World Context: Gambia

Source and mapping status

This page maps the site registry entry “Gambia” to the supplied dataset entity “Gambia, The.” Mapping status: alias-name. The source is a frozen 2025 snapshot; dates embedded in individual fields remain controlling.

• Source entity count: 1.
• Selected public fields present: 19.
• Independent corroboration in this page: none.

Place and environment

Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal Area: total : 11,300 sq km; land: 10,120 sq km; water: 1,180 sq km Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills Natural hazards: droughts Environmental issues: deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; desertification; water pollution; water-borne diseases

Population, settlement, and language context

Population: total: 2,523,327 (2024 est.); male: 1,250,490; female: 1,272,837 Population distribution: 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 Urbanization: urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023); rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.) Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Public and legal context

Capital: name: Banjul; geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W; time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time); etymology: the name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, " bangjulo," or "rope making" Government type: presidential republic Legal system: mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law

Economy and connectivity context

Economic overview: low-income West African economy; agriculture-dominant; high poverty rate; heightened inflation; dependent on foreign assistance and remittances; structural reforms conditioned by IMF Extended Credit Facility program Industries: peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing Electricity access: electrification - total population: 65.4% (2022 est.); electrification - urban areas: 82.8%; electrification - rural areas: 31.2% Internet users: percent of population: 46% (2023 est.) Airports: 1 (2025) Ports: total ports: 1 (2024); large: 0; medium: 0; small: 0; very small: 1; ports with oil terminals: 1; key ports: Banjul

Interpretation and freshness boundary

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