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GAMBIA |
      
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General Information
OverviewThe Gambia is a small independent republic on the bulge of Africa and forms part of the West African Region. It consists of a narrow strip of land on either side of the Gambia River and is almost surrounded by Senegal. The capital city is Banjul. Other major towns are Bwiam and Kuntaur. The official language is English but Wolof, Fulani and Mandinka are widely spoken. The local currency is the Dalasi (Da). The Gambian economy is based predominantly on exports, tourism and other services, there has been little investment to change this situation and widen the economic base. As a result, the economy is susceptible to shocks. Despite this, the economy has grown and stability is being sustained. Real interest rates remain high however. The Gambia has a fledgling mining industry and its oil industry is small and depends on the importation of all petroleum products. Electricity is provided by the parastatal utility Gambia Utility Corporation. The international time zone for the Gambia is GMT and the international dialing code is +220. The airlines, which fly to the Gambia, are British Airways, Nigerian Airways and Ghana Airways and the national carrier, Gambia Airways. As at January 1996 visas are required by all visitors to the Gambia except nationals of Commonwealth, Scandinavian and some West European countries. Malaria, cholera, hepatitis A, meningitis, typhoid fever, yellow fever and schistosomiasis may be contracted while traveling in The Gambia. Contraction risk is based on a number of factors including location, individual's state of health, current immunization status, and the local disease situation. Gambia remains a tense country, with 2000 characterized by riots, strikes and clashes between rival parties. Presidential elections are scheduled for late in 2001 and there is unease at the attempts of the ruling party to tinker with the constitution. Opposition is strong and vocal however - a healthy sign in Africa. Economic Outlook Tiny and surrounded by Senegal except on the Atlantic coast, Gambia is an impoverished country. The government has ambitious plans however, to transform the Gambia into the 'Singapore of Africa' over a twenty-year period. The port of Banjul is key to this as it is the gateway too much of the interior of the sub-region, and agro-industry features prominently. |
