THE GAMBIA – Country Information

Population:
The Gambia has a population of 2,173,999 as of 2020.

Size:
11,041 sq km / 4,263 sq mi (about twice the size of Delaware)

Capital City:
The capital city of Banjul, formally known as Bathurst, is the largest city and port in The Gambia.

Ethnic Groups:
33.8% Malinke/Jahanka
22.1% Fulani/Tukulor/Lorobo
12.2% Wolof
10.9% Diola/Karoninka
7% Soninke
14% Other

Religion:
95.6% Muslim
4.2% Christian
0.2% Other / Nonreligious

Languages:
English

Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and other indigenous languages are also spoken.

Geography:
The Gambia is a long and slender country that runs along the Gambia River. The principle feature of the land is the Gambia River and the surrounding flat lands.

Economy:
The Gambia has a weak economy primarily based on agriculture. The primary crops are peanuts and palm oil.

Interesting Fact:
The Gambia is the smallest country of Africa that is not an island.

Important Facts:
The history of The Gambia is closely tied with its neighbor, Senegal, with the distinction being made between the two countries in the 19th century. The Gambia traded with Europeans since the 1470s but the British ultimately took control making it a part of British West Africa. The Gambia gained independence on February 18, 1954.