Gambia, the smallest country in West Africa
APART from a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, The Republic of Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal. Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa.<br>It consists of a long narrow strip of land on either side of the river Gambia, one of Africa’s major waterways.
Commonwealth country profile
APART from a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, The Republic of Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal. Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa.
It consists of a long narrow strip of land on either side of the river Gambia, one of Africa’s major waterways.
The inland terrain is generally flat and low-lying; the island capital Banjul (formerly Bathurst) is situated only one metre above sea level.
The river Gambia extends, east-west, the entire length of the country, providing a communications link for cargo and passengers. The river is navigable by ocean-going vessels up to Kuntaur (240km upstream) and by shallow draught vessels up to Basse Santa Su (418km). Exports (mostly groundnuts) are carried down the river to Banjul.
The principal port is at Banjul, serving the international and river trade. Ancient stone circles on the banks of the river Gambia are evidence of an early population but little is known of it. From the fifth to eighth century the area that is now The Gambia was part of the empire of Ghana, ruled by the Serahuli. It later became part of the Kingdom of Songhai; in that period Islam was introduced.
The Mali Empire, under the Mandinka and Susu, which established control during the 13th century, had declined by about 1500. In the late 18th century Fula invaders penetrated the area.
Europeans started to explore and settle the coast and river area from the 15th century. In 1455 and 1456, Portuguese-sponsored expeditions began exploring the river; the attractions were rumours of gold and the opportunities for slaving, with local business cooperation.
From the 17th century, the river was a focus for the European slave-trade. The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. It formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up erratically since then. Yahya Jammeh led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity.
A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary polls in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. Jammeh has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in 2006. Today, about 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood.
The Gambia joined the commonwealth in 1965.
Compiled by Elizabeth Agiro
APART from a stretch of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, The Republic of Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal. Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa.
It consists of a long narrow strip of land on either side of the river Gambia, one of Africa’s major waterways.
The inland terrain is generally flat and low-lying; the island capital Banjul (formerly Bathurst) is situated only one metre above sea level.
The river Gambia extends, east-west, the entire length of the country, providing a communications link for cargo and passengers. The river is navigable by ocean-going vessels up to Kuntaur (240km upstream) and by shallow draught vessels up to Basse Santa Su (418km). Exports (mostly groundnuts) are carried down the river to Banjul.
The principal port is at Banjul, serving the international and river trade. Ancient stone circles on the banks of the river Gambia are evidence of an early population but little is known of it. From the fifth to eighth century the area that is now The Gambia was part of the empire of Ghana, ruled by the Serahuli. It later became part of the Kingdom of Songhai; in that period Islam was introduced.
The Mali Empire, under the Mandinka and Susu, which established control during the 13th century, had declined by about 1500. In the late 18th century Fula invaders penetrated the area.
Europeans started to explore and settle the coast and river area from the 15th century. In 1455 and 1456, Portuguese-sponsored expeditions began exploring the river; the attractions were rumours of gold and the opportunities for slaving, with local business cooperation.
From the 17th century, the river was a focus for the European slave-trade. The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. It formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up erratically since then. Yahya Jammeh led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity.
A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary polls in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. Jammeh has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in 2006. Today, about 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood.
The Gambia joined the commonwealth in 1965.
Compiled by Elizabeth Agiro