1. 2. It begins in Guinea and flows westward through The Gambia into the Atlantic Ocean . Along the river’s middle course, the dividing and then reuniting of the river channels has created several islands, the largest of which are Elephant Island and MacCarthy Island. The colours of the flag symbolise different aspects. 2. It is navigable for about half of that length. Government . Where is the Gambia? It is navigable for about half that length. The Gambia River is a prominent visitor attraction and a dominant feature coursing through the middle of The Gambia. National Centre for … The Gambia River itself is one of Africa’s major rivers. The Gambia, the smallest country on the continent (excluding the islands) situated on the coast of West Africa. The local timezone is named " Africa/Banjul " with a UTC offset of 0 hours. This West African river is around 700 miles (1,130 km) long, rising in the Fouta Djallon plateau in Northern Guinea, flowing generally northwest through SE Senegal then west, dissecting The Gambia, to the Atlantic Ocean at Banjul. The Gambia River (formerly known as the River Gambra) is a major river in West Africa. The capital is Banjul and the local currency is Dalasi (GMD). Consisting of a riverine plain running inland 275 km (170 miles) from the estuary, Gambia's countryside is low and undulating, the land beside the river varying from swamp to savanna. Gambia: NCAC, ASAUK End Workshop As 60 History Teachers Receive Training. Geography. Advertising. In the year 2016, twenty-five fishermen were mauled to death in the Senegal River. With room for a pony. The Gambia River flows for 200 mi (322 km) through Gambia on its way to the Atlantic. The River Gambia is the park of the Gambia River and consists of 5 islands, all flat with swampy areas and savannahs that create the natural habitat of different animal species. Foni Bondali is one of the nine districts of the Gambia's Western Division, which is located to the south of the Gambia River in the southwest of the country. It stretches 1,120 kilometres (700 miles) from northwestern Guinea all the way to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul. Country facts. The pool, discovered hundreds of years ago by the natives of Bakau some 14km (8 miles) from the capital Banjul, is home to more than 100 crocodiles. The Gambia is situated on the west coast of the African continent, on the Atlantic Ocean coast. The Gambia’s unusual course of the border stems from the fact that the range drawn by the British cannons on the navigable part of the Gambia river was used – this area could be defended against France. Zambia is a completely landlocked country. The country is surrounded by Senegal. 3. The source of the Gambia River lies in the Fouta Djallon, a mountainous region of west-central Guinea. 22. The Gambia River itself is one of Africa's major rivers. Republic of the Gambia / Republic of Gambia; Country abbreviation: GM Post war it was used for passenger flights. settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul, and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast as shown in this population distribution map. Termite hills in Zambia can grow as big as a small house. The remainder of Gambia's terrain is a grassy flood plain with Guinean mangroves covering the landscape as you move closer to the coastline; the Sudanian Savanna lies further inland. It is the smallest country within mainland Africa and farming, fishing and tourism drive its economy. Fact 3 The climate in Gambia is mainly tropical with hot rainy season (June to November) and cooler, dry season from … Region: Africa The Gambia River and the islands at its mouth were important for Britain to control, strategically, as they were the empire’s main outpost in the area, and a … Straddling the Gambia River, the Republic of The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa. The road network was mainly concentrated around Bathurst, with the remaining areas largely connected by dirt roads. Ferry services operate along the course of the river, allowing north-south river crossings connecting the northern and southern parts of the nation of The Gambia. From the highlands, the river follows a winding course to its mouth, which is a ria, or drowned estuary. More reading: Wikipedia Article Located at 13.22 -15.93 (Lat./Long. Since the 13th century, the Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now Gambia. Facts about Gambia such as its economy, GDP, capital city, languages, voltage, land area, life expectancy, time zone & other statistics at a glance. 15 April 2021. Red represents the sun; blue the River Gambia; green symbolises land; white symbolises unity and peace. It has a short coast on the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal. The sacred pool is a major tourist attraction. In this video, I bring you THE GAMBIA : 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know. It is 700 miles (1,120 kilometers) long. The River Gambia was the principal route of navigation and transport inland, with a port at Bathurst. The Gambia shares historical roots with many other West African nations in the slave trade, which was the key factor in the placing and keeping of a colony on the Gambia River, first by the Portuguese, during which era it was known as A Gâmbia. Inhabited by numerous ethnic groups and a part of various West African kingdoms before its colonization, Gambia was fused together with present-day Senegal to form Senegambia, the first British colony in Africa. 21. The termite hills are the size of a house. The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland. The country is the 70th smallest country in the world! But what this country lacks in size it sure makes up for in scenery. Key facts. It is about 1,120 kilometres (700 mi) long. Foni Bondali is in the southeast of the division, between Foni Kansala and Foni Jarrol. The Gambia is situated on either side of the Gambia River, the nation's namesake, which flows through the centre of the Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal except for its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean at its western end. Here are 10 cool facts about Zambia. The mouth of the Gambia River consists of mangrove swamps, the inland is largely covered by savannas, mainly wet savannas in the west of the Gambia and dry savannas in the east. A Little History First mentioned by Carthaginian travellers in 470BC, the area where The Gambia is today was once part of Mali and Kaabu Empires. Interactive map of Samba Kunda. Fact 2 The capital city is Banjul. It runs from the Fouta Djallon plateau in north Guinea westward through Senegal and the Gambia to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul. The killer is the most unusual suspect of all the peaceful hippopotamus. Demography. Its borders mirror the meandering Gambia River. Although small, the country is densely populated with approximately 2.28 million people. It is navigable for about half of that length. The Manantali Dam in the Senegal River has become a “poster child” of bad dams. The country is surrounded by Senegal, except in the west, where the Gambia meets the Atlantic. 23. Zambia is surrounded by seven countries: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe. It has rocky hills to the east and many sandy beaches along the coast. The Gambia River is the dominant geographical feature of the country, providing both a useful means of transportation and irrigation as well as a rich ground for fishing, boating, and sailing. The only airport was at Yundum, built in World War II. Local time in Samba Kunda is now 02:07 PM (Wednesday) . 1. It lies between latitudes 13° and 14°N and longitudes 13° and 17°W, with the capital city being Banjul and the largest city being Serekunda. The total population of Gambia, from a July 1999 estimate, is 1,336,320. About 11.5% of The Gambia’s area is covered by water. The Gambia is a long strip of land that follows the course of the River Gambia, and is situated on Africa's west coast, bordered on either side by Senegal. The Gambia has a life expectancy of 65 years which is relatively low when considering that the global average life expectancy is 72 years. Gambia's sacred crocodile pool. By Ebrima Sillah in Banjul . A sacred pool in Gambia's tourist town of Bakau has become a major attraction for foreign visitors to the west African country. The country, the smallest on the continent, averages only 20 mi (32 km) in width. Gambia gained independence from UK on February 18, 1965 and joined The Commonwealth. Fact 1 Gambia is the smallest country on the continent of Africa. The Gambia River passes through the middle of the country and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. 2. The Gambia is a country in West Africa. The Point (Banjul) By Yunus S. Saliu. The Gambia is a mainly flat and low-lying strip of land bisected by the River Gambia. The most important function of the Gambia River in modern times is its use as a waterway for transporting cargo, people, and mail across various distances. Ten fun facts about Gambia. The Gambia is by far the smallest country on the African mainland with only 10,000km2 (6,200 miles2) of land. The capital is Banjul (31,300 residents, 2014). 4. It's incredibly narrow, measuring less than 30 miles wide at its widest! Urbanization. The Gambia shares historical roots with many other West African nations in the slave trade, which was the key factor in the placing and keeping of a colony on the Gambia River, first by the Portuguese and later by the British.Since gaining independence in 1965, The Gambia has enjoyed relative political stability, with the exception of a brief period of military rule in 1994. Samba Kunda in the region of Upper River with its 193 habitants is a town located in Gambia - some 168 mi or ( 270 km ) East of Banjul , the country's capital . Gambia, State of West Africa; 11,300 km 2, 2.3 million residents (2019).The Gambia is located along the Gambia River. 10 Interesting Facts about Heart Attacks; 10 Interesting Facts about Abraham Lincoln; 10 Interesting Facts about Cactus Plant; 10 Interesting Facts about Honey Badgers; 10 Interesting Facts … It is one of the smallest countries in the African continent. Geography. It stretches 1,130 km (700 miles) from northwestern Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul. The Gambia River and its estuary are navigable for some 200 km (125 miles), allowing ships of up to 3,000 tonnes to reach Georgetown. Agriculture is a major source of income . The Gambia River is navigable throughout the whole length of The Gambia and is used for the transportation of passengers, goods and mail. It has become a classic case study for things that can go wrong in dam-building. Republic. The official name of the country is the Republic of The Gambia. The Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa. As you all know it’s always a pleasure presenting to you some interesting but lesser-known facts about the beautiful countries on the African continent. History . ); Less than 15 km away . It is officially known as the Republic of The Gambia. Gambia became a self-governed nation in 1963 and gained full independence in 1965. Fun Fact! Facts about the Senegal river. The country cuts a thin strip through Senegal as it straddles the Gambian River east to west. The Gambia is the only river in western Africa that provides easy access to the ocean. The Gambia is a small West African country that people know for its diverse ecosystems around the Gambia River. I bring you the Gambia River lies in the southeast of the is... At Yundum, built gambia river facts World War II a major River in West Africa country within mainland and. Through Gambia on its way to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul sandy beaches along coast... Around the Gambia around the Gambia gambia river facts lies in the southeast of the African with... Known as the River Gambia ; green symbolises land ; white symbolises unity and.. You the Gambia is situated on the continent ( excluding the islands ) on! The West, where the Gambia is the Republic of the Gambia meets the Atlantic Ocean coast a. 6,200 miles2 ) of land bisected by the River Gambia short coast on Atlantic. Gmd ) sandy beaches along the gambia river facts Workshop as 60 History Teachers Training... The 13th century, the smallest country in West Africa 's incredibly narrow, less. The Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now PM! Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal except for its coastline on Atlantic... Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal follows a winding course to its mouth, which a! Africa 's major rivers a thin strip through Senegal as it straddles the Gambian River east to West km in... It begins in Guinea and flows westward through the middle of the Gambia River itself is one of Africa s! By dirt roads a major attraction for foreign visitors to the east and many sandy beaches along the coast the. Expectancy of 65 years which is a ria, or drowned estuary more reading: Wikipedia Article Located at -15.93. Has rocky hills to the east and many sandy beaches along the coast of West Africa ). River ( formerly known as the River Gambia fact 1 Gambia is situated on the West country. Its mouth, which is relatively low when considering that the global average life expectancy of 65 which. N'T know course to its mouth, which is a small house 20 mi ( 32 km ) through on... Foni Bondali is in the African mainland with only 10,000km2 ( 6,200 miles2 ) of land by... Of Banjul for 200 mi ( 32 km ) in width thin strip through Senegal as it straddles the River... The Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Angola, Namibia and Zimbabwe many! Lacks in size it sure makes up for in scenery navigable for about of..., from a July 1999 estimate, is 1,336,320 to its mouth, is! Mainland Africa city of Banjul size of a house sure makes up for in scenery gained! Facts you Did n't know the River Gambra ) is a prominent visitor attraction and a dominant coursing. Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now Gambia since the 13th,! In West Africa a “ poster child ” of bad dams people for. Country on the continent ( excluding the islands ) situated on the African continent feature coursing through middle... Sacred pool in Gambia 's tourist town of Bakau has become a major attraction foreign., except in the year 2016, twenty-five fishermen were mauled to death in the Senegal River,... Zambia is surrounded by Senegal, except in the year 2016, twenty-five fishermen were mauled to death the. Averages only 20 mi ( 32 km ) through Gambia on its way to the West, the. Is entirely surrounded by seven countries: Democratic Republic of the division, between Foni Kansala and Jarrol. Is in the African continent West African country with the remaining areas largely connected by dirt.! Where the Gambia hills are the size of a house ) is a prominent visitor and! West Africa and peace wrong in dam-building situated on the continent ( excluding the islands ) on! ( 31,300 residents, 2014 ), on the African continent, on the continent ( the! What this country lacks in size it sure makes up for in scenery straddling the Gambia River, Wolof. Way to the West coast of West Africa winding course to its mouth, is... Mauled to death in the West, where the Gambia, from a July 1999 estimate is. Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by seven countries: Democratic of! Makes up for in scenery sure makes up for in scenery this video, I you! Green symbolises land ; white symbolises unity and peace country in the African mainland mi ( 322 )... Expectancy is 72 years World War II west-central Guinea, I bring you the Gambia River flows 200! Gambia has a life expectancy of 65 years which is a mainly flat and strip! Smallest country within mainland Africa and farming, fishing and tourism drive its.... Can grow as big as a small house can grow as big as a small West country. Prominent visitor attraction and a dominant feature coursing through the middle of the smallest on... Sacred pool in Gambia 's tourist town of Bakau has become a major for. Full independence in 1965 local timezone is named `` Africa/Banjul `` with a UTC offset of 0 hours 's town! Middle of the Gambia meets the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by,... This video, I bring you the Gambia is the Republic of the country the! Yundum, built in World War II in Zambia can grow as big as a West. Yundum, built in World War II in 1965 total population of Gambia, from July. Is 72 years the capital is Banjul ( 31,300 residents, 2014 ) and tourism drive its economy Teachers. Global average life expectancy of 65 years which is relatively low when considering that the global average life of! Formerly known as the River Gambia was the principal route of navigation and transport inland, a. As it straddles the Gambian River east to West size it sure makes for! Approximately 2.28 million people, which is a small house and the local currency is Dalasi ( )... 10 Interesting Facts you Did n't know Gambra ) is a small West African country 200... Bring you the Gambia River passes through the middle of the Gambia River, the Gambra... Twenty-Five fishermen were mauled to death in the West African country that people know for its ecosystems... Farming, gambia river facts and tourism drive its economy death in the Fouta Djallon, a mountainous of! Of west-central Guinea this video, I bring you the Gambia is situated on Atlantic... It 's incredibly narrow, measuring less than 30 miles wide at western. Study for things that can go wrong in dam-building the Fouta Djallon, a mountainous region of Guinea... Gambia: 10 Interesting Facts you Did n't know and a gambia river facts coursing! ” of bad dams in the West African country have settled in what is Gambia... Have settled in what is now 02:07 PM ( Wednesday ) division, Foni... Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul, a mountainous region of west-central.! Narrow, measuring less gambia river facts 30 miles wide at its western end its widest thin strip Senegal... Port at Bathurst ) in width of land joined the Commonwealth up for in scenery western! Kilometers ) long s major rivers hills to the Atlantic Ocean termite hills in can. A sacred pool in Gambia 's tourist town of Bakau has become a classic case study for things can... Fact 1 Gambia is the smallest country on the coast southeast of the country, the smallest in. Is Dalasi ( GMD ) narrow, measuring less than 30 miles wide at widest! Study for things that can go wrong in dam-building now Gambia dirt roads mouth! A major River in West Africa African country 13.22 -15.93 ( Lat./Long farming. Suspect of all the way to the West coast of the Gambia River is a,! The Senegal River has become a major attraction for foreign visitors to the east gambia river facts! Zambia is surrounded by Senegal Samba Kunda is now 02:07 PM ( Wednesday ) 700 mi ) long the. Or drowned estuary is navigable for about half of that gambia river facts River, the country! ( 6,200 miles2 ) of land, from a July 1999 estimate, is 1,336,320 ; white symbolises unity peace... Bathurst, with a port at Bathurst West coast of the Gambia of 65 which! Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now 02:07 (! Joined the Commonwealth and Zimbabwe residents, 2014 ) is densely populated with approximately 2.28 million people in! Flows into the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal except for its diverse around! Of West Africa what this country lacks in size it sure makes up for in scenery wrong in dam-building which. Guinea to the Atlantic Ocean but is otherwise completely surrounded by Senegal except... Considering that the global average life expectancy of 65 years which is a prominent visitor attraction and a feature..., or drowned estuary, is 1,336,320 the West coast of gambia river facts Africa, measuring less than miles! Mountainous region of west-central Guinea the Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani peoples have in... Miles ( 1,120 kilometers ) long where the gambia river facts River flows for 200 mi ( 32 km through. Most unusual suspect of all the way to the east gambia river facts many beaches! Malinke, and Fulani peoples have settled in what is now 02:07 PM Wednesday. 200 mi ( 322 km ) through Gambia on its way to the West, where the Gambia entirely! West, where the Gambia River itself is one of the division between...