From Wikitravel

The Gambia is a country in West Africa and is the smallest country on the continent of Africa. It has a North Atlantic Ocean coastline in the west and is surrounded by Senegal so that it is almost an enclave. The country occupies the Gambia River valley and surrounding hills.

Contents 1 Regions 2 Cities 3 Other destinations 4 Understand 4.1 Climate 4.2 Terrain 4.3 History 4.4 National Holidays 5 Get in 5.1 Passport and Visa 5.2 By plane 5.3 By car 5.4 By bus 5.5 By boat 6 Get around 7 Talk 8 Buy 9 Eat 10 Drink 11 Sleep 12 Learn 13 Work 14 Stay safe 15 Stay healthy 16 Respect 17 Contact

Regions

Gambia is split into 6 regions, of which the capital is one:

• Banjul
• Central River (Gambia)
• Lower River (Gambia)
• North Bank (Gambia)
• Upper River (Gambia)
• Western (Gambia)

Cities

• Banjul - Capital
• Bintang

Other destinations

Understand

Climate

Tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May); Natural hazards : drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Terrain

Flood plain of the Gambia river flanked by some low hills - the highest point is just 53m above sea level!

History

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK on 18th February 1965. A constitution was written on 24th April 1970, before being suspended in July 1994, before being rewritten and approved by national referendum on 8th August 1996. It was reestablished in January 1997

Gambia formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned political activity, but a new 1996 constitution and presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook another round of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001 and early 2002.

National Holidays

Gambia celebrates its independence day on 18th February 1965.

Get in

Gambia is becoming a popular vacation destination for Northern Europeans. Therefore, many charter and holiday operators offer reasonable airfare and accommodation if desired.

Passport and Visa

US citizens must obtain a Gambian visa before entering the Gambia. Visa can be obtained at the Gambian High Commission in Dakar. Single entry visas cost 25,000CFA or multi-entry for three month period cost 30,000CFA.

By plane

By car

Sept-places or bush taxis from Dakar to Banjul or Banjul to Ziguinchor.

By bus

By boat

Get around

You can rent a bike from pretty much anyone that owns one at a negotiated rate.

Talk

Languages spoken in Gambia are English (the official language), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and other indigenous vernaculars.

Buy

Eat

Drink

Sleep

Learn

Work

Stay safe

There are a number of very commonly used scams in the Gambia. If someone stops you on the street, they may tell you that they remember you from the hotel you're staying at and that they work there. They may invite you to another hotel, but this could be a scam to attempt to rob you. Also, because people are constantly looking for ways to support themselves, if they offer you assistance or directions, it may be understood that they expect some monetary compensation.

Scams also exist in which marijuana is offered to tourists or they are are invited to come smoke in a home, only to find police waiting for a hefty bribe.

Stay healthy

Respect

Contact

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