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Gambia

The Republic of The Gambia, the smallest nation of Africa is located in the Western Africa, bordering Senegal to the north, east, and south. The Atlantic Ocean borders the land to the west. The nation resolves around the Gambia River. The country was the first and last British colony in West Africa. The country name has a ‘The’ before ‘Gambia’ only to distinguish it from Zambia. The capital is Banjul (13 27 N, 16 34 W). The largest city is Serrekunda. For its natural beauties, the Gambia is gradually flourishing as one of the prominent tourist spots in the West Africa.

HISTORY:- The Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples settled in the region of Gambia in the 13th century. In the mid 15th century, Portugal landed on the banks of Gambia River. Numerous British companies had been set up in the region in the 17th century. From 1651 to 1661, Gambia was ruled by Jacob Kettler, a Polish liegeman. Britain and France disagreement for the commercial supremacy over the region continued until 18th century. With the Treaty of Versailles in 1783, Britain took over the region while the French occupied an enclave at Albreda on the north bank of the Gambia River, though the portion was ceded to the British in 1857. Slave trade was ended in 1807 within the British Empire. In 1888, Gambia gained the status of a separate colonial entity. In 1889, Gambia became a crown colony of Britain and renamed as the British Gambia. In 1901 Gambia was granted with separate executive and legislative councils. During the World War II, Gambia fought against the Allied force. In 1962 general elections were held. In 1963, a self-governance was established in the country. Finally on 18th February, 1965 Gambia gained independence within the Commonwealth of Nations. But full independence was granted only in 1970 in a referendum. On 24th April 1970, it had become a republic within the Commonwealth of Nations. Dauda Kairaba Jawara became the President and held the office until 1994.

GEOGRAPHY:- Gambia lies at 13 28 N, 16 34 W in the Western Africa, capturing total 11,300 sq km area in which 1,300 sq km comprises internal water sources. It is the tiniest country of African continent. The total coastline is 80 km long along with the North Atlantic Ocean. The entire nation borders the flood plain of the Gambia River with some low hills in the interior. The lowest point can be seen at the Atlantic Ocean (0 m) while the highest point is an unnamed location (53 m).

CLIMATE:- In Gambia, tropical and hot climate reigns. The hot rainy season persists from June to November; and the cooler dry season persists from November to May.

GOVERNMENT:- The Gambia is a republic. The constitution was approved by a national referendum on 8th August 1996 which came to be effected since 16th January 1997. The legal system is based on the English common law, the Islamic law and the customary law. The three major branches of the government are:

Executive branch comprises the President (chief of state, head of government), the Vice President, and cabinet. Cabinet ministers are appointed by the President.

Legislative branch comprises the unicameral National Assembly (53 seats).

Judicial branch comprises the Supreme Court.

Among the prominent political parties, Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), United Democratic Party (UDP), National Reconciliation Party (NRP), National Convention Party (NCP), Peoples Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), National Democratic Action Movement (NDAM), and the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress (GPDP) are major. Suffrage is universal at the age of 18.

President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh

Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy

ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS:- The Gambia is divided into 5 divisions and 1 city. The city is Banjul, the capital of the nation. The 5 divisions are as follows:

Lower River (Mansa Konko)

Central River (Janjanbureh)

North Bank (Kerewan)

Upper River (Basse)

Western (Brikama

CULTURE:- The music of the Gambia is highly influenced by the neighbouring nation Senegal.

ECONOMY:- Almost 75% of the inhabitants depend on crops and livestock. It is based on market-based economy. The country has a limited agricultural base. Tourism is a strong aspect of the economy.

GDP/PPP (2007 est.): $1.338 billion; per capita $800.

Real growth rate: 7%.

Inflation: 3.5%.

Unemployment: n.a.

Arable land: 28%.

Agriculture: Rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats.

Budget:

Revenues: $181.1 million

Expenditures: $163.4 million (2007 est.)

Debt - external: $628.8 million (2003 est.)

Labor force: 400,000 (1996); agriculture 75%, industry, commerce, and services 19%, government 6%.

Industries: Processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing.

Natural resources: Fish, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon, silica sand, clay, petroleum.

Exports: $147.7 million f.o.b. (2007 est.): peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports.

Imports: $276 million f.o.b. (2007 est.): foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment.

Major trading partners: India, UK, France, Italy, Cote d'Ivoire, China, Senegal, Brazil, Netherlands. (2006).

Monetary unit: Dalasi

LANGUAGE:- English is the official language. Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous languages and dialects are also spoken.

CITIES:- Banjul is the capital city. The largest city is Serekunda.

POPULATION:- The estimated population of the nation is 1,688,359 is growth rate of 2.8%.

Density per sq mi: 437

Literacy rate: 40% (2003 est.)

RACE:-

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%)

Non-African 1%

RELIGION:-

Muslim 90%

Christian 9%

Indigenous beliefs 1%

HEALTH:-

Birth rate: 38.36 births/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Death rate: 11.74 deaths/1,000 population (2008 est.)

Infant mortality rate: total: 68.72 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth: total population: 54.95 years

Total fertility rate: 5.13 children born/woman (2008 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths: 600 (2003 est.)

Total expenditure on health per capita (Intl $, 2005): 64

UNICEF:- UNICEF fights against early marriages, teenage pregnancy and violence against girls and women in the Gambia. HIV awareness is going on. Baby-Friendly Community promotes breastfeeding. Water and sanitation are improved. Children and women rights are being hugely discussed. UNICEF promotes civic education in schools to promote peace in higher education.

TRANSPORTATION:-

Railways: 0 km.

Highways: total: 3,742 km; paved: 723 km; unpaved: 3,019 km (2004).

Waterways: 390 km (2004).

Ports and harbors: Banjul. Airports: 1 (2007).

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