Map and geographical location:
Official name:
The Republic of The Gambia
Size:
With a size of 180 miles / 21 miles, The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in Africa.
Population:
1.7 million
Capital:
Banjul, with Serrekunda as its largest metropolitan area
Geography:
Savannah and open woodland vegetation
The Gambia River:
The Gambia is named after the river that meanders through mangrove swamps, bamboo forests, and salt flats, to the capital Banjul, which is located along the 30 mile stretch of Atlantic coast.
Climate:
From June to November, the weather is warm with a very rainy season. From December to May, the climate is dry and warm, attracting many tourists due to ideal climatic conditions.
Culture:
Gambians are known for their excellent music and dancing. They are well recognized for their genuine friendliness and hospitality. A wide variety of tribes exist together, living harmoniously as each preserves its own language and traditions.
Language:
The official language is English. Other main languages spoken are Wolof, Fulani, and Mandinka. |
Transportation:
The Gambia Public Transport Corporation offers an extensive, low-coast public transit system with bus service linking all the towns in the country. Taxis are readily available, and car rental agencies offer unlimited mileage.
Banjul International Airport
Is located 23 km from Banjul (capital) at Yundum. Airlines flying to The Gambia: ASKY Airlines, Afrinat International Airlines, Air Nigeria, Arik Air, Arkefly, Brussels Airlines, Elysian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Hamburg International, Mahfooz Aviation, Mauritania Airways, Monarch, Neos, Royal Air Maroc, Spanair, TACV-Cabo Verde, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scan, Viking Airlines and other charter flights companies
Tourism in The Gambia:
The country's biggest asset is its tourism, with tens of thousands of international visitors annually, enchanted by its beautiful beaches, flora and fauna, sunshine and pleasant climate, and the Gambian people whose hospitality and friendliness are well renowned. The Gambia has much more to offer: rich history, culture, and ethnic diversity, ecotourism, water sports and deep sea fishing, and the multiple world-class hotels.
Banking industry:
The following banks operate in the Gambia:
• Standard Chartered Bank (Gambia) Ltd
• Trust Bank Ltd
• Bank PHB
• Arab Gambia Islamic Bank
• First International Bank
• Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Ltd
• International Commercial Bank (G) Ltd
• Access Bank Gambia Limited
• Ecobank (Gambia) Ltd
• Banque Sahelo-Sahelienne pour
• Investissement et Commerce (BSIC)
• Oceanic Bank (Gambia) Limited
• Prime Bank (Gambia) Ltd
Currency:
The Gambian Dalasi is the currency in Gambia. The symbol for the currency is GMD it is divided into 100 butut. The exchange rate for the Gambian Dalasi updated in August, 2010 was:
1.00 GBP = 44.24 GMD
1.00 USD = 28.46 GMD
1.00 EUR = 36.12 GMD
Safety:
The Gambia is one of the safest countries in West Africa. |
