Introduction

  The Gambia profile

The Gambia is the smallest self-governing country in

Africa. It is located on the continent’s west coast. The
capital is Banjul.
Geography
The Gambia is a narrow strip of land. It is 295 miles (475
kilometers) long but only 15 to 30 miles (24 to 48
kilometers) wide. Except for a short coastline on the
Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal.
The Gambia River flows westward through the country into
the Atlantic. The Gambia has warm weather and a long dry
season each year.
Plants and Animals

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Savanna, or grassland with scattered trees, covers most of

the country. Mangroves, oil palms, cedars, mahogany
trees, and rubber vines grow near the river. The Gambia is
home to leopards, wild boars, monkeys, antelope,
crocodiles, and hippopotamuses.
People

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The Malinke (or Mandingo) people make up more than one

third of the population. The Fulani, the Wolof, the Diola,
and the Soninke are other important ethnic groups. The
official language is English, but Wolof and Mandingo are
widely spoken. Nearly all the people are Muslims. Most
people live in rural areas.
Economy
The majority of Gambians are farmers who grow food for
themselves. Crops include millet, peanuts, rice, corn,
sorghum, and vegetables. The Gambia’s most important
export is peanuts. Tourism and shipping also contribute
greatly to the economy.
History
The Malinke and the Wolof developed kingdoms in the
region before the Portuguese arrived in the mid-1400s.
Great Britain took control in the late 1700s. The region was
a major source of slaves until the early 1800s.

The Gambia gained independence in 1965. From 1982 to

1989 The Gambia and Senegal were united as the
confederation of Senegambia. In 1994 the military
overthrew The Gambia’s government, but presidential
elections resumed two years later.