The Probert Encyclopaedia of Places of the World

GAMBIA

The Republic of the Gambia is a country in west Africa with a total area of 11,300 km2. The climate is tropical; hot, with a rainy season from June to November; cooler, with a dry season from November to May. The terrain is comprised of a flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills. Natural resources are fish. The religion is 90% Muslim, 9% Christian and 1% indigenous beliefs. The official language is English with Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, and other indigenous vernaculars also spoken. Gambia was part of the Mali Empire from the 7th to the 15th centuries before the arrival of the Portugese slave-traders, later the business was taken over by the British. In 1843 Gambia became a British colony and in 1963 gained internal self-government in 1963 and full independence in 1965. A republic was declared in 1970, with an elected president replacing the British monarch as head of state.
Research Gambia