Physical
The Gambia is an English-speaking country in west Africa. The shape of the
country is like a pointing finger, bounded to the west by the Atlantic
Ocean and otherwise surrounded by Senegal. Apart from the island
countries, The Gambia is the smallest nation on the mainland of Africa.
Its land area is approximately 11,300 square kilometers, divided into
north and south with the River Gambia in between. The Gambia has
relatively little fertile soil and no mineral deposits.
People
The population of The Gambia stands at more than 1.5 million with a growth
rate of about 3%. Five main ethnic groups, in order of size, are: Mandinka,
Fula, Wolof, Serahuli, and Jola. There are other minority groups, including
the Manjako and Aku. While figures vary, more than 90% of the population is
Muslim, with Christians (9%) and indigenous beliefs making up the remainder.
80% of the population lives in rural villages and farm the land.
Government
The official name is the Republic of The Gambia. The Gambia gained its
independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a short-lived federation of
Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations
signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew
the president and banned political activity, but a new 1996 constitution and
presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, have
completed a nominal return to civilian rule. It is a republic and a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.
Economy
The Gambia has no important mineral or other natural resources and has a
limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and
livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features
the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally
constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but the 50% devaluation of
the CFA franc in January 1994 made Senegalese goods more competitive and
hurt the reexport trade. The Gambia has benefited from a rebound in tourism
after its decline in response to the military's takeover in July 1994.
Areas of Concern
Drought and Desertification
