Charitable Foundation for Improving Education in the Gambia

The Gambia

The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and one of the poorest with approximately one third of the population living under the International poverty level. Situated just below the Sahara Desert, surrounded on 3 sides by Senegal, the Gambia is an agriculturally rich country whose natural resources are fishing and peanuts; hence the economy of Gambia is heavily dependent on farming, fishing and tourism. It is a very small and narrow country being less than 48 km wide at its widest point, and with a total area of 11,300 km².

Agriculture accounts for approximately 30% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs about 70% of the work force. Within agriculture, peanut production accounts for 6.9% of GDP, other crops 8.3%, livestock 5.3%, fishing 1.8%, and forestry 0.5%. Industry accounts for approximately 8% of GDP, and services approximately 58%. The limited amount of manufacturing is primarily agricultural-based (e.g. peanut processing, bakeries, a brewery, and a tannery). Other manufacturing activities include soap, soft drinks, and clothing.

Despite Serrekunda being larger, Banjul is Gambia's capital.

On 18 February 1965, Gambia was granted independence from the United Kingdom and joined The Commonwealth. Since gaining independence Gambia has enjoyed relative stability, with the exception of a brief period of military rule in 1994.

The general climate for the Gambia is tropical. From June until November there is a period of hot weather and a very rainy season. From November until May, the temperatures are cooler and the season drier.

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