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The
Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa,
with a total land space of 10,367sq.km. It is surrounded on
three sides by Senegal and on the fourth side by the Atlantic
Ocean. The Gambia is home to over 1.5 million people from eight
ethnic groups, and became an independent nation in 1965 after
400 years of British rule. The Gambia today is well-known as
a birdwatchers’ paradise with over 550 bird species. The
Gambia is an exciting place to visit with lots to do from capturing
the culture and traditions of “The Smiling Coast”,
to soaking up the sunny rays along the sandy beach.
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FORT
BULLET
Built by the British to cover the approaches to Banjul and
the river. |
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KARANTABA
FORT
Historical site based on an ancient
explorer who was killed there in 1771. |
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WASSU
A circle
of megalithic rocks believed to have been ancient burial
grounds.
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GEORGETOWN
Once
the capital of the old colonial Gambia known for the slave
trade.
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BANJUL
The
capital city situated on the island of St Mary’s.
Interesting places to visit are Arch 22, the Albert Market
and the National Museum.
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JAMES
ISLAND
Fort
James was built in 1651 during the slave trade and served
as a transit point from where slaves where shipped across
the Atlantic.
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BABOON
ISLAND
A collection of small Islands with wild chimps and baboons.
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BASSE
SANTA SU
The largest
town in the provinces and the last town before the border
to Eastern Senegal.
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Facts |
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Land
and Resources:
The Gambia extends for about 320km (about 300 miles)
inland from the Atlantic Ocean on both sides of the lower Gambia
River.
It is only about 50 km (about 30 miles) wide at its widest point.
The river is lined with mangrove swamps.
Climate:
The Gambia has a subtropical climate with hot and
cool seasons. During the cool season, from November to May, the
harmattan, a hot and dry wind, blows from the Sahara. Temperatures
range from 16ºC (60ºF) in winter to 43ºC (110ºF)
in summer. The rainy season lasts from June to October. The average
annual rainfall is about 1,020 mm (about 40 in).
Natural Resources:
The main natural resource is the people of The
Gambia. Of course the river itself is also very important as it
is one of Africa’s best navigable waterways.
Population:
The population of The Gambia is 1.6 million, making
it one of the least populous countries of Africa.
A wide variety of ethnic groups live side by side in The Gambia
while preserving individual languages and traditions. About three
quarters of the people live in small rural villages.
The population comprises of the Mandingo, the largest ethnic group
(representing about 42 percent of the country’s inhabitants);
the Fulani (about 18 percent), who are more present in the eastern
part of the country; the Wolof (about 16 percent), who live mainly
in Banjul and the western region; the Jola (about 10 percent),
who live in the western region and the Serahuli (about 9 percent),
and the small Aku community, partly descended from liberated slaves.
About three quarters of the people of The Gambia live in small,
rural villages.
Religion and Language:
About 90 percent of the people of The Gambia are
Muslim; 9 percent Christian; and 1 percent follow traditional
religions. English is the official language, but each ethnic group
has its own language. |
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MAIN
RESORT AREAS IN THE GAMBIA |
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KOTU
Kotu
has a small purpose-built resort area with supermarkets
and a few restaurants. There is a long stretch of sand,
with sunloungers, parasols and beach bars.
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FAJARA
Fajara
is home to the “Commonwealth War Graves”, and
is also home to the only 18-hole golf course in The Gambia.
There is also a good selection of restaurants and bars.
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BAKAU
& CAPE POINT
Bakau is a small fishing town with a colourful
fruit and vegetable market. Here you’ll find the district’s
main post office, banks and supermarkets.
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KOLOLI
AREA
Kololi has the largest purpose-built resort area in The
Gambia. There are two main streets filled with a variety
of restaurants, bars, nightclubs, supermarkets, banks, internet
cafés and gift shops. There is also a local craft
market and a monkey sanctuary. Kololi is also an ideal resort
to use your VIP discount card at various outlets!
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SEREKUNDA
Serekunda is the largest town in The Gambia, densely
populated with approximately 200,000 inhabitants. There are
daily crafts, tie & dye, and batik markets.
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BANJUL
Banjul is the capital of The Gambia (previously known as
Bathurst). It is an Island City which is said to be the
safest city in Africa. Banjul is famous for its daily market
“Albert Market”, “Arch 22” with
its panoramic views, the national museum and the main port.
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