THE GAMBIA: 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

THE GAMBIA: 10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

The Gambia also known as the 'Smiling Coast of Africa' is a country in West Africa. It has a population of close to 2 million people and its capital is Banjul.

10 Interesting Facts You Didn't Know

The Gambia is located on the African West coast and it's bordered by Senegal and the Atlantic ocean. The Gambia is a very small country. It's incredibly narrow measuring less than 30 miles wide at its widest. So you can imagine. It's a very small country. But although small, the country is densely populated with approximately 2 million people as of 2020.

Agriculture is Gambia's main source of income. The Gambian economy heavily relies on tourism but the sond-biggest cash crop are the Groundnuts/peanuts. It is said that 80% of the population in the Gambia is employed in the agricultural sector. So the Gambian population heavily relies on Agriculture. Many of them engage in various ways of farming but most predominantly the Subsistence type of farming 

Home to Nine different Tribes. The largest of these tribes is the Mandinka along with the Fula nd the Wollof. All these tribes in the Gmbia live harmoneously together and they live a very happy life. But if you're someone who would like to go live in the Gambia, English is the official language spoken in The Gambia and it's widely used all over the country. 

Home to 600 Bird Species. The Gambia is also known for the many bird species within the country. It is said that there over 600 bird species within The Gambia. Many of these birds can befound in the forests, on the river banks and also the sea shores.So, if you're a bird watcher, this is one of those things to lookout for when you head to the Gambia.

Predominantly a Muslim country. Although there are other religions like Christianity and indigenous beliefs. Muslims-90%, Christians-9% and Indiginous beliefs-1% of the Gambians. All these communities live together and harmoneously with no friction whatsoever amongst these religions so all these people embrace each other the best way they can. 

Election using Marbles. During Gambian elections, voting is done using marbles. It's said that in one's private booth during elections, the voter is presented with holes in the ground marked with each candidate. They simply drop their marble into the hole they choose. So that's the way they select a candidate of their choice.

Once a center of West African slave trade. The Kunta Kinteh Island formally known as the James Island was once a waypoint of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. Today it's one of the UNESCO world heritage sites in the Gambia. If you're making a visit to the Gambia, This is one of the places that you must look out for. One of the Great grand fathers of The Gambia is said to have been born on this island and the museum of slavery is found in this very place. The museum connects the past to the present by educating visitors about the history of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade that happened in the West African region. 

The Gambia only has 50 miles of the Coastline. On this coastline, you'll find some of the best beaches that this world has to offer. It is these beautiful beaches and all year round sunshine that makes very many tourists travel to the Gambia for holiday making. If you're planning your next holiday, this is one of the places that you should visit on the African continent. 

Sacred Crocodile Pool in Bakau. The Kachikali crocodile pool is known to be home to around 100 crocodiles of varying shades and sizes. These are very well looked after so they pose no danger whatsoever to any tourist that come around on a daily basis. When you visit this crocodile pool, you should also check out the museum that basically describes how this area became a very sanctified place in the Gambian culture because they believe that the water in this place has some healing powers. This is one of those places that you shouldlook out for when you get to The Gambia. 

Those are the Top 10 Interesting facts about The Gambia. You can let us know in the comments section what really stood out for you. You can watch a whole video we made about these facts highlighted in blue

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