Gambia
Official Country Name
The Gambia
Gambia Overview
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in late 2006.
Gambia Economy
The Gambia has no confirmed mineral or natural resource deposits and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but a 1999 government-imposed preshipment inspection plan, and instability of the Gambian dalasi (currency) have drawn some of the reexport trade away from The Gambia. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa. The government's 1998 seizure of the private peanut firm Alimenta eliminated the largest purchaser of Gambian groundnuts. Despite an announced program to begin privatizing key parastatals, no plans have been made public that would indicate that the government intends to follow through on its promises. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain extremely high; short-run economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, on continued technical assistance from the IMF and bilateral donors, and on expected growth in the construction sector.
Gambia Location
Gambia is located in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Region
Gambia is located in Africa
Gambia Population
Gambia has population of 1,641,564 (July 2006 est.)
Gambia Climate
Gambia has tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Gambia Terrain
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Gambia Natural Resources
fish, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon, silica sand, clay, petroleum
Ethnic Groups in Gambia
Gambia has the following ethnic groups - African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1%
Gambia Religions
Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%
Gambia Languages
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Gambia Capital
Gambia capital is Banjul
Gambia Currency
Gambia currency is dalasi
Map of Gambia
