Gambia Overview

Country Profile

Located in West Africa, the Republic of Gambia is a narrow plain embedded in Senegal, traversed by the Yingangbiya River. Within Gambia’s area of 10,380 square kilometers there is a population of l 36 million, the main tribes being the Mandingo, the Fula, and the Wolof. Islam is the primary religion of Gambia and the official language is English. The currency is the dalasis and the capital is Banjul.

Gambia National Flag

The colors of the Gambian flag are symbolic, with red reminiscent of the sun, blue representing love, loyalty and the Gambian River, green denoting tolerance and agriculture, and the two white edges symbolizing purity, peace, lawfulness, and the Gambian people’s friendly feelings to the world.

History Summary

In the 15th and 16th centuries the Portuguese invaded Gambia, and since then both the British and French successfully colonized. In 1785, the “Treaty of Versailles” classified Gambia as belonging to Britain, with France claiming Senegal. In 1889, Britain and France agreed to designate the boundary of today’s Gambia. In 1959, Gang forced to agree to the establishment of the United Kingdom, “semi-autonomous government.” On February 18, 1965, Kang formal independence. The Republic of Gambia was finally established on April 24, 1970.

Economy and Culture Overview

Gambia is an agricultural country, defined by the United Nations as one of the world’s least developed countries. Its three economic pillars are re-exports, peanut planting, and tourism.

Round Rock site

In the east of Banjul there are several circular stones, each comprising of between 10 to 24 columns. Columns range in height, with some as high as two meters, and some of only 60 meters, diameter of 0.3 ~ l meters. Archaeological research suggests that the site was used for the burial of tribal leaders a thousand years ago.

Gambia Map