The Gambia: Introduction

The Gambia is a little country on the western coast of Africa. Although The Gambia has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, Senegal's state completely encloses the nation on another three sides. Therefore, Gambia is bordered by Senegal in the north, east, and south. The Gambia straddles the Gambia River extending from the Atlantic Ocean eastward. The Gambia is the second smallest African nation after Seychelles. Banjul, a port town, is the capital of The Gambia and the biggest city. Its location at the Gambia River's mouth has made the port the administrative and economic center of the nation.

Primarily an agricultural nation, The Gambia is economically weak, but developing the tourism industry helps the country's financial state. The Gambia gained independence from the Uk in the 19th century. The Gambia stocks, like many other West African nations, was an essential link from the slave trade, resulting in the establishment of a Portuguese colony in the Gambia River.

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Writer Alex Haley pinpoints The Gambia since the country where his father, a member of the Mandinka tribe, arrived. The nation has lost approximately 90 percent of its original native forests to agriculture. Thus, many of the big-game creatures found elsewhere in Africa no longer live in The Gambia. The Gambia River is the principal transport route for the nation and cuts through the country's center. Banjul's port town is located in its mouth, divided into the Atlantic Ocean, forming an excellent and natural harbor. Mangrove swamps follow either side of the river for the first 100 miles from the sea to be substituted by more open country further inland.

Climate

The Gambia's tropical climate is indicated by humid and rainy seasons. The rainy season starts in June and typically runs through October, using the dry season occupying the year's remainder from November to May. The annual rainfall averages roughly 40 inches. During the latter half of the dry season, warm, dry winds blow from the Sahara, causing temperatures to rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coast is much more temperate, ranging from 65 degrees in winter to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.

The People and the Economy

A wide variety of ethnic groups reside in The Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each preserving its language and customs. Approximately 3,500 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including Europeans and families of Lebanese origin. About 80% of the populace is involved in agriculture. Rice and millet, as well as livestock, are vital elements of the agricultural customs. Peanuts are grown for export along with cotton and citrus. There is limited manufacturing restricted to agrarian processing and crafts.

Muslims constitute over 90 percent of the population. The majority of the Muslims within the Gambia stick to Sunni legislation and customs. Christians of different denominations account for most of the remainder. Over 63% of Gambians live in rural villages (1993 census), although more and more young men and women come to the capital searching for work and education. Provisional figures from the 2003 census show that the gap between the urban and rural populations is narrowing as more areas are declared urban. While urban migration, development projects, and modernization are bringing more Gambians into contact with Western habits and values, the traditional emphasis on the extended family, as well as indigenous forms of dress and celebration, remain integral parts of daily life.

Agriculture accounts for approximately 30 percent of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 70 percent of the labor force. Industry accounts for approximately 8% of GDP and services around 58%. Other manufacturing activities include soap, soft drinks, and clothing.

Formerly, the U.K. and other E.U. countries constituted The Gambia's major domestic export markets. However, in recent decades Senegal, the USA, and Japan have obtained fair proportions of Gambian exports. In Africa, Senegal represented the biggest trade partner of The Gambia in 2007, that will be a defining contrast to previous years who saw Guinea-Bissau and Ghana as equally important trade partners. Globally, Denmark, the USA, and China have become significant source nations for Gambian imports. The U.K., Germany, Cote d'Ivoire, and Netherlands also supply a reasonable share of Gambian imports. Gambia's trade deficit for 2007 was $331 million.

The currency is known as the"dalasi". Coinage consists of the 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 bututs and 1 Dalasi. Paper money contains the 5, 10, 25 and 50 Dalasi. Banks are often closed on Saturday and Sunday and Friday afternoons.

Tourism is an essential financial segment with travelers in the united kingdom, making up most of the visiting population. The beaches and winter sunshine, together with the full range of birdlife and excursions across the Gambia river, would be the primary attractions. Most tourist trip between November and February, staying in Banjul and the beaches along the Atlantic.

TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND

Gambia International Airlines has support between Dakar, Senegal; Freetown, Sierra Leone, and Conakry Guinea. The Gambia River is navigable. A 3-day river trip from Banjul to Basse can be obtained from many local tour companies and travel agents. Bus service is available around the country. Driving is on the right hand and requires an International Driving License or a U.K. Driving license. Road conditions could be weak.

National Holiday

• 11st January New Years Day
• 18th February Independence Day
• 1st May
• 15th August Queen's Birthday
• 15th September St. Mary's Day
• December 25th Christmas Day
• Moveable Holidays: Easter and Muslim Holidays