Dialing code +220
ISO 2 code GM
ISO 3 code GMB
Capital Banjul
Main Language English
Currency Dalasi (GMD)
GDP $2.3 billion 171st
Population 1,593,256 149th

Geography

Continent Africa
Location Western Africa bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Land 11,300 km2 166th
Terrain Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Climate Tropical; hot rainy season (June to November); cooler dry season (November to May)
Natural Hazards Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Note: Almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

Neighbouring Countries

Senegal

History

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal 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 intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. 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 balloting in 1997 completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2006.
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Demographics

Life Expectancy 55.35 years 176th
Median Age 17.9 years 187th
Birth Rate 37.87 births/1,000 population 24th
Death Rate 11.49 births/1,000 population 43rd
Sex Ratio 0.98 male(s)/female 16th
Literacy 40.1% 197th
Population

1.6 million

Transportation

Roadways 3742 km 156th
Railways None km
Airports 1 198th
Waterways 390 km 87th
Heliports None
Airports paved 1 89th

Economy

Currency Dalasi (GMD)
GDP $2.3 billion 171st
GDP per capita (PPP) $1300 181st