Largely an agricultural country, The Gambia is economically poor, although a growing tourism industry is assisting the country's economic condition. The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in the 19th century. The Gambia shares like many other west African nations, was an important link in the slave trade, leading to the establishment of a Portuguese colony on the Gambia river. Writer Alex Haley pinpoints The Gambia as the nation from which his father, a member of the Mandinka tribe, came. The nation has lost approximately 90 percent of its original native forests to agriculture. Thus, many of the big-game animals found elsewhere in Africa no longer live in The Gambia. The Gambia River is the primary transportation route for the nation and cuts through the center of the country. The port city of Banjul lies at its mouth which empties in to the Atlantic Ocean, forming an excellent and natural harbor. Mangrove swamps follow both sides of the river for the first 100 miles from the sea to be replaced by more open country further inland.
Climate
The Gambia's tropical climate is marked by rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season begins in June and typically runs through October with the dry season occupying the balance of the year from November to May. The annual rainfall averages approximately 40 inches. During the latter half of the dry season, hot dry winds blow from the Sahara, causing temperatures to rise to 100 degrees Fahrenheit. The coast is more temperate, ranging from 65 degrees in the winter to 90 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer months.
The People and the Economy
A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each
preserving its own language and traditions. The Mandinka tribe is the largest, followed by the Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Sarahule. Approximately 3,500 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including Europeans and families of Lebanese origin. About 80 percent of the population is involved in agriculture. Rice and millet, as well as livestock are vital components of the agricultural traditions. Peanuts are grown for export along with citrus and cotton. There is limited manufacturing limited to agricultural processing and local crafts.
Muslims constitute more than 90% of the population. The majority of the Muslims present in the Gambia adhere to Sunni laws and traditions. Christians of different denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance. More than 63% of Gambians live in rural villages (1993 census), although more and more young people come to the capital in search of work and education. Provisional figures from the 2003 census show that the gap between the urban and rural populations is narrowing as more areas are declared urban. While urban migration, development projects, and modernization are bringing more Gambians into contact with Western habits and values, the traditional emphasis on the extended family, as well as indigenous forms of dress and celebration, remain integral parts of everyday life.
The Gambia has a liberal, market-based economy characterized by traditional subsistence agriculture, a historic reliance on groundnuts (peanuts) for export earnings, a re-export trade built up around its ocean port, low import duties, minimal administrative procedures, a fluctuating exchange rate with no exchange controls, and a significant tourism industry.
Agriculture accounts for roughly 30% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 70% of the labor force. Within agriculture, peanut production accounts for 6.9% of GDP, other crops 8.3%, livestock 5.3%, fishing 1.8%, and forestry 0.5%. Industry accounts for approximately 8% of GDP and services approximately 58%. The limited amount of manufacturing is primarily agricultural-based (e.g., peanut processing, bakeries, a brewery, and a tannery). Other manufacturing activities include soap, soft drinks, and clothing.
Previously, the U.K. and other EU countries constituted The Gambia's major domestic export markets. However, in recent years Senegal, the United States, and Japan have gained fair proportions of Gambian exports. In Africa, Senegal represented the biggest trade partner of The Gambia in 2007, which is a defining contrast to previous years that saw Guinea-Bissau and Ghana as equally important trade partners. Globally, Denmark, the United States, and China have become important source countries for Gambian imports. The U.K., Germany, Cote d'Ivoire, and Netherlands also provide a fair share of Gambian imports. Gambia's trade deficit for 2007 was $331 million.
The local currency is called the "dalasi". Coinage consists of the 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 bututs and 1 Dalasi. Paper money includes the 5, 10, 25 and 50 Dalasi. Banks are usually closed on Saturday and Sunday and on Friday afternoons.
Tourism is an important economic segment with travelers from the UK making up most of the visiting population. The beaches and winter sunshine, along with the wide range of birdlife and excursions along the Gambia river are the primary draws. Most tourist visit between November and February, staying in Banjul and the beaches along the Atlantic.
Gambia's time zone is GMT.
TRANSPORT & GETTING AROUND
Gambia International Airlines has service between Dakar, Senegal; Freetown, Sierra Leone; and Conakry Guinea. The Gambia River is navigable and a three day river trip from Banjul to Basse is available from many local tour companies and travel agents. Bus service is available throughout the country. Driving is on the right hand side and requires an International Driving License or a UK Driving Licenses. Road conditions can be poor.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS
- 1st January New Years Day
- 18th February Independence Day
- 1st May
- 15th August Queen's Birthday
- 15th September St. Mary's Day
- December 25th Christmas Day
- Moveable Holidays: Easter and Muslim Holidays
ELECTRICAL POWER
Electric Power is 230V running at 50Hz. The Plug types used are :
Rectangular blade plug
Local government in The Gambia varies. The capital city, Banjul and the much larger Kanifing Municipality have elected town and municipal councils. Five rural divisions exist, each with a council containing a majority of elected members. Each council has its own treasury and is responsible for local government services. Tribal chiefs retain traditional powers authorized by customary law in some instances. The Gambia maintains an embassy at 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 20005. Tel. (202) 785-1399. Its UN mission is located at 820 2nd Avenue, Suite 900-C, New York, NY 10017. Tel. (212) 949-6640.