Welcome to the Online Guide to The Gambia
Here at Destination Gambia you can read about hotel and restaurant reviews in The Gambia, find out where to see Gambian wildlife, learn about Gambian culture, see what life is like as a volunteer in The Gambia, get travel advice and tips, health information, and much more. Included is an expertly written guide, a special section for volunteers, and plenty of photos of wildlife and scenery throughout.
Check the Gambia's Top Ten for the best recommendations on attractions and activities in The Gambia, the top hotels, lodges, and resorts in The Gambia, and the top restaurants, bars, and cafés in The Gambia.
An Introduction to The Gambia
The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia (commonly referred to as just "Gambia"), is located in West Africa, and is surrounded by Senegal in the north, east, and south, and on the west it rests on the Atlantic coast. Often called “Africa for beginners,” The Gambia is an easy and friendly country to explore and it is well known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 570 species already recorded.
Although it is mainland Africa’s smallest nation, The Gambia is scenically varied, with long stretches of sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, river-side mangroves, unspoiled wetlands, and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of West Africa’s great waterways, largely defines Gambia’s landscape, stretching the full length of the country and beyond to the east, and emptying out at the coast to the west.
Facts and Figures of The Gambia
Location – West Africa.
Size – 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).
Climate – Tropical; hot rainy season (June to November); cooler dry season (November to June). Average temperatures of 32°C during the day and 24°C during the night. Upcountry (away from the coastal breeze) temperatures can reach 45°C or more.
Government – Republic, with President Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.
Capital – Banjul.
Economy – fishing, agriculture, trade, and tourism.
GDP – US$3.494 billion (2010).
Gross National Income per capita – US$2,018 (2010).
Currency – Gambian Dalasi (GMD, D), (100 Bututs per Dalasi)
Population –1,797,860 (2011).
Life expectancy – 61 years for men, 65 years for women (2011).
Religion – 90% Muslim, 10% Christian, and some traditional religions.
Language – Official language is English. Local languages include Mandinka, Wolof, Jola, Fula, and others.
International telephone code – (+220)
Internet – .gm
Time – GMT
Electricity – 220-240 volts, UK-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade.
Weights and measures – Metric and imperial, as in the UK.
Public holidays – 1 Jan, 18 Feb, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, 22 Jul, 15 Aug, 25 Dec. (see link for more information and religious holidays).
Flag – Three horizontal stripes: red, blue, and green from top to bottom, each colour separated by a narrow white stripe.
The press – The Daily Observer, The Independent, The Point, Foraaya, and others. Television – Gambia Television, Premium TV Network (via satellite).
Radio – Radio Gambia, Radio 1 FM, West Coast Radio, City Limits Radio, and others. GSM mobile networks – Africell, Comium, Qcell, Gamcel.
Clear 24 oC