Historical Background
The Gambia achieved independence on February 18, 1965 from the United Kingdom. In 1970, The Gambia became a republic within the Commonwealth, following a second referendum, with Prime Minister Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, as Head of State. The Gambia was led by President Jawara, who was re-elected five times.
In July 1994, Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh came into power following a peaceful military coup d'état. An election were held in 1996 declaring retired colonel Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh as the civilian President of the Second Republic and was then sworn into office November 6th, 1996. President Alhagie Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh has remained in office since, winning two consecutive elections in 2001 and 2006 respectively. Today, The Gambia remains stable, peaceful and democratic, the economy is booming and all the sectors within the economy are thriving, in addition to the marked infrastructural developement being witnessed in the country.
Location
The Republic of Gambia is located in West Africa with a Latitude and Longitude of 13°28'N and 16°34'W respectively
Geography
The country is almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa.
Climate
The Gambia has a sub-tropical climate with two variations of distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season commonly known as ‘Harmattan’ usually starts mid-October and ends around mid-June every year with an average temperature of 32°C / 91°F. The rainy season is locally known as ‘Nawet’ which usually starts around the mid- June and ends around the mid-October with August being the wettest month of the year, temperatures can reach up to 40°C/104°C.
Areas
Total: 11,300 Sq Km (4361 Sq Miles)
Land: 10,000 Sq Km
Water: 1,300 sq Km
Population
1.5 million people
Males: 50.1%, Females: 49.9%
Annual Growth Rate: 2.8%
Population Density: 128 per Sq Km
Capital
Banjul
Administrative divisions: Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River and Western Division
Official language
English
Local Languages
Mandinka, Wollof, Fula, Jola, Sarahule, Serere, Manjago, Creole
Religion
Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, Others 1%
Time Zone
Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)
Currency
Dalasi
Exchange Rate
US$1=D23.00 (Oct 2008). Visit the Central Bank for the latest exchange rates.
Administrative Regions
Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River and Western Division