Gambia Travel Guide - Key Facts

West Africa.

GMT.

11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).

1.6 million (2006 estimate).

142 per sq km.

Banjul. Population: 38,828 (2003).

The Gambia is situated on West Africa's Atlantic coast. The country consists of a thin ribbon of land, at no point wider than 50km (30 miles), running east-west on both banks of the River Gambia. The Gambia is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is the smallest and westernmost mainland African nation. The country mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is bisected by the river and is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river's tributaries. In the west of the country, near the coast, the river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while in the inland area which extends from central Gambia to the eastern border the river has steep red ironstone banks covered with tropical forest. Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as baobab, silk-cotton, mahogany and oil palm. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of beaches, the best of which are broad, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1965.

President Al-Haji Yahya AJJ Jammeh since 1994.

Yahya Jammeh was elected for a third term in the September 2006 presidential elections, winning 67.3% of the vote. He came to power in a coup in 1994.

The official language is English. The most widely spoken local languages are Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Manjago, Serahule, Serer and Wolof.

Over 85% Muslim, with the remainder holding either Christian or animist beliefs.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either UK-style with three flat pins or Western European-style with three round pins.

Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Salaam aleikum (‘Peace be upon you') is the traditional greeting. Nanga def (‘How are you?' in Wolof) is widely used on the coast; Kaira be (‘I wish you peace' in Mandinka) is widely used inland. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and in general visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality, but should exercise common sense in their dealings with the persistent would-be guides, known locally as ‘bumsters', who operate in some tourist areas. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand, not the left, must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages in up-country Gambia. Travellers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.