Located in West Africa, the Republic of The Gambia (or
Gambia) is a coastal country about the size of Maryland.
It is the smallest country on Africa’s mainland
and is surrounded by Senegal, except for its small
coastline on the Atlantic
Ocean.
Formerly a part of the ancient empire of Mali, Gambia was under British control until 1965. From 1982 to 1989, Gambia and Senegal united to become Senegambia, in efforts to combine forces and strengthen themselves economically. Political disputes caused the countries to separate.
Gambia is governed by the constitution of 1997, which allows a President to be elected by popular vote for a 5 year term.
The official language of Gambia is English. African languages, such as Wolof, Mandinka, and Fula are also spoken.
Approximately 90 percent of the population is Muslim. Nine percent are Christian.
Although only 25 percent of Gambia’s land is favorable for farming, most of the population are farmers.
Banjul, the capital, is Gambia’s seaport and the center of the peanut industry, the country’s major export.
The monetary unit is the dalasi.
Web Sites
Catalog
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