The Gambia

The Gambia is a small country in West Africa with around 2 million inhabitants. It used to be a British colony and the country gained its independence on the February 18, 1965. The official language is English. There are at least 10 different tribes who have never experienced any kind of civil war. The Mandinka is the largest, followed by the Fula, Wolof, Jola and Serahule.
The biggest part of the population are Muslims, the others are Christians. The Gambians are known for their hospitality and friendliness. The Gambia has a rich cultural life concerning music, dance, food and art. The currency is dalasi (GMD).

The Gambia has two seasons; the rain season and the winter season. During the rain season the country is very green and beautiful; this is also the work season for the farmers. They grow their crops and plants for themselves but also for commercialisation. The temperature varies from +27oC to +45oC. The local population generally finds the winter climate dry and cold, but tourists from all over Europe travel here in this season finding it easy to cope with the climate. The temperature during the winter season varies from +20oC to +30oC. The Gambia is well known for its long fine beaches stretching from the capital Banjul all the way down to southern Senegal.