Introduction
Geography
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The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. Named after the Gambia River, The Gambia stretches for a total of 11,300 square kilometers and is the smallest country in the African mainland. Banjul, its capital as well as the location of the government, is located at the opening of the Gambia River. The tropical climate of The Gambia is humid during June to November and cool throughout November to May. The Gambia is classified as a flood plain, consisting of farmable land and forests. Its location provides resources such as clay, fish, silica sand, titanium, tin, and zircon.
History, Politics, and Economics
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The Gambia, also known as the Republic of The Gambia, claimed its independence on February 18, 1965. In 1994, the government at the time faced a military coup that was organized by Yahya Jammeh. A drafted constitution and a president in office were established in 1996. The president was originally elected by parliament, starting in 1997, but the presidency selection process later changed to democratic elections in 2016. Jammeh's term ended when Adama Barrow was elected on January 19, 2017.
The president serves as the chief of state and the head of government. The government is based on customary law, English law, and Islamic law. Similar to the American government, there is an executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. The flag is composed of four colors: red, blue, green, and white. Red represents the sun and savannah. Blue is significant to the Gambia River. Forests and agriculture are symbolized by the use of green. Bordering the blue are white stripes which together stands for peace and unity.
Agriculture is a major industry in The Gambia for sustaining the economy; however, it does not yield much due to droughts. Fish, nuts, and wood are the most common exports of The Gambia ("OEC - Gambia (GMB)," n.d.). About 80 percent of these products are exported, with China being The Gambia's largest trade partner for imports and exports. The Gambia also sends exports to India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Senegal. The lack of money brought in by the agriculture industry is subsidized by tourism and remittances. The Gambia is one of West Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up 25 percent of The Gambia's gross domestic product (GDP). Setting the highest record for the country in 2018, The Gambia welcomed 219,000 tourists. The Gambia, frequented by visitors from European countries, is known for its various landscapes and culture. The Gambian Tourism and Culture Ministry hopes to expand the industry by building hotels as well as introducing village tourism, enabling tourists to expand their knowledge about smaller villages (Alam, 2019). The expansion would increase job opportunities for the locals. Foreign aid is not often supplied to the Gambia, but Taiwan, the United States, and the European Union provide financial assistance.
The president serves as the chief of state and the head of government. The government is based on customary law, English law, and Islamic law. Similar to the American government, there is an executive branch, legislative branch, and judicial branch. The flag is composed of four colors: red, blue, green, and white. Red represents the sun and savannah. Blue is significant to the Gambia River. Forests and agriculture are symbolized by the use of green. Bordering the blue are white stripes which together stands for peace and unity.
Agriculture is a major industry in The Gambia for sustaining the economy; however, it does not yield much due to droughts. Fish, nuts, and wood are the most common exports of The Gambia ("OEC - Gambia (GMB)," n.d.). About 80 percent of these products are exported, with China being The Gambia's largest trade partner for imports and exports. The Gambia also sends exports to India, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and Senegal. The lack of money brought in by the agriculture industry is subsidized by tourism and remittances. The Gambia is one of West Africa's most popular tourist destinations. Tourism makes up 25 percent of The Gambia's gross domestic product (GDP). Setting the highest record for the country in 2018, The Gambia welcomed 219,000 tourists. The Gambia, frequented by visitors from European countries, is known for its various landscapes and culture. The Gambian Tourism and Culture Ministry hopes to expand the industry by building hotels as well as introducing village tourism, enabling tourists to expand their knowledge about smaller villages (Alam, 2019). The expansion would increase job opportunities for the locals. Foreign aid is not often supplied to the Gambia, but Taiwan, the United States, and the European Union provide financial assistance.
Population
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Approximately 2,093,000 (2018) people live in The Gambia. These people are known as Gambians. Most of the population lives along the Gambian River as it is able to provide access to resources. The Gambia features many tribal groups: Mandinka/Jahanka (34 percent), Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo (22.4 percent), Wolof (12.6 percent), Jola/Karoninka (10.7 percent), Serahuleh (6.6 percent), Serer (3.2 percent), Majango (2.1 percent), Bambara (1 percent), Creole/Aku Marabout0 (o.7 percent), and Other (0.9 percent). Additionally, non-Gambians (5.2 percent) call The Gambia home.
There is a 1:1 male to female ratio. Due to high birth rates (four children per women), youth make up for 60 percent of the population. At least 70 percent of citizens grow up to be farmers, but the occupation does not provide much money or food. Gambians move to urban cities or out of the country, mainly to Nigeria, Senegal, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States in hopes of more and better opportunities. Sixty percent of citizens live in urbanized areas. Gambians seek specialized jobs, such as becoming a doctor or nurse, in other foreign countries to send money back home. The Gambia welcomes other West African refugees that have been displaced by conflict in their countries. This has put a strain on the economic status of those in The Gambia.
There is a 1:1 male to female ratio. Due to high birth rates (four children per women), youth make up for 60 percent of the population. At least 70 percent of citizens grow up to be farmers, but the occupation does not provide much money or food. Gambians move to urban cities or out of the country, mainly to Nigeria, Senegal, Spain, United Kingdom, and the United States in hopes of more and better opportunities. Sixty percent of citizens live in urbanized areas. Gambians seek specialized jobs, such as becoming a doctor or nurse, in other foreign countries to send money back home. The Gambia welcomes other West African refugees that have been displaced by conflict in their countries. This has put a strain on the economic status of those in The Gambia.
Language
Due to the United Kingdom's colonizing power, English serves as the official language of The Gambia. Indigenous languages have influenced a variety of English called Gamblish. There are about 10 indigenous languages that are widely used around the country. Fula, Mandinka, Wolof are some of the most commonly spoken indigenous languages. Those living closer to the border are able to speak French as it is Senegal's official language.
Religion
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Similar to other African countries, 95.7 percent of Gambians are Muslims. Muslims came to Africa from the Arabian Peninsula during a time of persecution. Christians make up the second most popular religious group. A small percent of Gambians do not practice any religion. Christians carry out their prayers in English in conjunction with the local indigenous languages. Christian radio stations and TV programs are in English (Juffermans and McGlynns, 2008, p.345).
Education
Fifty-five percent of the population is literate. Citizens are classified as "literate" if they are at least fifteen years old and demonstrate the ability to read and write. The school life expectancy (primary to tertiary) is about nine years for females and males attending school. English is taught in primary and secondary schools. From grade 1 to grade 3, indigenous languages serve as the language of instruction in schools. Most Gambians are bilingual, learning and using indigenous languages at home.
Lauryn Ko, Fall 2019