Capital: Banjul
Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal (slightly less than twice the size of Delaware)
Customs Regulations:
U.S. citizens living in or visiting The Gambia are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in Banjul upon arrival and to obtain updated information on travel and security in The Gambia. The U.S. Embassy is located on Kairaba Avenue in Fajara, a suburb of the capital city of Banjul. The mailing address is P.M.B. No. 19, Banjul, The Gambia. The telephone numbers are (220) 392856, 392858 or 391971, fax (220) 392475.
Background:
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it 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, have completed a nominal return to civilian rule.
Ethnic Groups:
African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1%
Language:
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Currency:
GMD
dalasi (GMD)
dalasi per US dollar - 27.4 (March 2007), 15.000 (January 2001), 12.729 (3d quarter 1999), 11.395 (1999), 10.643 (1998), 10.200 (1997), 9.789 (1996)
Climate:
Tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Population:
1,411,205 (July 2001 est.)
Religion:
Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%
Medical:
Medical facilities are limited and some medicines are unavailable. Travelers should bring their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section on import/export restrictions
The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.
Safety:
Although the Gambia completed a transition from military to civilian rule in 1996, due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings or street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times. Travelers should not photograph airports or military installations. There were a few shootings at Gambian road checkpoints in January 2001. Therefore, travelers driving a vehicle in the Gambia should stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints, and proceed only when instructed by security personnel. Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint, nor make any movements that may be viewed as suspicious or provocative by security personnel. Drivers should not proceed through a road checkpoint when signaled to stop.
Americans are advised that crossing the Gambia River via the Banjul-to-Barra ferry may involve serious safety risks and that they should avoid using the ferry if possible. This ship is often overcrowded and does not carry sufficient life preservers for all passengers. The ferry frequently operates with several of its engines out of service. Americans who must travel to the north bank of the Gambia River are advised to inquire about the condition of the ferry or to consider using the Yelitenda-to-Bambatenda ferry, 150 kilometers upriver. Americans who use the ferry should consider carrying their own life preservers.
Traffic Safety:
While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning The Gambia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Safety of Public Transportation:
Fair
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance:
Poor
Availability of Roadside Assistance:
Poor
Travel in The Gambia is difficult because of road conditions, particularly during the rainy season - June through October. Although a few main roads are paved in the greater Banjul area, most are poorly maintained and poorly lit; drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents. Almost all roads outside the capital are unpaved. The U.S. Embassy urges visitors driving outside the capital to travel with a recognized travel guide. Travelers should be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.
