WE'RE IN THE PEOPLE'S BUSINESS

President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh



Further information on the Gambia Government visit the The Republic of The Gambia State House online

GAMBIA HISTORY

Banjul is the capital of The Gambia. It is located on St. Mary’s Island on the estuary of the River Gambia. The Gambia is 460km long by 25-30km wide except for its western most boundary-The Atlantic Ocean surrounded by Senegal. It is one of Africa’s smallest states. Senegal covers roughly 196,192km whilst The Gambia is about 11,295km.

Physical Environment

The Gambia is relatively flat and uniform in relief. The climate is arid. The relief provides little incentive for rainfall and this, combining with the presence of the cool canary current and the nearness to the Sahara Desert places. There is off-shore condensation over the canary current which gives rise to fog but moderate the climate along the shore-line

Winds
This blows from the Azores high pressure belt in the north between the months of November and March and brings foggy condition along the shoreline.

NATURAL REGIONS

Coastal Region
This is an area of marine and aeoline sandy soils which stretches from Banjul southwards along the coast.

Mangrove Swamps
The mangrove swamp area is located on the lower fringes of the River estuary. The soils are clayey alluvium and salty. Firewood is collected from this area, but generally this place lacks any other form of economic activity and it is difficult for the Gambian people to make money and increase their savings.

Banto Faros
This area stretches along both sides of the river from the estuary to Bansang . It is flat, low-lying and covered with fertile alluvial soil, starting from beyond Kaur. During the wet season flood plain is flooded and this provides water for the cultivation of rice. The flood plain from the coast to Kaur is salty and is of little use.

FISHING

In the Gambia the main fishing areas are Kartong, Brufut, Tanji, Tujereng, Gunjur and Sanyang, Also recognised are points along the river like Georgetown and Basse. Banjul has the largest fishing fleet and supplies are sent up river.

Methods
Traditional fishermen use traps, hooks and lines whilst commercial fishermen use boats and trawlers.

Types of fish caught
These include Barracuda, Lady fish, Suyo, Tuna, Bonga and Crouper. These are called Shell fish, of Shrimps, lobsters and crabs.

Processing
This includes storage in cold stores, smoking or salt drying to preserve catch.

Problems

  1. Lack of capital to go into commercial fishing
  2. Lack of basic amenities
  3. Most of the markets for fish are of low income type

TRANSPORT

Water
The Gambia River is navigable throughout the year by bigger vessels as far as Kuntaur and has also been a traditional link with the interior of the Gambia. The rivers estuary has provided a natural harbour for the country.

Road
Road transport is the commonest. It links cities, towns modern asphalt class one roads to footpaths or animal tracking. Cars, passenger buses and horse/donkey carts serve local needs. The most important in the region is the trans-Gambia highway which connects northern Senegal with its southern part (Casamance region). This road crosses The Gambia through Soma.

Air Routes
The international commercial airports

Banjul International airport - located at Yundum, operates international or foreign services only.

TOURISM

The tourist industry is the industry which looks after the needs of holiday makers. The Gambia is particularly important for this industry the growth of it has been a major economic boast to the development of the country.

Compared to other popular resorts in the sun, the Gambia is relatively closer to European tourist, about six hours from London. In the winter the country is cool and dry. The Gambia also have nature reserves like Abuko, The Gambia National Park and Tendaba Safari Camp.

It also have historical sites like the stone circles in Wassu and Kerr Batch. The Mungo Park memorial at Karantaba. The ministry of information and tourism is responsible and The Gambia also have a special department at its high commission in London who assist tourist from UK. Tourism is a major foreign exchange earner for the Gambia. They also help to create jobs, restaurants and hotels.

Certain services are linked with the industry in the Gambia.
  1. Hotel Services
  2. Transport e.g. taxis and buses
  3. Airlines and Travel agencies
  4. Nightclubs

Tourism Areas

  1. The areas west of Banjul along the Atlantic coast resort. Hotels and facilities have been provided e.g. Kombo Beach Hotel and The Casino Complex.
  2. Tendeba Camp - located 96km upriver. It is called a camp because the buildings used to be in the form of tents. Now concrete buildings have been provided. It serves as a change of resort for tourist.
  3. Juffure -This small village has recently become a tourist destination because of its reputation and is also an ancestral home of Alex Haley.
  4. Albreda - was a destination for many slaves who could claim freedom upon reaching the flag staff under the British rule.
  5. Fort James Island - This was a trading post that was later abandoned by the English. During tourist season, it is a regular stop for boats to Albreda and Juffure. 
    USEFUL EXPRESSIONS IN WOLOF FOR VISITORS TO GAMBIA

English			   Wollof
Good Morning	  	   Jamanga Fanaan
Good Afternoon		   Jamanga Eendu
Good Evening	   	   Jamanga Eendu
How's The Family	   	   Nakka Njaboot Ji
See you Later		   Dina Nu Gisee
How Much		    	   Nyatta
I would Take It		   Dina Ko Jel
It's Expensive		   Dafa Seer
Show Me The Way		   Won Ma Yoon Bi
I Don't Know 		   Xawma Di
Excuse Me		   	   Baalal
Where is Losso Wharf	   Fan La Lasso Waaf Nekka?
Straight Ahead		   Jubalal Si Kanam

    For a complete translation guide of English words into Wollof visit www.firicat.com a site developed by Sheriff Gaye System Administrator at the Gambia YMCAs Computer Training Centre. The site is a collaborative wollof dictionary he set up online.


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