A former British colony, Gambia gained independence in 1965. It is a country located on the African continent, considered the smallest nation in terms of land area in Africa. The Gambia borders Senegal, in addition to being bathed by the Atlantic Ocean.
Much of the territory is covered by savannas. The country has beautiful natural landscapes, and the beaches and animal parks attract thousands of tourists. Abuko Nature Reserve is one of the most visited places.
The economy is underdeveloped, given that the country is unable to offer work to the majority of the population, a major factor in the large migratory flows to neighboring countries. The main economic activity in The Gambia is agriculture, carried out by 75% of the population. Cotton and peanuts are the main responsible for the country's exports. Fishing is another important economic activity.
Banjul, capital of the Gambia
Gambia Data:
Territorial extension: 11,295 km².
Location: Africa.
Capital: Banjul.
Climate: Equatorial.
Government: Presidential Republic.
Administrative division: 8 regions.
Language: English (official), Mandingo, Fulani, Ulof.
Religion: Islam, 86.7%, traditional beliefs, 7.9%, others, 4.8%, no religion, 0.6%.
Population: 1,705,212 inhabitants. (Men: 845,691; Women: 859,521).
Ethnic Composition: Mandingas, 42; Fulanis, 18%; ulofes, 16%; jewels, 10%; seralius, 9%; others, 5%.
Demographic density: 150 inhab./km².
Average annual population growth rate: 2.7%.
Population residing in urban areas: 57.34%.
Population residing in rural areas: 42.66%.
Undernourished population: 30%.
Life expectancy at birth: 59 years.
Households with access to clean water: 86%.
Households with access to a health network: 52%.
Human Development Index (HDI): 0.390 (low).
Currency: Dalasi.
Gross Domestic Product (GDP): US$ 782 million.
GDP per capita: US$ 377.
External relations: World Bank, Commonwealth, IMF, WTO, UN, AU.
By Wagner de Cerqueira and Francisco
Graduated in Geography
Brazil School Team
countries - geography - Brazil School
