The Gambia Map

The Gambia map clearly defines the geographical and political contours of the country. The physical map of The Gambia indicates the major rivers and topography of the country. The Gambia is spread over total area of 11,300 sq km. As per the census statistics of 2007, the country holds a population of 1,688,359. English is the official language of The Gambia. Wolof, Fula, Mandinka and other regional dialects are also spoken by the local inhabitants of the country. The Gambia adheres to the republican form of government. The capital of the West African country is Banjul.

The Gambia is one of the tiniest countries in the world. It is wrapped by Senegal to the north, east, and south. The Atlantic Ocean is situated to its west. The Gambia River is its main river. Agriculture, fishing and tourism form its economic backbone. Peanut is the main crop. Islam and Christianity are the main religions of the Gambia. English is the official language of Gambia. There are around 10 ethnic languages of Gambia.

The Wolof, Malinke, and Fulani were some of the earliest civilized people of The Gambia. European explorations took shape through the hands of the Portuguese during the 15th century. Later, French established a settlement here. Slave trade flourished under colonial patronage here. The Gabon became a British Crown Colony in 1843. It gained its independence on February. 18, 1965, though it remained a member of the Commonwealth of Nations. Its independence process was completed democratically through a referendum, five years later. Full independence was approved in a 1970 referendum, and on April 24 of that year Gambia proclaimed itself an independent republic.

The Gambia is a republic country under the head of the President. The president comes to power through popular election and enjoys five-year term. He appoints the Cabinet posts. The National Assembly is the legislative body of the Republic of the Gambia. It consists of 53 members. Tribal chiefs also enjoy power in some local provinces. The country is segregated into several villages divisions, apart from the town council of Banjul. The Supreme Court is the main court of the Gambia.

Culture and Heritage
The Gambian culture and heritage is a combination of local customs of several ethnic groups. The balafon, the ngoni, and the kora are popular musical instruments. The kora is a symbol of the Gambian national culture and pride. The Gambian musical genre is characterized by the nasal tones of the singers. Oral traditions have formed the base of Gambian literature. The country is rich in folktales. Among them the Hyena and the Hare stories are quite popular. The Gambia National Troupe is a symbol of cross-cultural unity.

Tourism
Tourism of the Gambia mainly depends on its unspoilt nature. Birds, pristine sea beaches, charming sunrise, soothing sun set, and local heritage are some important ingredients of this sector. Banjul is a popular travel destination. Its Albert Market bustles with visitors round the year. Sea resorts are coming up in the coastal areas of the Gambia. James Island and Related Sites and Stone Circles of Senegambia are the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Gambia.