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Republic of the Gambia

Coat of arms of The Gambia
Coat of arms
Motto: "Progress, Peace, Prosperity"
Location of the Gambia (dark red area within circle) on the coast of West Africa.
Location of the Gambia (dark red area within circle) on the coast of West Africa.
Capital Banjul
Largest city Serekunda
Official languages English
National languages Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serer, Jola
Ethnic groups
(2003)
  • 42% Mandinka
  • 18% Fula
  • 16% Wolof / Serer
  • 10% Jola
  • 9% Serahuli
  • 4% other African
  • 1% non-African
Demonym(s) Gambian
Government Presidential republic
• President
Adama Barrow
• Vice President
Halifa Sallah
Legislature National Assembly
Independence
• from the United Kingdom
18 February 1965
• Republic declared
24 April 1970
Area
• Total
11,295 km2 (4,361 sq mi) (164th)
• Water (%)
11.5
Population
• 2009 estimate
1,782,893 (149th)
• 2003 census
1,360,681
• Density
164.2/km2 (425.3/sq mi) (74th)
GDP (PPP) 2011 estimate
• Total
$3.496 billion
• Per capita
$1,943
GDP (nominal) 2011 estimate
• Total
$977 million
• Per capita
$543
Gini (1998) 50.2
high
HDI (2007) Decrease 0.456
low · 168th
Currency Dalasi (GMD)
Time zone GMT
Driving side right
Calling code +220
ISO 3166 code GM
Internet TLD .gm
Location of Gambia
Ga-map
A map of The Gambia

The Gambia is officially called the Republic of the Gambia. This country is also known as Gambia. It is a country in West Africa. It is surrounded by Senegal. It is the smallest country on mainland Africa.

Geography

The geography of Gambia is unusual. It is a long, thin country. Except for its coastline it is completely surrounded by the country of Senegal. The River Gambia flows from Senegal through its centre and into the Atlantic Ocean.

Culture

The population of The Gambia is about 1.7 million. People from The Gambia are called Gambians. A number of people from different cultures and backgrounds live in The Gambia. Some of the largest groups are called Mandinka, Fula, and Wolof.

English is the official language, but people speak other languages as well.

Most Gambians follow the religion of Islam.

The American writer Alex Haley, who wrote the book Roots, found that his family came from The Gambia in the 1760s.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Gambia para niños

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