The Gambia

 

The Republic of the Gambia, commonly referred to as The Gambia or Gambia, is situated in the western region of Africa. It has a land area of 10,380 km2 (almost as big as the State of Delaware) with an estimated population of 1.8 million. It is a former British colony and gained its independence on February 18, 1965. The Gambia is an enclave country in West Africa, mostly surrounded by Senegal with a short strip of its coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the smallest country on mainland Africa and its capital city is Banjul.

 

The Gambia is situated on either side of the Gambia River, the nation's namesake, which flows through the center of the Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. As a result of the shape of the country, and more importantly, the hospitality and friendliness of the Gambian people, The Gambia is also known as the "The Smiling Coast of Africa."

 

Fun Facts 

 

• The Gambia is a very flat country with the highest point being only 150 feet above sea level.

• With over 540 species of birds, The Gambia is a bird watching destination and provides some amazing opportunities for bird watching.

• The Gambia is home to two UNESCO World Heritage sites. First, is the Wassu Stone Circles which dates back to the 3rd Century BC. The second is the Kunta Kinteh Island, which is a former slave trading port named  after Kunta Kinteh from the book "Roots." 

• During the first official transatlantic flight by a U.S. President, The Gambia was one of the three pit stops taken by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt en route to meet with Winston Churchill in Casablanca