THE GAMBIA The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty.
The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa located in West Africa. It’s bounded to the east, north and south by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Its borders roughly correspond to the path of the Gambia River, the nation’s namesake, which flows through the country’s center and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The country has a size of about 10,500 sq km with an estimated population of 1,700,000. Banjul is the capital. It experiences a tropical climate with June to late November the warmest season. The Gambia is one of the few African countries with a complete touristic appeal flourishing with a varied scenic landscape, featuring sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa’s great waterways, dominates the country, and the nation’s wildlife parks and reserves as well as riverbanks attract countless eco-tourists.
Full name: Republic of The Gambia Population: 1.7 million (UN, 2010) Capital: Banjul Area: 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles) Major languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula ...Major religions: Islam, Christianity Life expectancy: 56 years (men), 59 years (women) (UN) Monetary unit: 1 dalasi = 100 butut Main exports: Peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels GNI per capita: US $440 (World Bank, 2009) Internet domain: .gm International dialling code: +220
The Gambia is a small country in West Africa with total area of 4,000 square miles 11,295 sq. km (about 320 km. long). It is surrounded by Senegal on all sides exception the Atlantic coast, and for this reason the two countries have a lot of ethnic and cultural ties. The coastal line is 80 km and the border boundary with Senegal is 740 km.
The Gambia has unique qualities over many other destinations. It is only six hours away from major European destinations, there is no jet lag, and it is a popular and affordable winter destination attracting Tourists in search of sun, sand, and cultural experience of which this unique country has plenty.
Every year, thousands of international visitors come to The Gambia, drawn by its beaches, birds, sunshine, and the country's biggest asset: the Gambian people, whose hospitality and friendliness have made it "The Smiling Coast." Tourism has become the fastest-growing sector of the economy, contributing 12% of the country's GDP and providing employment for over 100,000 Gambians. More and more visitors are returning year after year.
languages Language: English, a number of African Food: Traditional Gambian dishes include: domodah, peanut stew with rice; plasas, meat and fish with vegetable leaves; foufou, mashed cassava; and benechin, fish and rice Clothes: Lightweight, modest dress to respect Muslim custom Photography: Photographing military or government installations prohibited. Refrain from photographing Gambians to respect Muslim custom Electricity: 220 volts (as in Europe). Money: 1 dalasi = 100 bututs, $IUS -10.00D. Money-changing easily done Phone service: International calls easily made. GAMTEL sells phonecards Post office and mail: Reliable US Embassy: Karaiba Avenue, Fajara. Phone: 49.28.56, fax: 49.24.75 Business hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-12:30, 2:30-5:30, Friday-Saturday 8-12; Banks Monday-Friday 9-12,2-4 or 4-6 Safety: One of the safest countries in West Africa Health care: Royal Victoria Hospital in Banjul. Hospital in Bansang (up country). immunizations: Yellow fever innoculation