11 Interesting Gambia Facts: History, Culture, And More!

A resident of the West Africa, Gambia is the smallest country in Africa with a dense population and even denser cultural significance.

The narrow country has a stretched coastline of the Atlantic ocean, which captures a significant part of its border from the west, along with mainland Africa country Senegal enclosing it from the rest of the sides.

Despite possessing a peculiarly shaped land, the country is known for being a major cultural center for many ethnic groups in Africa, with each successfully retaining their languages.

A majority of Gambian people follow Islam as a major Gambia religion, yet the country is highly accepting of people from other religions.

It is one of the least developed countries as a major part of its Gambia's economy depends upon small-scaled usage of natural resources and agriculture only. The Gambia holds various tourist attractions that make it worth a visit as the sustained natural beauty of the place is hard to beat.

The place has also seen a great part of its history through dark times, but it has not stopped the people of Gambia from evolving and improving, and the best way to understand it is through learning more about their culture.

Along with searching about Austria facts and Finland facts it is time to look for Gambia facts to know it better and close!

Gambia History

Gambia's history is as deep as its culture, with countless transformations, ups, and downs. Let's find out some of the most intriguing facts about the history of Gambia.

The Kunta Kinte island or formerly known as James island survived a dark past of the slave trade under the British Empire.

Being one of the central points for the slave trade in Africa, Gambia once served as a major route for the transatlantic slave trade as African residents were forcefully taken to the US during the French and British Empires, with most of the power being under the British governor.

The island is also a UNESCO world heritage site as it testifies to the significant events of beginning and ending slavery.

The second Gambia president after independence from British colonies, Yahya Jammeh, seized power in a coup with an authoritarian reign that lasted for a long span of 22 years. In his long reign, President Jammeh was accused of corruption human rights violations under his oppressive rule.

The Gambia has an unusual sacred site, the Kachikally's sacred pool shrine, which homes over 80 crocodiles. The exact number of crocodiles is not known yet.

These crocodiles are said to be extremely docile as people visit the holy place to exhibit fertility rituals and seek blessings. The site is believed to have been established 520 years ago by a ruler's sister named Katchikali to the Bojang family. The crocodile pools hold great significance among Gambians as it also protects those vulnerable to evil spirits.

The Pulitzer Prize-winning book 'roots' by Alex Haley traces the history of the slave trade in the Gambia. The novel depicted the story of a Gambian warrior Kunta Kinte, who was kidnapped and sold in slavery through the West African port located at the mouth of the Gambia River.

The story revived a horrific past experienced by the black communities in the Gambia and the whole of Africa, with around 15 million people affected by it.

English became Gambia's official language after British colonization though, the presence of multiple ethnic groups assured Gambia's own language diversity of surviving through and staying active among communities. The Gambia language, for now, is not just restricted to English but a mix of several.

Since the year 1988, the Gambian government has mandated free primary education for young Gambian kids in an effort to improve literacy rates. Although attending school is free and compulsory, a major part of the nation still doesn't take benefit of the education classroom.

Lack of resources and a weak Gambian economy is a greatly affecting aspect too to hinder the quality of education.

Senegambia was a limited confederation between Senegal and Gambia from the year 1982-1989 with the intention of bringing the countries closer to each other in terms of cooperation in military and economic policies. Senegal being bigger in comparison to Gambia's area posed an autonomy concern over the latter, leading the union to liquidate from Gambia's side.

What is the Gambia famous for?

Along with a beautiful coastal facing border, Gambia's wildlife claims appreciation from tourists and visitors all over the world as the country offers diverse species, especially home to rarest bird species, including Yellow-billed stork and Sound owls.

Gambia exports a rich supply of fish, peanut, and cotton as the country takes part in overseas trade exporting such agricultural resources. Ethnic culture, rare species, secluded beaches, and many other features make it famous among people. However, it is still not a rich country.

Why do they call it 'the Gambia'?

The small country is named after the Gambia river, which is an essential waterway in the region of West Africa.

The name for the river Gambia was inspired by a Mandinka term named Kambra/Kambaa. The Portuguese and British colonies accepted it as it is, taking river Gambia as the naming source for the country Gambia.

Gambia tourism

People who wish to explore a small yet eccentric hub of African culture and natural beauty can go for Gambia tourism to explore a summarized expression of West Africa. The Gambia experiences a serene rainy season with sunshine breeze mixed in the air, a beautiful combination to explore the exceptional Atlantic coastline.

The Gambia offers a ride full of heartwarming sceneries and friendly locals. Here are a few must-visits and fascinating facts about these places.

Abuko National Park is the country's first national reserve containing a vivid variety of cherished African Flora and Fauna. Kunta Kinteh Island has a great historical significance for the people of Africa, retelling a story of surviving countless years of oppression and atrocities worth paying a visit to learn more about Africa.

National Museum of Gambia displays the cultural wealth of the Gambia in the shape of artifacts, exhibits, and displays.

Wassu Stone Circles mark as an ancient site with burials of Gambian kings. Local legend claims that if anyone tries to move the stones, they will be cursed, which is probably why it has retained its position for years.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Gambia facts then why not take a look at Hungary facts, or Jamaica facts.