17 interesting facts about the Gambia

The small African country of Gambia is not particularly remarkable. There are no gorgeous beaches that attract tourists, no exciting safari tours, no interesting shopping. However, there are many people in the world who like Africa and its flavor. It is they who make up the bulk of tourists visiting this country.

Interesting facts about the Gambia

1. Among all countries of the African continent, Gambia — the smallest.
2. The official language, English, is spoken mainly by the younger generation of Gambians, and all official negotiations are conducted in it. Most of the population speaks local languages, the main ones being Mandingo, Wolof and Fula.
3. About 25% of the population here lives in the country’s largest city, Serekunda. But in the capital, Banjul, people live 10-12 times less.
4. Gambia — a much greener country than most other African states. All thanks to the Gambia River, after which, in fact, the country was named (interesting facts about the rivers).
5. There are no mountains in this country, and there are practically no hills — the whole Gambia is flat as a table. But quite picturesque.
6. About a third of the Gambians do not have access to clean drinking water.
7. The Gambia River, together with its tributaries, occupies about 9% of the entire country, and during the flood — twice as many.
8. Almost a thousand different plant species grow on the territory of this country.
9. Despite the favorable climate by African standards, parks and reserves occupy only about 3.5 percent of the country’s territory (interesting facts about Africa).
10. During the Second World War, the Gambian soldiers fought on the side of the forces of the anti-Hitler coalition.
11. There is only one traffic light in the whole Gambia.
12. Not a single bridge has been built across the Gambia River. All local residents use boats and ferries.
13. Education in the country is free, but the government does not follow its obligatory nature, so about half of all Gambians are still illiterate.
14. Since 2015, The Gambia was officially an Islamic republic. Islam in this country is practiced by about 9/10 of the population. In 2017, it again became a secular state.
15. The Gambian army has less than a thousand people.
16. Three-quarters of all working Gambians are engaged in agriculture.
17. The Gambia receives the main income from exporting peanuts.