About The Gambia

The Gambia’s statistics at a glance

• Capital: Banjul
• CO2 emissions per capita: 0.22 metric tons (2023) World Bank
• Population: 2.8 million
• Fertility rate: 4.01 births per woman (2023) World Bank
• GDP growth rate: 5.7% annual change (2024) World Bank
• Gross domestic product: 2.508 billion USD (2024) World Bank
• GDP per capita: 908.53 USD (2024) World Bank
• Gross national income: 9.388 billion PPP dollars (2024) World Bank
• Calling code: +220
• Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD)
• Exchange rate £/96dalasi correct September 2025 Google finance
• Ethnic groups (2024 Population and Housing Census): 34.4% Mandinka; 25.0% Fula; 15.4% Wolof; 9.5% Jola; 8.2% Soninke; 2.9% Serer; 4.6% other;
• GDP (nominal): 2023 estimate
• Government: Presidential republic
• HDI (Human development index 2023): 0.524; low (170th)
• ISO 3166 code: GM International Organization for Standardisation

The Gambia has a fascinating age old history which makes it perfect for UK and worldwide travelers to explore, learn about it’s beginings to present day and why it should be on your bucket list of must visit destinations!

The population of The Gambia

The current population of Gambia is 2,817,200 as of Tuesday, June 3, 2025, based on Worldometer’s elaboration of the latest United Nations data.

It’s History, Culture and Independence!

Officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, it is the smallest country on mainland Africa. It is nestled within Senegal, except for its coastline, making it a unique geographical entity.

While being almost 300 miles long, it’s only 15 miles wide at its most narrow point and only 30 miles at its widest.

At its highest point, The Gambia reaches a modest 53 meters above sea level. This nameless location, informally referred to as Red Rock, holds the distinction of being the least elevated high point among all African nations.

Early History and Indigenous Cultures

The Gambia’s history dates back thousands of years, with evidence of human habitation as far back as 470BC by Hanno the Carthaginian of his voyage through West Africa. Archaeological finds include ancient stone circles, burial mounds, and artefacts that suggest complex societies existed long before written history. The region was originally inhabited by diverse ethnic groups, including the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule, many of whom remain significant in the country today.

These early communities were engaged in agriculture, fishing, and trade. The Gambia River served as a crucial artery for commerce, connecting inland African societies to coastal traders. The area became part of extensive trade networks across the Sahel and Sahara, exchanging goods like gold, ivory, and salt.

The Influence of African Empires

From the 10th century onwards, The Gambia was influenced by larger West African empires. It fell under the sway of the Ghana Empire, followed by the Mali Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. The Mali Empire’s dominance introduced Islam to the region, a religion that remains deeply rooted in Gambian culture today.

After Mali’s decline, the Songhai Empire exerted influence, but local kingdoms also flourished, asserting their autonomy. The Kaabu Empire, part of the Mandinka cultural sphere, dominated the region until the 19th century. These empires facilitated not only trade but also cultural and intellectual exchanges across the region.

European Contact and the Slave Trade

Portuguese explorers were the first Europeans to reach The Gambia in the mid-15th century. However, it was the British and French who would compete fiercely for control. The Gambia’s strategic river made it a focal point for the transatlantic slave trade. European traders established forts and trading posts along the river, dealing in slaves, gold, and other commodities.

The British established control over the riverbanks, founding settlements like Bathurst (now Banjul) in 1816. The abolition of the slave trade in the early 19th century shifted the economic focus to legitimate commerce in peanuts and other goods. Despite this, the legacy of the slave trade left lasting scars on the region’s demographics and social structures.

Colonial Rule and the Path to Independence

By the late 19th century, The Gambia was officially a British colony, surrounded by French-controlled Senegal. The colonial period saw the introduction of Western education, administrative reforms, and infrastructure development, but it also brought economic inequalities and limited political representation for Gambians.

The push for independence grew stronger after World War II, as nationalist movements swept across Africa. The Gambia achieved self-governance in 1963 and full independence on 18 February 1965, with Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara becoming the first Prime Minister and later the first President when the country became a republic in 1970.

Post-Independence Era

Under Jawara’s leadership, The Gambia maintained relative political stability and a democratic system, rare in the region at the time. However, economic challenges and political discontent led to a coup attempt in 1981. With help from Senegalese forces, Jawara’s government survived, and this event led to the formation of the Senegambia Confederation in 1982. The confederation aimed to integrate the two countries politically and economically, but dissolved in 1989 due to differing interests.

In 1994, Jawara’s long rule ended with a bloodless coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh. Jammeh’s tenure saw a shift towards authoritarianism, with reports of human rights abuses, suppression of political opposition, and economic mismanagement. In 2015, President Jammeh announced his full title was ” His Excellency Sheikh Professor Alhaji Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh Babili Mansa”. Babili Mansa roughly translates as a chief bridge builder or a conqueror of rivers in the Mandinka language. You would be excused for thinking that this title is the longest held by anyone, but you would be wrong. That honour goes to Sultan Mehmed IV of the Ottoman Empire.

Despite these issues, he remained in power for over two decades until losing the 2016 presidential election to Adama Barrow.

The Gambia Today

Adama Barrow’s election marked a turning point. After initial resistance, Jammeh eventually accepted defeat following regional diplomatic pressure, signalling a new era of democracy and reform. Barrow’s government has focused on rebuilding democratic institutions, promoting human rights, and revitalising the economy.

The Gambia remains heavily reliant on agriculture, tourism, and remittances from abroad. Its stunning beaches, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant ecosystems, including wildlife-rich reserves like the River Gambia National Park, attract tourists worldwide. The Gambia River continues to be the lifeblood of the nation, supporting farming, fishing, and transport.

Cultural Heritage

Gambian culture is a tapestry woven from its diverse ethnic groups, each contributing unique traditions in music, dance, art, and cuisine. The kora, a traditional stringed instrument, symbolises the country’s musical heritage, particularly among the Mandinka griots, who are custodians of oral history.

Islam is the predominant religion, influencing daily life, festivals, and social norms. The country celebrates events like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with vibrant communal gatherings. Despite Islamic dominance, The Gambia is known for religious tolerance, with Christian and indigenous practices coexisting peacefully.

The UNESCO-listed Kunta Kinteh Island, formerly known as James Island, played a pivotal role in the slave trade when captives were transported downriver from the 1500s to the early 1800s.

Fun Facts about The Gambia

A fun fact about The Gambia is its the only country in West Africa where English is the official language, making it an easily accessible destination for English-speaking tourists.

It is one of only two countries worldwide that use “The” in their title. The main reason for this was to not confuse “Gambia” with “Zambia”. The other country that shares this esteemed distinction is The Bahamas.

The capital city is called “Banjul”. Historically, the Mandinka people would gather fibrous plants there to make rope. Its name “Banjul” originates from the Mandinka word “Bang julo,” which means “rope fibre.” Over time, mispronunciation led to it being known as Banjul.

Conclusion

The Gambia’s history is a rich blend of indigenous cultures, imperial legacies, colonial experiences, and modern political transformations. From ancient trade routes to European colonisation and the struggle for independence, its past has shaped a resilient and diverse nation. Today, The Gambia stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of its people, embracing both tradition and progress as it navigates the complexities of the 21st century.

I hope you enjoyed reading about the Gambia and that you choose to visit this beautiful country and experience its charming people, history, flora and fauna for yourself.