The Smiling Coast of Africa
The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is the smallest country on mainland Africa — yet one of the most vibrant. Known as “The Smiling Coast of Africa,” it stretches along the Gambia River and is famous for its warm hospitality, scenic beaches, and rich cultural heritage.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
The Gambia’s story is shaped by its river, trade, and the quest for freedom.
Key Historical Timeline:
Pre-15th Century: Mandinka and Wolof kingdoms flourish along the Gambia River
1455: Portuguese explorers arrive; later becomes a major slave trade route
1816: British establish Bathurst (now Banjul) as a trading post
1889: Official British colony formed
1965 (Feb 18): Gains independence from Britain
1970: Declared a republic under President Sir Dawda Jawara
1994: Coup by Yahya Jammeh; authoritarian rule for 22 years
2017: Peaceful transition as Adama Barrow elected president
Present: Stable democracy and tourism-driven development
🧭 Basic National Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Republic of The Gambia |
| Capital City | Banjul |
| President | Adama Barrow (as of 2025) |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Area | ~11,295 sq. km |
| Population | ~2.8 million (2025 estimate) |
| Currency | Gambian Dalasi (GMD) |
| Time Zone | Greenwich Mean Time (UTC+0) |
| Dial Code | +220 |
| Top-Level Domain | .gm |
| National Motto | “Progress, Peace, Prosperity” |
⚖️ Government and Leadership
| Position | Current Officeholder (as of 2025) |
|---|---|
| President | Adama Barrow |
| Vice President | Muhammad B. Jallow |
| Government Type | Presidential Republic |
| Legislature | National Assembly |
| Judiciary | Supreme Court of The Gambia |
| Administrative Capital | Banjul |
The Gambia is praised for peaceful governance, media freedom, and political reforms after decades of autocracy.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
| Division | Details |
|---|---|
| Regions | 7 regions (including the capital area) |
| Major Regions | Western Coast, Lower River, Central River, Upper River, North Bank, Banjul |
| Major Cities | Banjul, Serrekunda, Brikama, Farafenni, Basse Santa Su |
Serrekunda is the largest and most commercial city in The Gambia.
List of Regions and Municipalities:
Banjul (municipality)
Kanifing (municipality)
West Coast Region (Brikama)
Lower River Region (Mansa Konko)
Central River Region (Janjanbureh)
Upper River Region (Basse)
North Bank Region (Kerewan)
🌐 Geography & Environment
Location: West Africa; bordered entirely by Senegal except for its Atlantic coast
Terrain: River valley plains and mangrove wetlands
Major River: Gambia River (flows entire length of the country)
Climate: Tropical; dry (Nov–May) and rainy (Jun–Oct) seasons
Natural Resources: Fish, peanuts, limestone, fertile soils
Environmental Focus: Mangrove restoration, river conservation, and coastal management
The Gambia River defines the nation — a life source for agriculture, transport, and trade.
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
🕌 Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Islam (~95%), Christianity (~4%), Traditional (~1%) |
| Official Language | English |
| National Languages | Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, Serer |
| Ethnic Groups | Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serahule, Aku |
Cultural Highlights:
Music: Kora harp, drumming, Afrobeat, griot storytelling
Cuisine: Domoda (peanut stew), benechin (jollof rice), grilled fish
Festivals: Tobaski, Independence Day (Feb 18), Kanilai Cultural Festival
Values: Peace, respect for elders, hospitality
The Gambia is the birthplace of the Kora, a 21-stringed African harp used by griots for storytelling.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Description |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Peanuts, rice, cassava, horticulture |
| Fisheries | A major export and local livelihood |
| Tourism | Key economic driver – “The Smiling Coast” brand |
| Trade Partners | Senegal, China, UK, EU, India |
| Remittances | Strong diaspora contributions |
| Economic Vision | National Development Plan 2025 focusing on tourism and digital economy |
Tourism contributes nearly 30% of GDP, making it one of West Africa’s most tourism-friendly nations.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Education System | Free and compulsory primary education |
| Top Universities | University of The Gambia (UTG), GTTI |
| Literacy Rate | ~60% (2025 est.) |
| Healthcare System | Public hospitals, clinics, international aid programs |
| Life Expectancy | ~65 years |
| Focus Areas | Child health, malaria prevention, clean water programs |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Airport | Banjul International Airport |
| Ports | Banjul Port (Atlantic gateway) |
| Roads | Trans-Gambia Highway connecting to Senegal |
| Ferries | River crossings at Barra and Bamba Tenda |
| Energy Projects | Solar power expansion and rural electrification |
| Urban Development | Greater Banjul Area modernization project |
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
The Gambia is known for its friendly people, cultural music, and breathtaking coastal beauty.
Top Destinations:
Banjul: Arch 22, National Museum, Albert Market
Serrekunda: Craft markets, cultural shows
Kunta Kinteh Island (Juffureh): UNESCO World Heritage Site
Abuko Nature Reserve: Wildlife and birdwatching
Sanyang Beach: Quiet, pristine Atlantic shoreline
Makasutu Forest: Eco-tourism and cultural village tours
Kunta Kinteh Island (formerly James Island) symbolizes the history of the transatlantic slave trade and freedom.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| UN Membership | Since 1965 |
| Regional Membership | African Union, ECOWAS, OIC |
| Foreign Policy Focus | Peace diplomacy, tourism, trade, and human rights |
| Major Partners | Senegal, EU, China, USA |
| Peacekeeping Role | Active contributor to ECOWAS peace missions |
The Gambia is respected globally for its peaceful coexistence and democratic stability.
📝 Summary
The Gambia is a small country with a big heart — where the river meets the ocean, and tradition meets progress. From Banjul’s markets to the beaches of Sanyang, it remains one of Africa’s most welcoming destinations.
📢 News & Articles
“The Smiling Coast: How Tourism Shapes The Gambia’s Future”
“Kunta Kinteh Island: A Journey Through History”
“Digital Transformation in Africa’s Smallest Republic”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, dedicated to documenting every African nation’s cultural, historical, and developmental journey.
📬 Contact Us
For authentic historical data, travel insights, or contributions on The Gambia, reach out to our editorial team.