Gambia
Region
🌍 Africa
Population
👥 2
Currency
💱 dalasi
Languages
🗣️ English
This mark means a fact is linked to a checked source. Hover or tap it to see the source. 35 of 141 facts on this page are sourced.
Official NameSource: REST Countries
Republic of the Gambia
Continent
Africa
DemonymSource: REST Countries
Gambian
Independence
February 18, 1965 (from the UK)
Top-Level Domain
.gm
Calling CodeSource: REST Countries
+220
Time ZoneSource: REST Countries
UTC+00:00
Capital CitySource: REST Countries
Banjul
ISO Alpha-2
GM
ISO Alpha-3
GMB
UN Code
270
Geographic Coordinates
13.46666666,-16.56666666
Area (km²)Source: REST Countries
10,689#168 of 249
PopulationSource: REST Countries
2,422,712#143 of 247
Population Density (per km²)
266.59
Highest Point (m)
53
Lowest Point (m)
0 meters (Atlantic Ocean)
Land Use
Agricultural land: 63.3%; Forest: 15.6%; Other: 21.1% (2018 estimate)
Irrigated Land
Approximately 100 sq km (2012)
Coastline Length
80 km
Climate
Tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Natural Resources
Fish, clay, sand, silica sand, and some mineral deposits
Bordering CountriesSource: REST Countries
Senegal
Major Rivers
The Gambia River
Major Lakes
This country has no major lakes.
Government Type
Presidential republic
Administrative Divisions
5 regions and 1 city
Legal System
Based on English common law; Islamic law is applied in some areas
Chief of State
President Adama Barrow
Head of Government
President Adama Barrow
Cabinet
The Cabinet is appointed by the President.
Elections
Presidential elections are held every five years.
Judicial Branch
Supreme Court; Court of Appeal; High Court; Magistrates' Courts
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly
Major Political Parties
National People's Party (NPP), United Democratic Party (UDP), and others.
CurrencySource: REST Countries
dalasi
GDP, Nominal (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
2.59#183 of 211
GDP, PPP (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: GDP, PPP (current international $) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
10.46#162 of 201
GDP per Capita (US$)Source: World Bank: GDP per capita (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
919.06#198 of 211
GDP - Agriculture (%)Source: World Bank: Agriculture, forestry, and fishing, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
23.85
GDP - Industry (%)Source: World Bank: Industry (including construction), value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
15.83
GDP - Services (%)Source: World Bank: Services, value added (% of GDP) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
53.07
Inflation Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Inflation, consumer prices (annual %) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
11.56#21 of 191
Labor Force (people)Source: World Bank: Labor force, total (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
807,275
Unemployment Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Unemployment, total (% of total labor force) (modeled ILO estimate) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
6.52#68 of 185
Public Debt (% of GDP)
Approximately 79% of GDP (2021 est.)
Budget
Information on the current budget can be found through official government sources.
Exports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Exports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
0.33#181 of 192
Imports (US$ billion)Source: World Bank: Imports of goods and services (current US$) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
1.28#172 of 192
Foreign Reserves
Information on foreign reserves can be found through official financial institutions.
Currency Exchange
Information on currency exchange rates can be found on major financial websites.
GDP by Sector
Primarily services (60%), followed by agriculture (22%) and industry (18%) (2021 est.).
Major Industries
Tourism, peanut processing, fishing, and hides.
Major Export Partners
India, Portugal, and France.
Major Import Partners
China, Senegal, and India.
Society
Literacy Rate (%)Source: World Bank: Literacy rate, adult total (% of people ages 15 and above) (2021)Checked September 29, 2026
51.64#156 of 169
Birth Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Birth rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
29.9
Death Rate (per 1,000 people)Source: World Bank: Death rate, crude (per 1,000 people) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
6.2
Net Migration Rate
Approximately -0.6 migrants per 1,000 population (2022 est.)
Median Age
Approximately 19 years (2022 est.)
Urban Population (%)Source: World Bank: Urban population (% of total population) (2025)Checked September 29, 2026
64.99#107 of 214
Urbanization Rate
Approximately 3.4% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: Life expectancy at birth, total (years) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
66.1#184 of 214
HIV/AIDS Prevalence
Approximately 1.5% of adults (2021 est.)
Health Expenditures (% of GDP)Source: World Bank: Current health expenditure (% of GDP) (2023)Checked September 29, 2026
2.89
Ethnic Groups
Mandinga 39%, Fula 19%, Wolof 15%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 8%.
Religions
Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.4%, other 0.2%.
LanguagesSource: REST Countries
English
Education
Education System
The education system in The Gambia is structured into primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. The system faces challenges including funding, infrastructure, and teacher training. Basic education is nominally free and compulsory.
School Life Expectancy (years)Source: World Bank: School life expectancy, primary to tertiary, both sexes (years) (2010)Checked September 29, 2026
8
Government Education Spending
Government spending on education as a percentage of GDP is moderate, but resources are stretched.
Primary Education Access
—
Secondary Education Access
—
Higher Education Access
—
Major Universities
The University of The Gambia is the main university. There are also other tertiary institutions.
Culture
Cultural Overview
Gambian culture is a rich blend of ethnic traditions. Music, dance, and storytelling are important aspects of life. Strong community ties and respect for elders are central.
National HolidaysSource: Nager.Date
- New Year's Day (2026-01-01)
- Independence Day (2026-02-18)
- Good Friday (2026-04-03)
- Easter Monday (2026-04-06)
- Labour Day (2026-05-01)
- Africa Day (2026-05-25)
- Revolution Day (2026-07-22)
- Assumption Day (2026-08-15)
- Christmas Day (2026-12-25)
Popular Music
Popular music includes traditional genres like Mbalax, as well as modern influences such as Afrobeats and hip-hop.
Traditional Food
Traditional foods include Domoda (groundnut stew), Benachin (Jollof rice), and Yassa (chicken or fish in onion sauce).
Sports
Football (soccer) is the most popular sport. Wrestling is also popular.
Major Festivals
Major festivals include the Roots Homecoming Festival, celebrating Gambian culture and the diaspora, and various religious festivals.
Famous People
Famous Gambians include musicians, athletes, and political figures.
Cultural Heritage Sites
The Gambia has sites of cultural significance, reflecting its history and ethnic diversity.
UNESCO Sites
The Gambia has UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Kunta Kinteh Island and related sites.
Annual Tourist Visits
—
Tourism Overview
—
Top Tourist Attractions
—
Famous Cities
—
National Parks
—
Protected Areas
—
Best Time to Visit
—
Tourist Visa Info
—
Visa Requirements Overview
—
Travel Advisory
—
Healthcare
Healthcare Quality
The healthcare quality index varies; information can be found through global health reports.
Medical Cost
Medical costs vary depending on the service and facility.
Number of Hospitals
The Gambia has a limited number of hospitals; the exact figure fluctuates.
Universal Healthcare
The Gambia has a healthcare system that includes public and private providers. Access to healthcare can be limited, particularly in rural areas. Universal healthcare is not fully established.
Medical Services Overview
Medical services are available, but access and quality can vary. Major hospitals are located in urban areas.
Emergency Medical Access
Emergency medical services are available, but response times can vary depending on location.
Emergency & Safety
Emergency Number (Police)
—
Emergency Number (Ambulance)
—
Emergency Number (Fire)
—
Crime Rate
—
Safety Index
—
Military Expenditure
—
Emergency Services Overview
—
Safety Overview
—
Military Branches
—
Infrastructure
Electricity Access
—
Water Access
—
Sanitation Access
—
Railways
The Gambia does not have a railway system.
Roadways
—
Transportation System
Transportation relies on a mix of roads, ferries, and air travel. Road quality varies. Public transport includes buses and taxis.
AirportsSource: OurAirports
Banjul International Airport (BJL)
Ports
—
Public Transit
—
Technology & Communication
Internet Penetration (%)Source: World Bank: Individuals using the Internet (% of population) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
49.49#159 of 211
Mobile Subscriptions (per 100)
—
Tech Startups
—
Innovation Index
—
ICT Development Index
—
TV Broadcast Stations
—
Radio Broadcast Stations
—
Plug Type & Voltage
—
CO2 Emissions (t per capita)Source: World Bank: Carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions excluding LULUCF per capita (t CO2e/capita) (2024)Checked September 29, 2026
0.18#180 of 202
Air Quality Index
Generally poor, with particulate matter a significant concern, especially in urban areas.
Water Pollution Level
Moderate, with pollution from agricultural runoff, sewage, and industrial waste affecting water quality.
Renewable Energy Usage
Limited, with a growing focus on solar energy initiatives to increase access to electricity and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Environmental Issues
Deforestation, soil degradation, water pollution, and coastal erosion are key concerns.
Natural Hazards
Droughts, floods, and coastal erosion pose significant risks.
Waste Management
Inadequate, with limited formal waste collection and disposal systems, leading to open dumping and environmental problems.
Environmental Agreements
Party to international agreements on climate change, biodiversity, and desertification.
UN MembershipSource: REST Countries
Yes
Diplomatic Missions
Has diplomatic missions in several countries.
International OrganizationsSource: REST Countries
Commonwealth, African Union
Major Treaties
Parties to treaties related to trade, human rights and environmental protection.
Visa-Free Countries
Offers visa-free access to a range of countries, and visa on arrival for some nationalities.