The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya Jammeh led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. Jammeh has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2011.
Population: 1,925,527 (2014)
Nationality: noun: Gambian(s) adjective: Gambian.
Ethnic groups: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1%
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Religions: Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%
GDP: $ 896 000 000.00 (2013)
Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN), Republican National Guard (RNG).
Attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states.
Capital: Banjul.
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal. Almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country in Africa.
Geographic coordinates:
13 28 N, 16 34 W.
Area:
total: 11,295 sq km
land: 10,000 sq km
water: 1,295 sq km.
Land boundaries:
total: 749 km
border countries: Senegal 749 km.
Coastline: 80 km.
Natural resources: fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon.