The Gambia, country in western Africa, situated on the Atlantic coast with a population of 2.4 million in 2023, and surrounded by the neighbouring country of Senegal. The Gambia took its name from the Gambia River, which runs through the centre of the country. It is one of Africa’s smallest countries and, unlike many of its West African neighbours, has enjoyed long spells of stability since independence. Geographically, Gambia occupies a long narrow strip of land that surrounds the Gambia River. The land is flat and is dominated by the river, which is navigable throughout the length of the country. A few towns are located upriver, but most Gambians live in rural villages.
The currency of Gambia is the Gambian dalasi. The Gambia is known as ‘the smiling coast of Africa dues to the warm-hearted Gambian people. The major ethnic groups are similar to those in Senegal and consist of the majority Malinke and also include Wolof, Fulani (Fulbe), Diola (Jola), and Soninke peoples. While english is the official language, but the most frequently spoken languages are generally of the Atlantic branch of the Niger-Congo family. Mandinka and Wolof constitute the lingua francas of the country, and other languages spoken include Pulaar (Fulbe), Serer, Diola, and Soninke. Some Muslim clerics are literate in Arabic.
The capital city of Gambia is Banjul. Located on St. Mary’s Island, it is a bustling hub of activity and home to important government buildings, markets, and historical sites. Historically, the Mandinka people collected fibrous plants on the island to make ropes. The Mandinka phrase “Bang julo,” meaning “rope fibre,” was gradually mispronounced over time and eventually became Banjul. The Gambian flag consists of three horizontal stripes. The top and bottom bands are blue, symbolizing the Gambia River, while the middle stripe is white, representing peace.
Islam is the predominant religion in Gambia. About 90 percent of Gambia’s 1.8 million people are Muslim. Similarly, there are a small number of Christians—predominantly Roman Catholic—and some adherents of traditional beliefs. Muslim holidays, including Tobaski (also known as ʿĪd al-Aḍḥā, marking the culmination of the hajj rites near Mecca) and Koriteh (also known as ʿĪd al-Fiṭr, marking the end of Ramadan), and Christian holidays, including Christmas and Easter, are observed in The Gambia. In addition, other holidays celebrated in the country include Independence Day, on February 18, and the Anniversary of the Second Republic, on July 22.
The country gained independence from Britain in 1965. In 1964, one year before gaining independence from the UK, then-Prime Minister Dawda Jawara wrote to the Permanent Committee on Geographical Names and requested The Gambia keep ‘The’ in their name so as to avoid confusion with Zambia which was also about to gain independence. In 1994, following a bloodless coup, Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh took control of The Gambia. Jammeh ruled the country with an iron fist, winning four oft-criticised elections, until 2017 when he went into exile after losing an election to opposition candidate Adama Barrow.
Gambia has a well-preserved colonial heritage. Historical landmarks such as Fort James, Fort Bullen, and the Arch 22 in Banjul offer insights into the country’s colonial past and the struggle for independence. However, ex-Gambia’s President, Yahya Jammeh, declared his West African country an Islamic republic, at a political rally, external, on 11 December, 2015 – making it Africa’s second, after Mauritania. The president justified his announcement by saying he was breaking from The Gambia’s colonial past.
The Gambia was once part of the Empire of Ghana from the 5th to 8th century and then later the Empire of Mali from the 13th century. Evidence of Islam in the Gambia exists from as early as the 11th century, stemming from the arrival of North African Muslim merchants. Following centuries of increasing influence, especially brought on by Islamic scholars, Islam became the major religion in the country in the 19th century. The Soninke-Marabout wars (1850), a series of jihads, led by the Marabou sect resulted in most of the Soninke Gambians (the traditional religious adherents) converting to Islam.
The Gambian economy is heavily dependent on peanut (groundnut) production and export. Although, tourism is an important source of foreign exchange, as is the money sent home by Gambians living abroad. The coastal areas, such as Cape Point and Kololi, boast pristine sandy shores and crystal-clear waters, making them popular destinations for both locals and tourists. In the early 1980s, however, the country had a yearly adverse balance of trade reflecting the losses caused by drought. The trade deficit continued into the 1990s and 2000s. More and more people, especially young men, have migrated to the urban area around Banjul, and this has led to a decrease in peanut production.
The Gambia is home to several nature reserves and national parks. These protected areas, such as Kiang West National Park and River Gambia National Park, are havens for wildlife, including monkeys, hippos, crocodiles, and rare bird species. The Gambia is co-host to the UNESCO-listed Stone Circles of Senegambia. The site comprises four groups of stone circles which include over 1,000 monuments spread over a 100km wide band along around 350km of the River Gambia. One of the monuments were created over 1,500 years ago. Also, the UNESCO-listed Kunta Kinteh Island, a small island in the Gambia River that was formerly known as James Island. The island played a pivotal role in the slave trade when captives were transported downriver from the 1500s to the early 1800s.
Gambian cuisine is nearly identical to Senegalese cooking. Staples include millet, rice, yams, plantains, and cassava (manioc). Fish, both dried and fresh, as well as sauces made from fish and peanuts dominate the diet throughout the country. Millet and rice porridges are often served as breakfast. The country is famous for its colorful and vibrant textiles. Batik and tie-dye fabrics, known as “Borom-Sarret” and “Kunta Kinteh,” are produced locally and showcase unique patterns and designs. Gambians are known for their traditional wrestling, called “Borreh.” This popular sport attracts participants and spectators alike, showcasing strength, agility, and traditional wrestling techniques.
