home

Republic of The Gambia

Gambia is the smallest of the 53 countries which make up the continent of Africa. It’s size is approximately 10,500 square kilometres, and is bordered to the north, east, and south by Senegal - the small west coast lies on the Atlantic Ocean. With an estimated population of approxi-mately 1,700,000, about 1,500,000 are Gambians, the rest being immigrants from other African countries.

The Gambia was granted independence from the UK in 1965, and has enjoyed stability for the majority of it’s time - declaring itself a republic in 1970. The majority of the population are classed as farmers (about 78%) - farming, fishing, and tourism dominate the economy.

Islam is the predominant religion,90% of the population being muslim. Of the remainder, about 8% are christians, encompassing Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Seven-Day Aventists. The last 2% adhere to indigenous beliefs.It is estimated that roughly 1/3rd of the population is below the International Poverty Line of US$1.25 per day.

The current ruler is President Dr. Yahya A.J.J.Jameh, who has been in office since July 1994.

The local currency is Dalasi (GMD).