Interesting facts about the Gambia Is a great opportunity to learn more about West African countries. It has a subequatorial climate, which is perfect for agricultural activities. Despite its modest size, the state is rich in flora and fauna.
So, here are the most interesting facts about the Republic of the Gambia.
- The African country of Gambia gained independence from Great Britain in 1965.
- In 2015, the head of the Gambia declared the country an Islamic Republic.
- Did you know that the Gambia is the smallest country in Africa (see interesting facts about Africa)?
- You won't see a single mountain in the Gambia. The highest point of the state does not exceed 60 m above sea level.
- The Gambia owes its name to the river of the same name that flows through its territory.
- The republic's motto is “Progress, Peace, Prosperity”.
- Over 970 plant species grow in the Gambia. In addition, there are 177 species of mammals, 31 species of bats, 27 species of rodents, 560 species of birds, 39 species of snakes and more than 170 species of butterflies. There are over 620 fish species in the coastal waters and reservoirs of the country.
- An interesting fact is that the export of peanuts is the main source of the Gambian economy.
- The first tourists arrived in Gambia only in 1965, that is, immediately after gaining independence.
- There is no rail service in the Gambia.
- There is only one traffic light on the territory of the state, which is something like a local landmark.
- Although the Gambia River divides the republic into 2 parts, not a single bridge has been built across it.
- The official language of the Gambia is English, but the locals speak many local languages and dialects (see interesting facts about languages).
- Education in the country is free, but optional. For this reason, half of the Gambians are semi-literate.
- Three quarters of the Gambian population live in villages and towns.
- The average life expectancy in the Gambia is only 54 years.
- Approximately 90% of Gambians are Sunni Muslim.
