5 Facts of Gambia

The capital of Gambia is Banjul

West Africa's 'smiling coast' is the gateway to the continent's smallest country. The Republic of Gambia, less formally know as The Gambia, has a long and rich history of cultural diversity, religious tolerance, and respect for the land. Surrounded by Senegal, this picturesque country is nestled in the Gambian River Valley. Unique among Sub-Saharan nations, The Gambia is a growing attraction for visitors; with the full support of the government opportunities for the tourist abound. Five things that you may not know:

5 Facts You Might Not Know

1

Gambia is a former colony of the United Kingdom. Since independence, the nation has continued British traditions in the law and government remaining a stable democracy. The official language is English and is spoken widely. One legacy of British rule is the nation's high level of ethnic and religious tolerance.

2

The population of 1,700,000 million is 58% urban. The country is comprised of an area of 11,333 square miles, of which 12% is the Gambia River and its tributaries. The land is chiefly woodland savannah and scrub brush; mangroves dominate the Gambia River's coastal estuary. Its tropical climate averages 80 degrees through the year with the typical wet and dry seasons.

3

Gambia has a market-based economy accompanied by traditional agriculture. Groundnuts, also called Peanuts, are the main export crop. Since independence the manufacture of consumer goods has grown. Still, agriculture remains dominate employing 80% of the population. Direct foreign investment has grown to 10% of GDP in recent years.

4

The nation has been a trade center for West Africa since the 15th century. Early in the 19th century the slave trade was halted. This history was popularized in the 1980s by American author Alex Haley's book 'Roots.' To memorialize this distinction a historic Roots village was established for visitors.

5

The Gambia is six hours by air from Europe, and flying north to south means there is no 'jet lag' for travelers. It is, also, accessible by land from the north. For the more adventurous, a four-wheel trek from the south is reminiscent of the 'African safari.'