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In
contrast to its all-enveloping neighbour, Senegal, and the
massive nations surrounding them, The Gambia looks like a
sliver in the side of Africa. True, it ranks among the continent's
tiniest countries, but its attractions are just as bright
and bold-faced as any in the region. Its capital city, Banjul,
is a uniquely African experience, with a bustling marketplace
and enough streetside culture to chase away the holiday daze
of glitzier cities. And for an even more 'traditional' outlook,
a quick trip upriver brings you into the Gambian heartland,
where the colourful buzz of weekly markets vies with boat
trips through mangrove creeks and bike jaunts to mud-hut villages
for your time and appreciation.
Although
The Gambia is largely defined by its natural features - from
the River Gambia, which runs the length of the country, to
the golden beaches of its Atlantic Coast resorts - the country's
greatest draw lies in its people, their culture and the amiable
atmosphere of daily life. Whether you're making conversation
at a curbside coffee stall or shouting yourself hoarse at
a weekend wrestling match, you're sure to come away with as
warm a feeling for Gambians as they tend to show to travellers.
Full
country name: Republic of The Gambia
Area: 11,300 sq km (4400 sq mi)
Population: 1.3 million
Capital city: Banjul (pop 50,000)
People: Mandinka (42%), Fula (18%), Wolof (16%), Jola (10%),
Serahuli (9%), other African (4%), non-Gambian (1%)
Language: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other
indigenous languages
Religion: Muslim (90%), Christian (9%), indigenous beliefs
(1%)
Government: Republic under multiparty democratic rule
President: Yahya AJJ Jammeh
GDP:
US$1.3 billion
GDP per head: US$1000
Annual growth: 3.8%
Inflation: 2.2%
Major industries: Processing peanuts, fish and hides; tourism;
beverages; agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking;
clothing
Major trading partners: Japan, Senegal, Hong Kong, France,
Switzerland, China, Côte d'Ivoire, France, UK, Germany,
Indonesia
Gambia
Flight from UK
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