Political Process
The People’s Progressive Party (PPP), which had been the dominant political party since independence, fell from power after the 1994 coup. Since 1996 the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction has been the dominant party. In addition to the PPP, which remains active, other opposition parties include the Gambia People’s Party, the National Democratic Action Movement, the Peoples’ Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism, and the United Democratic Party.
The constitution provides for universal suffrage for citizens 18 years and older. Although women have held legislative seats and cabinet positions, their numbers have been few.
Security
The Gambian National Army is relatively small. The army has a limited marine unit and an air wing. Service is voluntary, although the constitution provides for the option of conscription. The Gambia’s military forces have participated in various international peacekeeping missions, including serving as United Nations Peacekeeping Forces in several countries.
Health and Welfare
Although improvement has been made since independence, the overall health conditions in The Gambia are poor. Inadequate sanitation is a problem for more than half of the population, and about one-third of the people do not have access to safe drinking water. Malaria poses the most significant health threat; other parasitic diseases and tuberculosis are also common health problems. The Gambia has a lower prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS than many other African countries, although it appeared to be increasing among younger women during the 2000s.
Many health-care facilities—general hospitals, health centers, dispensaries, and maternity and child-care clinics—tend to be centered around Banjul, but there are other hospitals and numerous clinics throughout the country. The Medical Research Council at Fajara investigates tropical diseases. Traditional healers are commonly consulted, especially in rural areas. A long- standing shortage of health-care workers in The Gambia adversely affects the staffing of medical facilities, particularly in rural areas. To address this problem, in 1999 the government established a medical school in the country to train its own doctors.
Housing
Examples of colonial residential architecture can be found in Banjul, but most dwellings are single-story and are made of wood. Family compounds tend to be spread out over a large area with an inner courtyard. Outside the city center sprawling shantytowns have been growing rapidly as more people migrate to the capital from the interior. In upcountry towns, concrete buildings of one or two stories with tin roofs predominate. Villages consist mostly of round mud huts with thatched roofs, with a few single-story concrete buildings with tin roofs.
Housing supply has not been able to keep pace with The Gambia’s population growth. As a result, overcrowding and congestion occur in both rural and urban areas, particularly in the latter, and these conditions contributed to the growth of slums at the end of the 20th century.
Education
Education at the primary level is free but not compulsory. There are secondary and postsecondary schools, including a teacher-training college at Brikama. The government established the country’s first university, the University of The Gambia, in 1999. Prior to that, Gambian students seeking higher education had to leave the country, many of them traveling to Sierra Leone, Ghana, Britain, or the United States.
Cultural Life
Daily life and social customs
The Gambia has long been home to several different ethnic groups who have maintained their individual cultural traditions; as such, the country has a rich heritage. In the past, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, leatherworkers, weavers, textile dyers, and other artisans were found in all of the region’s societies. Weavers and textile dyers still make distinctive cloth throughout the country; The Gambia is noted for its indigo-dyed cloth in particular. Some drum and kora (a complex stringed instrument) makers are still act The Gambia is a small, fragile country in West Africa. Stretching 450 km along the Gambia River, the country (10,689 square kilometers) is surrounded by Senegal, except for a 60-km Atlantic Ocean front. The country has a population of 2.1 million. With 176 people per square kilometer, it is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Most of the population (57%) is concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers.
Political Context
The December 2016 presidential election resulted in a political transition after the incumbent, President Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh who had led the country for 22 years, was defeated by Adama Barrow, the presidential candidate of a political coalition. Parliamentary elections in April 2017 led to an absolute majority for the United Democratic Party (UDP) with 31 seats in the 58-seat National Assembly. The former ruling Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) party was reduced to five seats. Local elections in May 2018 resulted in 62 of 120 seats going to the UDP and 18 to the APRC.
In December 2019, President Adama Barrow formed a new political party, the National People’s Party, which would allow him to seek a second term in the 2021 elections. A new draft Constitution, which introduces a two-term limit for the presidency, was delivered in November 2019 to National Assembly, but then rejected in Parliament in September 2020, stalling key economic governance reforms.
Economic Overview
Growth was robust at 6% in 2019, supported by improving confidence and record tourist arrivals, with sound macroeconomic management helping to reduce the fiscal deficit, exit from debt distress, and increase international reserves closer to prudential levels.
The COVID-19 crisis has resulted in a sharp economic downturn in 2020, with a reduction in tourists and trade disruptions leading to a contraction in growth by 0.2% and in real GDP per capita by 3.1%, reversing gains in poverty reduction, with international poverty rate (US$1.9 in 2011 PPP) increasing from 8.4% in 2019 to 9.2% in 2020. However, continued sound macroeconomic management and donor grant inflows have helped further reduce the fiscal deficit (to 2.1% of GDP), and record high official remittances bolstered international reserves.
Headline inflation started increasing since January 2021, driven by food price increases, which is undermining household food security. However, it decelerated slightly to 6.9% y/y in August 2021. Public debt outlook is sustainable, but the risk of overall and external debt distress remains high as per the joint WB/IMF Debt Sustainability Analysis (December 2020).
The Gambia is participating in the G20 Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI). The fiscal space created by the DSSI is about $4 million in 2020 (0.2% of GDP).
Last Updated: Oct 12, 2021
Top Causes of Global Poverty
INEQUALITY AND MARGINALIZATION.
CONFLICT.
HUNGER, MALNUTRITION, AND STUNTING.
POOR HEALTHCARE SYSTEMS — ESPECIALLY FOR MOTHERS AND CHILDREN.
LITTLE OR NO ACCESS TO CLEAN WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE.
CLIMATE CHANGE.
LACK OF EDUCATION.
POOR PUBLIC WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE.
Gambia main exports are: peanuts, fish and cotton. Gambia main export partners are Senegal and Guinea followed by the United Kingdom and China. Others include: Guinea-Bissau, Ghana and India.
Gambia Exports
Exports in Gambia increased to 24785 GMD Thousands in September from 21171 GMD Thousands in August of 2021. source: GBoS – Gambia Bureau of Statistics.
Related | Last | Unit | Reference |
Balance of Trade | -2660614.00 | GMD Thousands | Sep 2021 |
Imports | 2685400.00 | GMD Thousands | Sep 2021 |
Exports | 24785.00 | GMD Thousands | Sep 2021 |
Banjul, the capital of Gambia is a regional entrepôt, where merchandise can be imported and exported without paying import duties. As a result, Gambia re-exports constitute over 80 percent of the country’s total exports. Gambia main exports are: peanuts, fish and cotton. Gambia main export partners are Senegal and Guinea followed by the United Kingdom and China. Others include: Guinea-Bissau, Ghana and India. Since 2009, Gambia foreign trade records are adjusted for coverage.
Actual | Previous | Highest | Lowest | Dates | Unit | Frequency |
24785.00 | 21171.00 | 362879.00 | 0.00 | 1994 – 2021 | GMD Thousands | Monthly |
Compare Exports by Country
United Nations Comtrade Database
Exports by Country | Exports by Category | Imports by Country | Imports by Category
- Gambia Corruption Rank at 102.00
- Gambia Corruption Index at 37.00 Points
- Gambia – Credit Rating at 15.00
- Gambia Fiscal Expenditure at 5475.34 GMD Million
- Gambia Government Budget Value at -949.98 GMD Million
- Gambia Government Revenues at 4525.36 GMD Million
- Gambia CPI Housing Water Electricity Gas and Other Fuels at 108.91 points
- Gambia Consumer Price Index Cpi at 116.43 points Gambia CPI Transportation at 114.35 points Gambia Inflation Rate at 8.35 percent
Education in the Gambia
Language
The Constitution mandates free and compulsory primary education in the Gambia, but a lack of resources and education infrastructure has made implementation difficult. In 1995, the gross primary enrollment rate was 77.1 percent and the net primary enrollment rate was 64.7 percent. School fees long prevented many children from attending school, but in February 1998 the president of the Gambia ordered the termination of fees for the first six years of schooling. Girls make up about 40 percent of primary school students, though the figure is much lower in rural areas where cultural factors and poverty prevent parents from sending girls to school. Approximately 20 percent of school-age children attend Koranic schools, which usually have a restricted curriculum.
Young children in school in the Gambia
In 1988, the government of the Gambia began a major education initiative which included a 15- year plan that has emphasized increasing gross enrollment rates, lowering school entry age from 8 to 7, developing basic education curricula, and improving teacher training.
Many of these goals have been met. The gross primary enrollment rate increased from 62.2 to 77.1 percent from 1989 to 1995; the entry age was lowered to seven years; more textbooks were made available for students; and 1,200 unqualified teachers in the system received training.
The major goal:
The Gambia has set for itself for the remainder of the plan is to enroll 90 percent of children in schools for the full cycle of basic education by 2005.Over the 1990s, spending on education increased from 15 to 21 percent of government expenditure and 2.6 percent to 4.3 percent of GNP, while the share of the education budget devoted to primary education increased from 38 percent to 45 percent.
Living of Gambia
Cost of living in Gambia
Summary of cost of living in Gambia
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: 121,239 Dalasi
- Single person estimated monthly costs: 43,001 Dalasi
WARNING! These estimates are based on only a few data points. At the moment, you should treat them only as a best guess.
Change the currency
GMD – Dalasi (Dalasi)
Food
Basic lunchtime menu and drink in the district | 276 Dalasi |
Combo meal in fast food restaurant (big mac meal) | 309 Dalasi |
500 gr (1 lb.) of boneless chicken breast | 161 Dalasi |
1 liter of whole fat milk | 180 Dalasi |
12 eggs, large | 203 Dalasi |
1 kg of tomatoes | 100 Dalasi |
500 gr of local cheese | 600 Dalasi |
1 kg of apples | 200 Dalasi |
1 kg of potatoes | 120 Dalasi |
0.5 l domestic beer in the supermarket | 56 Dalasi |
1 bottle of red table wine, good quality | 2,800 Dalasi |
2 liters of Coca-Cola | 127 Dalasi |
Bread for 2 people for 1 day | 28 Dalasi |
Housing
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in expensive area | 25,000 Dalasi |
Monthly rent for 85 m2 (900 sqft) furnished accommodation in normal area | 15,000 Dalasi |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 2 people in 85m2 flat | – |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area | 11,000 Dalasi |
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area | 7,000 Dalasi |
Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio | 1,875 Dalasi |
Internet 8 mbps (1 month) | 500 Dalasi |
40” flat screen tv | 29,146 Dalasi |
Microwave 800/900 watt (bosch, Panasonic, lg, sharp, or equivalent brands) | 12,000 Dalasi |
Laundry detergent (3 l. ~ 100 oz.) | 405 Dalasi |
Hourly rate for cleaning help | – |
Clothes
1 pair of jeans (levis 501 or similar) | 1,800 Dalasi |
1 summer dress in a high street store (Zara, h&m or similar retailers) | 2,500 Dalasi |
1 pair of sport shoes (Nike, Adidas, or other brands) | 2,800 Dalasi |
1 pair of men’s leather business shoes | 1,600 Dalasi |
Personal Care
Cold medicine for 6 days (tylenol, frenadol, coldrex…) | 150 Dalasi |
1 box of antibiotics (12 doses) | 150 Dalasi |
Short visit to private doctor (15 minutes) | – |
1 box of 32 tampons (tampax, ob, …) | 75 Dalasi |
Deodorant, roll-on (50ml ~ 1.5 oz.) | 106 Dalasi |
Hair shampoo 2-in-1 (400 ml ~ 12 oz.) | 150 Dalasi |
4 rolls of toilet paper | 100 Dalasi |
Tube of toothpaste | 85 Dalasi |
Standard men’s haircut in expat area of the city | 100 Dalasi |
Entertainment
Basic dinner out for two in neighborhood pub | 500 Dalasi |
2 tickets to the movies | – |
2 tickets to the theater (best available seats) | – |
Dinner for two at an Italian restaurant in the expat area including appetizers, main course, wine and dessert | 1,300 Dalasi |
1 cocktail drink in downtown club | 272 Dalasi |
Cappuccino in expat area of the city | 75 Dalasi |
1 beer in neighborhood pub (500ml or 1pt.) | 90 Dalasi |
IPad wi-fi 128gb | 25,000 Dalasi |
1 min. of prepaid mobile tariff (no discounts or plans) | 8 Dalasi |
1 month of gym membership in business district | 1,750 Dalasi |
1 package of Marlboro cigarettes | 250 Dalasi |
The service and agricultural sectors are some of the main areas Gambians primarily depend on for employment opportunities.
The vast majority of the employed population works in the informal sectors (90%+), with only a small proportion working within the formal sectors of the economy. Information included under this category includes data on number of schools and enrollment statistics.
Services Contribution to GDP (2020): 56.6%% Inflation Rate (February 2022): 8.3% Overall CPI (February 2022) , (January 2020=100): 116.43 Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages Index (February 2022): 120.18 Non-Food Products and Services Index (February 2022): 112.17 Population (Census 2013): 1,857,181 Unemployment rate (Labour Force 2018): 35.2% Prices, Producer Price Index March 2021 (September 2017=100): 118.65
Education
Home All Categories Education
- Basic and Secondary Education
- Higher Education
Number of Schools
The Gambia suffers from a shortage of skilled Labour which the Government plans to address through investment in higher education.
Over recent years, the Government of The Gambia has invested in the various levels of education in order to develop human capital and create an effective workforce. The ultimate goal is to produce a well-trained and skilled Labour force that will guarantee economic and social development, and higher wages.
Information included under this category includes data on number of schools and enrolment statistics.
Population of Cities in Gambia (2022)
Gambia has 0 cities with more than a million people, 1 city with between 100,000 and 1 million people, and 8 cities with between 10,000 and 100,000 people. The largest city in Gambia is Serekunda, with a population of people.
Name | 2022 Population |
Serekunda | 340,000 |
Brikama | 77,700 |
Bakau | 43,098 |
Banjul | 34,589 |
Farafenni | 29,867 |
Lamin | 24,797 |
Sukuta | 15,131 |
Basse Santa Su | 14,380 |
Gunjur | 14,088 |
Soma | 9,869 |
Sabi | 7,738 |
Bansang | 7,615 |
Abuko | 6,572 |
Essau | 5,907 |
Barra | 5,323 |
Mansa Konko | 1,978 |
Kerewan | 2,751 |
Georgetown | 3,584 |
Sources: © 2022 World Population Review
What are geo coordinates of the Gambia
- Country Code (ISO3) GMB
- Country Code (ISO2) GM
- Capital City: Banjul
The population of Kiang West is predominantly of Mandinka ethnicity (Mandinka 79.9%, Fula 16.2%, Jola 2.4%, other 1.3%) living across some 36 villages. Villages are divided into compounds, where extended multi-generational families live together with an average of 16 people per compound (range 1–170).
The Gambia as a country has a population of about two million people and it has six regions namely; Greater Banjul calling region 1, West coast Region called region 2, North Bank Region called region 3 where the Globe Country Coordinator came from, Lower River Region called region 4, Central River Region called Region …
Results of the 2013 Population and Housing Census show that The Gambia has a total population of 1,857,181 persons and 145,080 compounds.
Where are we coming from
The Gambia is at the cusp of a historic transition brought on by a groundbreaking development on 2nd December 2016, when the Gambian people voted out of office the former President Yaya Jammeh who ruled the country for 22 years.
During that period, The Gambia’s governance landscape was characterized by a system of arbitrary one-person rule, which subjugated the population to gross human rights violations, terror and serious abuses of office. Similarly, on the security front, the armed services did not play their part in upholding the constitution and defending the sovereign will of Gambians. Consequently, the government with the support of partners (United Nations, European Union and Economic Community of West African States) has embarked upon a security sector reform aimed at bringing the security services under full democratic civilian control.
There is a direct correlation between the denial of fundamental freedoms and the bad governance that existed under the previous regime on the one hand, and the dire economic and social situation inherited by the new government on the other.
Thankfully, with the help of Providence, the determination of the country’s citizens, the efforts of the new government, as well as the assistance of the international community that dark chapter in Gambia’s history is now a thing of the past.
However, despite the new democratic dispensation, the country is faced with a difficult economic and social situation:
- a) A stalled economy arising from several shocks:
these include a poor 2016/17 agricultural season, which drastically reduced the groundnut crop; a severe contraction of tourism receipts during the traditional high season, and volatile oil and commodity prices. Estimates put the combined losses from these shocks at $US 31 million or 3 per cent of GDP. Furthermore, gross international reserves also declined to $ US 60 million- or 1.6-months’ worth of import cover (2016).
- b) Economic mismanagement and massive theft by the previous regime:
this has resulted in further fiscal shocks. Theft from state-owned enterprises (SOEs) has been estimated at 4 percent of GDP per year since mid-2014.
- c) The country is in external debt distress:
it has an unsustainable public debt, which stands at D 48 billion ($ US 1 billion) or 120 percent of GDP. Because of this, debt servicing consumes a huge amount of government revenue, leaving very limited fiscal space for financing critical infrastructure and human capital development needs. This is also denying our private sector access to finance and credit, vital for its growth and expansion.
- d) An acute electricity crisis:
this arises from the inability of the sector to meet domestic demand or for economic activities.
the sector has not significantly contributed to poverty reduction as 91 percent of the rural poor work as farmers while the sector continues to be relatively undiversified, mainly smallholder- based and characterized by rain-fed subsistence farming.
this industry is challenged by poor destination recognition/attractiveness; dwindling product quality; undiversified products; limited air access and reliance on tour operators; security; and environmental degradation.
the trading landscape is marked by declining and stagnant domestic exports and an increasing growth in imports, which has led to a 30-year continuous current account deficit (except 2003 and 2007).
while advances have been made with regards to enrollment rates and girls’ education at the primary level, the issue of quality and relevance of the curriculum and learning materials continues to be a source of serious concern.
The Gambia’s strong primary healthcare (PHC), which was a model for other countries has deteriorated over the past years and is no longer able to serve the population adequately.
- e) Women’s Empowerment:
gender equality and women’s empowerment are still major challenges in Gambian society.