Republic of The Gambia
Local Time = UTC
Other Cities: Serrekunda (pop. 200 000), Basse Santa Su, Georgetown (Jangjang-bureh), Juffureh.
Government: Type: Civilian.Independence: 18 February 1965 (from the UK).
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean surrounded by Senegal.
Area: 11 300 sq. km. (4 360 sq. mi.)
Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.
Climate: Tropical; hot rainy season (June to Nov.); cooler, dry season (Nov. to May).
Population: 1.5 million.
Ethnic groups: Mandinka 40%, Fula 18%, Wolof 14%, Jola 10%, Serahule 9%, Serere 8%, Krio/Aku Marabout, Manjago, Bambara.
Non-Gambians 13% of the population.
Religions: Muslim 85%, Christian 4%, animists.
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula (Pulaar), Jola, other indigenous languages.Literacy: 38%
Roots
Take a boat to Jufureh and meet the descendants of Kunta Kinteh. The claim by author Alex Haley, to have traced his ancestors back to Kinteh Family has made the former slave trade trading post Jufureh and the nearby Albreda, a popular visiting site. The slave house and the Cannon still remain from the French trading post which was foundind in 1681. Accross teh water is James Island, founded by the British in 1651. The water is gaining ground on the island and it is now only one third of it's orriginal size.
Up Country
For the more adventurous who wish to explore further afield, excursions can be arranged through various tour opperators. Take it slow and easy ona 10 day boat cruise to Basse and back, or over land by 4 wheel drive. Do make sure that you use knowledgable and experienced operators, some of the roads are not so good! Some trips may last several days staying at up country camps. Tours can also take you into the Casamance region of Senegal, or by crossing at either Banjul/Barra or Manso Konko/Farafenni to reach the north bank and into North Senegal.
Roots
Take a boat to Jufureh and meet the descendants of Kunta Kinteh. The claim by author Alex Haley, to have traced his ancestors back to Kinteh Family has made the former slave trade trading post Jufureh and the nearby Albreda, a popular visiting site. The slave house and the Cannon still remain from the French trading post which was foundind in 1681. Accross teh water is James Island, founded by the British in 1651. The water is gaining ground on the island and it is now only one third of it's orriginal size.
Up Country
For the more adventurous who wish to explore further afield, excursions can be arranged through various tour opperators. Take it slow and easy ona 10 day boat cruise to Basse and back, or over land by 4 wheel drive. Do make sure that you use knowledgable and experienced operators, some of the roads are not so good! Some trips may last several days staying at up country camps. Tours can also take you into the Casamance region of Senegal, or by crossing at either Banjul/Barra or Manso Konko/Farafenni to reach the north bank and into North Senegal.
Enjoy your Gambia Holidays!
Our members are involved in Gambian restaurants, tours, excursions, eco-tourism, car rentals, and shops within the vibrant Gambia Tourism Industry.
Please visit our website www.ttag.gm
