Gambia

• Geography

GEOGRAPHICAL INFO

 

 

The Gambia, is commonly known as Gambia, is a country in Western Africa. It is the smallest country on the African continental mainland and is bordered to the north, east, and south by Senegal, and has a small coast on the Atlantic Ocean in the west. The River Gambia flows through the centre of the country and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. On 18 February 1965, The Gambia became independent from the British Empire. Banjul is its capital.

 

Capital: Banjul

Languages: English

Currency: Dalasi (GMD)

 

Geography

The Gambia is a very small and narrow country whose borders mirror the meandering Gambia River. The country is less than 48 km wide, with a total area of 11,300 km². Its present boundaries were defined in 1889 after an agreement between the United Kingdom and France. It is almost an enclave of Senegal and the smallest country on the continent of Africa.

 

Climate

The Gambian climate is characterized by a long dry season (November to May) and a short rainy season (June to October), with August by far the rainiest month. Average high temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) between December and February, to 32°C (89°F) between November and March - this is the least rainy (and the most sunny) time of the year. Temperatures are mildest along the coast, and the amount and duration of rainfall lessens as you head inland. Humidity is only a problem just before the rains begin in June.