong tradition of storytelling, community life, and inter-ethnic harmony

Summary

The Gambia is a small yet culturally dynamic country, known for its peaceful transition to democracy, strategic river-based geography, and growing role in regional diplomacy. As it continues to expand infrastructure and governance reform, The Gambia remains one of West Africa’s most welcoming and stable nations—the true “Smiling Coast of Africa.”