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Description French Southern and Antarctic Lands by rbd.me
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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 A. J. J. 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 2006.
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Location
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Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
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Area - comparative
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slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
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Natural resources French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon
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Population French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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1,824,158 (July 2010 est.)
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Religions French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%
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Languages
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English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
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Education French Southern and Antarctic Lands expenditures
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2% of GDP (2004)
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Government French Southern and Antarctic Lands type
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republic
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Independence
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18 February 1965 (from the UK)
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French Southern and Antarctic Lands Economy - overview
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The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In the past few years, the Gambia's re-export trade - traditionally a major segment of economic activity - has declined, but its banking sector has grown rapidly. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high; economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors.
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Investment French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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27.2% of GDP (2009 est.)
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Industries French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
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Airports French Southern and Antarctic Lands
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1 (2009)
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