Country Profile: Gambia, The

The Gambia, a small country in Western Africa, is surrounded by Senegal and extends to the Atlantic Ocean. With a population of approximately 2.5 million, it has a young demographic, reflecting a median age of 20.5 years. The economy is primarily agrarian, heavily reliant on agriculture, remittances, and foreign assistance, contributing to a high poverty rate. The political landscape has evolved since gaining independence from the UK in 1965, transitioning from military rule to a presidential republic with recent democratic reforms.

Geography

The Gambia is located in Western Africa, bordered by Senegal on all sides and has a short coastline along the North Atlantic Ocean. The country covers an area of approximately 11,300 sq km, featuring a floodplain along the Gambia River and some low hills. The climate is tropical, with a hot rainy season from June to November and a cooler dry season from November to May.

Area: 11,300 sq km
Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River with low hills
Climate: Tropical, with distinct wet and dry seasons
Natural resources: Fish, clay, silica sand, and titanium
Land usage: 62.6% agricultural land (2023 est.)

People and Society

With an estimated population of 2,523,327 in 2024, The Gambia has a youthful demographic, with 38.2% of the population aged 0-14. The country has a rich ethnic tapestry, with the majority being Mandinka/Jahanka and Fulani. English serves as the official language, while Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by 96.4% of the population. The literacy rate stands at 51.6%.

Population: 2.5 million (2024 est.)
Major ethnic groups: Mandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani 18.2%
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula
Religions: 96.4% Muslim, 3.5% Christian
Urban population: 64.5% (2023)

Economy

The Gambian economy is classified as low-income, with agriculture dominating the economic landscape and contributing approximately 24.1% of GDP. The country faces high poverty and inflation rates. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated at $8.365 billion, with a per capita GDP of $3,000. The reliance on foreign remittances is significant, accounting for about 21.1% of GDP.

Real GDP (PPP): $8.365 billion (2024 est.)
GDP growth rate: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Agricultural contribution: 24.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate: 6.5% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line: 53.4% (2020 est.)

Government

The Gambia operates as a presidential republic, with the President serving as both head of state and government. The country has a mixed legal system encompassing English common law and Islamic law. The current president, Adama Barrow, was re-elected in December 2021. The Gambia is notable for not having presidential term limits.

Capital: Banjul
Government type: Presidential republic
Legislative body: National Assembly with 58 seats
Suffrage: Universal at age 18
Citizenship by birth: Yes

Military and Security

The Gambian Armed Forces are composed of several branches, including the Army, Navy, and Air Force. Military expenditure is relatively low at 0.6% of GDP. The GAF participates in peacekeeping missions and supports civil authorities in emergencies. The country has witnessed attempted coups in its recent history, emphasizing the military's politically active role.

Military expenditure: 0.6% of GDP (2024)
Active personnel: Estimated 3,000-4,000 (2025)
Military service age: 18-28 years
Involvement in peacekeeping: Active participants in ECOMIG

Energy

Electricity access is expanding in The Gambia, with an overall electrification rate of 65.4% as of 2022. The energy sector is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, which account for 99% of installed generating capacity. The country’s energy landscape is characterized by a focus on improving access, particularly in rural areas.

Installed capacity: 162,000 kW (2023)
Electricity access: 65.4% of total population (2022)
Electricity consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023)
Fossil fuels share: 99% of total capacity (2023)

Environment

The Gambia faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation and water pollution. It is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing issues such as climate change and biodiversity conservation. The country is actively working to balance its agricultural needs with environmental sustainability.

Deforestation issues: Due to slash-and-burn agriculture
Water pollution: Significant concern impacting health
Total renewable water resources: 8 billion cubic meters (2022)
Waste recycling rate: 13% of municipal solid waste (2022 est.)

Transportation

The Gambia has limited transportation infrastructure, with a focus on improving accessibility. The capital Banjul has one airport, while the merchant marine consists of a small fleet primarily engaged in general cargo. The country's transport capacity is still developing.

Airports: 1 (2025)
Merchant marine: 15 vessels (2023)
Total ports: 1 (2024)

Communications

Telecommunications in The Gambia are developing, with a mobile subscription rate exceeding the total population. Internet usage is growing, with approximately 46% of the population having access as of 2023. Fixed-line telephony remains sparse compared to mobile services.

Mobile subscriptions: 2.68 million (2021)
Internet users: 46% of the population (2023)
Fixed-line subscriptions: 60,000 (2021)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	2,523,327	(2024 est.)
Area	11,300 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$8.365 billion	(2024 est.)
GDP per capita	$3,000	(2024 est.)
Unemployment rate	6.5%	(2024 est.)
Birth rate	26.49 births/1,000 population	(2025 est.)
Life expectancy at birth	68.4 years	(2024 est.)
Electrification rate	65.4%	Total population (2022 est.)
Urban population	64.5%	(2023)
Population below poverty line	53.4%	(2020 est.)