Country Profile · No. 20

Gambia

Capital / Admin Capital

BanjulPopulation: ~2.7MIndependence: 1965 (February 18)

First Prime Minister/Leader

Dawda Jawara (Led independence as Prime Minister in 1965, later President 1970– 1994)Current President: Adama Barrow (Serving since January 2017)

Geography & Borders

Senegal, Atlantic Ocean. The smallest country on mainland Africa, completely surrounded by Senegal except for its Atlantic coastline, flanking the Gambia River.

Demographics & Language

Islam (~95%), Christianity (~4%). Official: English language. Other: Mandinka, Wolof, Fula. Major groups: Mandinka (~34%), Fula (~24%), Wolof (~15%).

Economy & GDP

Agriculture (peanuts/groundnuts, rice, millet), tourism, re-export trade, fishing.

Global Diaspora

1. Spain (~30k), 2. United Kingdom (~25k), 3. United States (~10k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): Georgia (Atlanta), New York (New York City), Minnesota (Minneapolis).

Major Conflicts

1981 Gambian coup d'état attempt (thwarted by Senegalese military intervention leading to the short-lived Senegambia Confederation), 2017 Gambian constitutional crisis.

3 Must-See Sites

1. River Gambia National Park (Baboon Islands) (Protected river sanctuary supporting rehabilitated chimpanzees, hippos, and manatees), 2. Kunta Kinteh Island (James Island) (UNESCO historic site documenting the transatlantic slave trade along the Gambia River), 3. Abuko Nature Reserve (Lush forest reserve near Banjul teeming with monkeys, crocodiles, and vibrant birdlife).

Quick Facts

Celebrated for its peaceful political climate and friendly hospitality, earning it the tourism moniker "The Smiling Coast of Africa"; deeply connected to African-American heritage through Alex Haley's famous historical novel Roots.