Gambia

Gambia is known as the smiling face of Africa, situated just 6 hours from Europe with a sub tropical climate, Gambia is an increasingly popular place to visit.

The Gambia is surrounded on all sides by Seengal, apart from the coastline with the Atlantic Ocean.

Facts & Figures

Total Area:11,300 sq km                        
Land Borders: Senegal
Population: 1,641,564                               
Life Expectancy: 54 years                      
HIV % Total Poulation:1.2%
Ethnic Groups: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1%
Languages:English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
President:Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH             
GDP - Per Capita: $1,900

History

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned political activity, but a 1996 constitution and presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook another round of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001 and early 2002. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH, the leader of the coup, has been elected president in all subsequent elections.