Skip to content. | Skip to navigation

 
Central Intelligence Agency
The Work of a Nation. The Center of Intelligence
CIA - The World Factbook The World Factbook Home
CIA - The World Factbook
Africa :: Gambia, The
page last updated on May 12, 2010
Flag of Gambia, The
(CONTAINS DESCRIPTION)
Location of Gambia, The
Click flag or map to enlarge Opens in New Window
 
Map of Gambia, The
Click map to enlarge Opens in New Window
No Photos available for Gambia, The
 
no photos available of Gambia, The
Expand All | collapse All
Introduction ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
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.
Back to Top
Geography ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
13 28 N, 16 34 W
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 11,295 sq km
country comparison to the world: 166
land: 10,000 sq km
water: 1,295 sq km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 740 km
border countries: Senegal 740 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
80 km
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
continental shelf: extent not specified
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Current Weather
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point: unnamed location 53 m
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
arable land: 27.88%
permanent crops: 0.44%
other: 71.68% (2005)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
20 sq km (2003)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
8 cu km (1982)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 0.03 cu km/yr (23%/12%/65%)
per capita: 20 cu m/yr (2000)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa
Back to Top
People ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1,824,158 (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 147
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0-14 years: 43.4% (male 397,864/female 394,103)
15-64 years: 53.7% (male 486,140/female 493,868)
65 years and over: 2.9% (male 25,773/female 26,410) (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 18 years
male: 17.9 years
female: 18.2 years (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2.528% (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 28
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
37.31 births/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 22
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
12.03 deaths/1,000 population (July 2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 30
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 71
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
urban population: 57% of total population (2008)
rate of urbanization: 4.2% annual rate of change (2005-10 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.98 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 67.49 deaths/1,000 live births
country comparison to the world: 23
male: 73.52 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 61.27 deaths/1,000 live births (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total population: 54.07 years
country comparison to the world: 201
male: 52.32 years
female: 55.86 years (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.96 children born/woman (2010 est.)
country comparison to the world: 25
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.9% (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 55
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
8,200 (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 111
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
600 (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 81
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
degree of risk: very high
food or waterborne diseases: bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever
vectorborne diseases: malaria
water contact disease: schistosomiasis
respiratory disease: meningococcal meningitis
animal contact disease: rabies (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
noun: Gambian(s)
adjective: Gambian
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 40.1%
male: 47.8%
female: 32.8% (2003 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 7 years
male: 7 years
female: 7 years (2004)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2% of GDP (2004)
country comparison to the world: 166
Back to Top
Government ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
conventional short form: The Gambia
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
republic
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
name: Banjul
geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 February 1965 (from the UK)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective 16 January 1997
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age; universal
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of state: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government
head of government: President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)
cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
(For more information visit the World Leaders website Opens in New Window)
elections: president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 22 September 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
election results: Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH 67.3%, Ousainou DARBOE 26.6%, Halifa SALLAH 6%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms)
elections: last held on 25 January 2007 (next to be held in 2012)
election results: percent of vote by party - NA; seats by party - APRC 47, UDP 4, NADD 1, independent 1
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Supreme Court
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH] (the ruling party); Gambia People's Democratic Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ]; National Alliance for Democracy and Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH]; National Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA]; National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat N. K. BAH]; People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH]; United Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
National Environment Agency or NEA; West African Peace Building Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA; Youth Employment Network Gambia or YENGambia
other: special needs group advocates; teachers and principals
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
ABEDA, ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC, MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU, WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Embrima J. KUJABI
chancery: Suite 600, 1424 K Street NW, Washington, DC 20005
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
chief of mission: Ambassador Barry L. WELLS
embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul
mailing address: P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul
telephone: [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170
FAX: [220] 439-2475
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green
Back to Top
Economy ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, the Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors.
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$2.471 billion (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 179
$2.365 billion (2008 est.)
$2.233 billion (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$734.5 million (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
4.5% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 32
5.9% (2008 est.)
6.3% (2007 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$1,400 (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 201
$1,400 (2008 est.)
$1,300 (2007 est.)
note: data are in 2009 US dollars
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 33.5%
industry: 8.5%
services: 58% (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
777,100 (2007)
country comparison to the world: 146
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
agriculture: 75%
industry: 19%
services: 6% (1996)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA%
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
lowest 10%: 2%
highest 10%: 36.9% (2003)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
50.2 (1998)
country comparison to the world: 24
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
27.2% of GDP (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 34
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
revenues: $129.1 million
expenditures: $153.6 million (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
6% (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 153
4.5% (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 40
10% (31 December 2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
NA% (31 December 2008)
country comparison to the world: 7
27.92% (31 December 2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA (31 December 2008)
$186.7 million (31 December 2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA (31 December 2008)
$180.4 million (31 December 2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA (31 December 2008)
$169.9 million (31 December 2007)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$NA
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (tapioca), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
14.9%
country comparison to the world: 1
note: although The Gambia had the highest industrial growth rate in the world in 2009, this growth is from a tiny industrial base (2009 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
160 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
148.8 million kWh (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 kWh (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 172
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2,000 bbl/day (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 187
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
42 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 136
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
2,266 bbl/day (2007 est.)
country comparison to the world: 174
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 bbl (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 160
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 108
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 183
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 177
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (2008 est.)
country comparison to the world: 180
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0 cu m (1 January 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 176
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
-$88 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 75
-$127 million (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$77 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 199
$85 million (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels, re-exports
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
India 36.7%, Japan 23%, Belgium 5.7%, China 5%, UK 4.8% (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$239 million (2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 197
$299 million (2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
China 21.6%, Senegal 12.7%, Cote d'Ivoire 6.7%, Brazil 6%, Netherlands 5.3% (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$123 million (31 December 2009 est.)
country comparison to the world: 130
$140 million (31 December 2008 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
$628.8 million (2003 est.)
country comparison to the world: 154
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 27 (2009), 22.75 (2008), 27.79 (2007), 28.066 (2006), 28.575 (2005)
Back to Top
Communications ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
48,900 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 164
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1.166 million (2008)
country comparison to the world: 140
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
general assessment: adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007
domestic: combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, reached 70 per 100 persons in 2008
international: country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
AM 3, FM 2, shortwave 0 (2001)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1 (government-owned) (1997)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
.gm
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
895 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 162
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
114,200 (2008)
country comparison to the world: 148
Back to Top
Transportation ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
1 (2009)
country comparison to the world: 232
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 1
over 3,047 m: 1 (2009)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 3,742 km
country comparison to the world: 159
paved: 723 km
unpaved: 3,019 km (2004)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2008)
country comparison to the world: 89
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
total: 5
country comparison to the world: 133
by type: passenger/cargo 4, petroleum tanker 1 (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Banjul
Back to Top
Military ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (National Guard, GNA), Gambian Navy (GN) (2010)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
18 years of age for voluntary military service; no conscription (2008)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 402,073
females age 16-49: 406,100 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
males age 16-49: 238,006
females age 16-49: 248,065 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
male: 20,858
female: 20,762 (2010 est.)
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
0.9% of GDP (2009)
country comparison to the world: 144
Back to Top
Transnational Issues ::Gambia, The
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states
Field info displayed for all countries in alpha order.
refugees (country of origin): 5,955 (Sierra Leone) (2007)
Back to Top
Expand All | collapse All
The online Factbook is updated bi-weekly. ISSN 1553-8133
For additional information on government leaders in selected foreign countries, go to World Leaders.