The Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, with an extent of about 330 km east to west, and less than 50 km north to south.
It is a former British colony, forming an enclave within Senegal, a former French colony. The Gambia is one of the most densely populated countries in West Africa.
The Gambia River, the nation’s namesake, flows through the centre of Gambia, and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.
The Gambia achieved independence on 18th February 1965, as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, with Elizabeth II as Queen of the Gambia. But, the country is now not in the Commonwealth, as they left the organization in 2013. The Gambia’s economy is dominated by agriculture, fishing, and tourism. About two-thirds of the population is engaged in raising livestock or growing crops like rice. English is the official language of the Gambia. The capital of the country is Banjul, and the currency of the Gambia is the Dalasi.