Earth Site Education

Gambia (Republic of the Gambia) Capital: Banjul Population (Estimated July 2012): 1,840,454 Area: 11,632 km2 or 4,491 mi2 Currency: Dalasi (D) Official Language: English Political Information: Presidential Republic Official Religion: No Official Religion (approximately 90% of the population are Muslim, 8% are Christian and 2% have indigenous beliefs) Highest Point: unnamed Point at 53m or 174ft GDP Official Exchange Rate (OER is more precise at gauging a countries economic power) (Estimated 2011): $1.1 billion (US$) or (GBP) GDP (OER) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): (US$) or (GBP) GDP Purchasing Power Parity (PPP is good for gauging living conditions and use of resources but not as accurate as OER. This data has been calculated based on the sum value of all goods and services produced in the country valued at prices prevailing in the United States)  (Estimated 2011): $3.774 billion (US$) or (GBP) GDP (PPP) Per Capita (per member of the population estimated 2011): $2,100 (US$) or (GBP) Time Zone (GMT/UTC): GMT  Wildlife:     Counties/Provinces/States: 5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western    Leaders: President Yahya Jammeh with Vice President Isatou Njie-Saidy.  Additional: Gained independence from the UK on the 18th of February 1965. Sources: CIA World Fact Book, Encyclopaedia Britannica. Gambia Gambia, officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, is a small West African country that is surrounded by Senegal, except for its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland and is known for its diverse ecosystems, vibrant culture, and rich history. The capital city is Banjul, and the country has a population of approximately 2.4 million people. The official language is English, and the...

Gambia, a small West African country, is known for its unique geographical and political boundaries. The country is surrounded by Senegal on all sides except for its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The political boundaries of Gambia are defined by its borders with Senegal, which have been a source of both cooperation and contention over the years. The country’s political boundaries play a crucial role in shaping its governance, administration, and socio-economic development. Understanding the intricacies of Gambia’s political boundaries is essential for comprehending the country’s history, culture, and contemporary challenges. Gambia’s political boundaries have evolved over time, influenced by historical, colonial, and geopolitical factors. The country is divided into administrative units, including provinces and districts, each with its own unique characteristics and significance. The historical boundaries of Gambia have been shaped by colonial powers, local dynamics, and international agreements, leaving a lasting impact on the country’s territorial integrity and political landscape. The significance of Gambia’s political boundaries extends beyond mere demarcations on a map, influencing governance, resource allocation, and inter-community relations. However, these boundaries have also been a source of challenges and controversies, reflecting the complex nature of territorial governance in a diverse and dynamic society. Summary Gambia’s political boundaries are defined by its borders with Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean, and have evolved over time. The country is divided into five administrative regions, each with its own unique characteristics and cultural significance. Within these regions, there are 43 districts that play a crucial role in local governance and development. The historical boundaries of Gambia have been shaped by colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, leaving a lasting...

Gambia, a small West African country, is known for its diverse climate zones, each with its own unique characteristics and weather patterns. The country’s climate is influenced by its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, as well as its location within the tropics. Gambia experiences a range of climate zones, including tropical savannah, tropical monsoon, Guinea-Congo tropical rainforest, Sahel, and hot desert. Each of these climate zones has a significant impact on the country’s environment, agriculture, and overall way of life. Understanding the different climate zones in Gambia is essential for comprehending the country’s natural diversity and the challenges it faces in terms of climate change and sustainable development. Summary Gambia has diverse climate zones, including tropical savannah, tropical monsoon, tropical rainforest, Sahel, and hot desert. The tropical savannah climate zone in Gambia is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, with grasslands and scattered trees. The tropical monsoon climate zone experiences heavy rainfall during the wet season and dry conditions during the dry season, supporting agriculture and vegetation. The Guinea-Congo tropical rainforest climate zone in Gambia is characterized by dense vegetation, high rainfall, and high humidity, supporting a wide variety of plant and animal species. The Sahel climate zone in Gambia is semi-arid with low rainfall, sparse vegetation, and frequent droughts, posing challenges for agriculture and food security. The hot desert climate zone in Gambia is characterized by extremely high temperatures, very low rainfall, and limited vegetation, creating harsh living conditions for both humans and wildlife. The Tropical Savannah Climate Zone The tropical savannah climate zone in Gambia is characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons. This climate zone...

Gambia, a small West African country, is known for its diverse and unique terrain and topography. The country is characterized by a variety of landscapes, including low-lying plains, river valleys, upland plateaus, hills, and highlands. The terrain of Gambia is largely influenced by the River Gambia, which runs through the country from east to west, dividing it into two distinct regions. The topography of Gambia plays a significant role in shaping the country’s climate, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. Understanding the diverse terrain and topography of Gambia is essential for appreciating the country’s natural beauty and the challenges it faces in terms of conservation and preservation. Summary Gambia’s terrain is characterized by low-lying plains, river valleys, upland plateaus, hills, and highlands in the east. The low-lying plains of Gambia are mainly found along the coast and are home to the country’s major urban areas and agricultural activities. The River Gambia and its valleys play a crucial role in the country’s geography, providing fertile land for agriculture and influencing the climate. The upland plateaus and hills in Gambia offer a contrast to the low-lying plains and are important for biodiversity and conservation efforts. The Futa Jallon Highlands in the east of Gambia are known for their stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna, making them a key area for conservation and preservation efforts. The Low-Lying Plains of Gambia The low-lying plains of Gambia are located along the coast and extend inland for a considerable distance. These plains are characterized by flat and fertile land, making them ideal for agriculture. The soil in the low-lying plains is rich in nutrients, and the...

Gambia, a small West African country, is blessed with a variety of natural resources that contribute to its economy and the livelihood of its people. The country’s natural resources include agricultural land, mineral deposits, water bodies, forests, and energy sources. These resources play a crucial role in the country’s development and sustainability. Gambia’s natural resources are essential for the country’s economic growth, food security, and energy production. The government of Gambia has recognized the importance of these resources and has implemented policies and initiatives to manage and conserve them for the benefit of current and future generations. Gambia’s natural resources are diverse and abundant, providing opportunities for economic development and environmental conservation. The country’s agricultural resources, including fertile land and water bodies, support the production of crops such as rice, millet, sorghum, and vegetables. The mineral resources in Gambia include deposits of clay, silica sand, titanium, and zircon. These minerals have the potential to contribute to the country’s industrial development and export earnings. Gambia’s water resources, including rivers and wetlands, are vital for irrigation, fishing, and domestic use. The country’s forest resources provide timber, non-timber forest products, and ecosystem services. Additionally, Gambia has renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy, which have the potential to reduce the country’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigate climate change. Summary Gambia is rich in natural resources including agricultural, mineral, water, forest, and energy resources. The agricultural sector in Gambia is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with a focus on crops such as rice, millet, and sorghum. Gambia has mineral resources such as clay, silica sand, and titanium, which...

Gambia, the smallest country in mainland Africa, is a land of rich cultural heritage and historical significance. The country is home to a plethora of cultural and historical sites that offer a glimpse into its fascinating past and vibrant traditions. From ancient stone circles to sacred crocodile pools, Gambia’s cultural and historical sites are a testament to the diverse and captivating history of the region. Visitors to Gambia have the opportunity to explore these sites and immerse themselves in the country’s unique heritage, gaining a deeper understanding of its people and their way of life. Gambia’s cultural and historical sites are not only important for their historical significance but also for their cultural value. These sites are a reflection of the traditions, beliefs, and customs of the Gambian people, providing an insight into their way of life and the influences that have shaped their society over the centuries. From ancient rituals to colonial legacies, Gambia’s cultural and historical sites offer a comprehensive view of the country’s past, making them an essential part of any visit to this enchanting destination. Summary Gambia is home to a wealth of cultural and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. James Island, also known as Kunta Kinteh Island, holds significant historical importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site linked to the transatlantic slave trade. The sacred stone circles of Wassu are a mysterious and ancient archaeological site that provides insight into the prehistoric era of Gambia. The Kachikally Crocodile Pool is not only a place of worship and fertility rituals, but also a living museum of the country’s rich...

The Gambia, a small West African country, has a rich history dating back to ancient times. The earliest known inhabitants of the region were the Koi-Sanke people, who were hunter-gatherers. Around the 8th century AD, the region saw the arrival of the Mandinka people, who established several powerful kingdoms, including the Kingdom of Niumi and the Kingdom of Barra. These kingdoms were known for their strong trade networks and their involvement in the trans-Saharan trade. The Mandinka people also played a significant role in the spread of Islam in the region, which had a lasting impact on the culture and society of The Gambia. The 13th century saw the rise of the Jola people, who established the Kingdom of Kombos and the Kingdom of Cassa. These kingdoms were known for their skilled agricultural practices and their vibrant cultural traditions. The Gambia was also home to the Wolof people, who established the Kingdom of Saloum and the Kingdom of Baol. These kingdoms were known for their strong political institutions and their contributions to the arts and literature. The Gambia’s early settlements and kingdoms laid the foundation for the diverse cultural heritage that is still evident in the country today. Summary Early settlements in Gambia date back to ancient times, with the establishment of various kingdoms such as the Mali Empire and the Kingdom of Kombo. European contact and colonization in the 15th century led to the establishment of trading posts and the eventual control of Gambia by the British in the 19th century. The transatlantic slave trade had a devastating impact on Gambia, with thousands of people forcibly taken from...

Gambia, a small West African country, is known for its rich culture, diverse wildlife, and vibrant communities. With a total land area of just over 10,000 square kilometers, Gambia is one of the smallest countries on the African continent. Despite its size, Gambia has a relatively high population density, with over 2 million people living within its borders. This makes Gambia one of the most densely populated countries in Africa, with an average of over 200 people per square kilometer. The population density in Gambia is unevenly distributed, with the majority of the population concentrated in urban areas along the coast, particularly in the capital city of Banjul and its surrounding metropolitan area. Understanding the factors that contribute to Gambia’s high population density, as well as its impacts and future projections, is crucial for policymakers and researchers seeking to address the challenges and opportunities associated with this demographic trend. Summary Gambia has a population density of 176 people per square kilometre, making it one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. Factors affecting population density in Gambia include urbanization, agricultural productivity, and access to resources such as water and arable land. The majority of Gambia’s population is concentrated in urban areas, with the capital city, Banjul, experiencing the highest population density. High population density in Gambia has put a strain on infrastructure, particularly in urban areas, leading to challenges in providing adequate housing, sanitation, and transportation. Despite the challenges, high population density in Gambia also presents opportunities for economic growth, innovation, and cultural exchange. Factors Affecting Population Density in Gambia Several factors contribute to the high population density...