Note: Profiles of all nations are given with info on religious stats and
socio-economics in that nation for your
consideration.
Christian dating :
The Gambia
Geography
Area: 11,300 sq. km. (4,361 sq. mi.); about the size of Maryland.
Cities: Capital--Banjul (pop. 34,828 excluding suburbs (2003
census provisional).
Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.
Climate: Tropical; hot rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry
season (November to May).
People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Gambian(s).
Population (2003 census): 1.36 million.
Annual growth rate (2001 - 2003): 2.77%.
Ethnic groups (1993 census): Mandinka 39.5%, Fula 18.8%, Wolof 14.6%,
Jola 10.6%, Serahule 8.9%, Serere 7.8%, Krio/Aku Marabout 1.8%, Manjago
0.8%, Bambara 0.7%, other Gambians 1.2%, no declaration 0.3%.
Non-Gambians 12.9% of the population.
Christian singles note-Religions: Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, animists
0.08%.
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, other
indigenous languages.
Education: Years compulsory--none. Attendance--69%
primary, 35% secondary. Adult literacy--37.8%.
Health: Life expectancy--54.1 yrs. Infant mortality rate
(2001)--91/1,000. Access to safe drinking water--urban 80%,
rural 53%.
Work force (400,000): Agriculture--70%; industry, commerce,
services--24%; government--6%.
Government
Type: Civilian.
Independence: February 18, 1965.
Constitution: January 16, 1997.
Branches: National Assembly; Executive; Judiciary.
Subdivisions: Capital and five divisions.
Political parties: Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction
(APRC), United Democratic Party (UDP), National Reconciliation Party (NRP),
National Convention Party (NCP), Peoples Democratic Organization for
Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), National Democratic Action Movement
(NDAM), and the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress.
Economy
GDP (2002): $360 million.
Annual growth rate: (2002) 3%.
Per capita income (2002): $330.
Natural resources: Seismic studies indicate the possible presence of oil
and gas offshore.
Agriculture (29% of GDP): Products--peanuts, rice, millet,
sorghum, fish, palm kernels, vegetables, livestock, forestry.
Industry (12% of GDP): Types--peanut products, construction,
telecommunications, brewing, soft drinks, agricultural machinery
assembly, woodworking, metal working, clothing.
Trade: (2000 est.): Exports--$12.03 million, including
re-exports, groundnut and groundnut products (37%), fish and fish
products (7%), fruits and vegetables (26%). Major markets--U.K.,
other EU countries, and Senegal. Imports--$139.3 million,
including textiles, readymade foodstuffs, machinery, transportation
equipment. 98% for domestic consumption, 2% for re-export. Major
suppliers--U.K.; other EU countries; China, Japan, and other Asian
countries; West African neighbors. Official Development Assistance (ODA)
received from all sources (2001): $50.9 million. U.S. economic aid
received (FY 2001): $6.2 million in food aid and assistance to democracy
and human rights programs.
PEOPLE AND HISTORY
Christian singles note-A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The
Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each preserving its own
language and traditions. The Mandinka tribe is the largest, followed by
the Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahule. Approximately 3,500 non-Africans
live in The Gambia, including Europeans and families of Lebanese origin.
Muslims constitute more than 95% of the population. Christians of
different denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians
officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious
tolerance.
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