The Gambia

I

Introduction

The Gambia, republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, situated on the western coast of Africa, surrounded on the north, east, and south by Senegal, and bounded on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The country is one of mainland Africa’s smallest states, with an area of only 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq mi). The capital of The Gambia is Banjul.

II

Land and Resources

The country extends for about 320 km (200 mi) inland from the Atlantic Ocean on both sides of the lower River Gambia. It is only some 50 km (30 mi) wide at its widest point and just 3 km (2 mi) wide at its narrowest, on the coast. The river is lined with mangrove swamps.

A

Climate

The Gambia has a subtropical climate with two distinct seasons: hot and wet; and cool and dry. During the cool season, from December to April, the hot, dry, dusty winds of the harmattan blow from the Sahara. Rainfall during this season is light and humidity moderate. The rainy season, brought by the south-west monsoon amid spectacular storms, lasts from June to October. Temperatures during the year range from 7.2° to 43.3° C (45° to 110° F). The average annual rainfall is about 1,295 mm (52 in).

B

Natural Resources

The main natural resources of The Gambia are agricultural. The soil is mostly poor and sandy, except in the riverine swamps, but is ideally suited for the cultivation of peanuts, or groundnuts, upon which the economy depends.