Gambia, The
AfricaGA October 01, 2025
Background
In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. During the roughly 300 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the UK and other European powers may have exported as many as 3 million people from The Gambia.
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported democracy-strengthening activities, capacity building, economic development, and security sector education and training programs.
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported democracy-strengthening activities, capacity building, economic development, and security sector education and training programs.
Geographic coordinates
13 28 N, 16 34 W
Natural hazards
droughts
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Environmental issues
deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; desertification; water pollution; water-borne diseases
International environmental agreements
Party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
Signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Coastline
80 km
Land boundaries
Total: 749 km
Border countries (1): Senegal 749 km
Border countries (1): Senegal 749 km
Land use
Agricultural land: 62.6% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 43.5% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 18.5% (2022 est.)
Forest: 22.8% (2022 est.)
Other: 14.5% (2022 est.)
Arable land: 43.5% (2022 est.)
Permanent crops: 0.7% (2022 est.)
Permanent pasture: 18.5% (2022 est.)
Forest: 22.8% (2022 est.)
Other: 14.5% (2022 est.)
Maritime claims
Territorial sea: 12 nm
Contiguous zone: 18 nm
Continental shelf: Extent not specified
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Contiguous zone: 18 nm
Continental shelf: Extent not specified
Exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Natural resources
fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon
Geography - note
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the African mainland
Terrain
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Map references
Africa
Irrigated land
50 sq km (2012)
Total renewable water resources
8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Population distribution
settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Elevation
Highest point: Unnamed elevation 63 m; 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 34 m
Lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
Mean elevation: 34 m
Major aquifers
Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin
Major rivers (by length in km)
Gambia river mouth (shared with Senegal and Guinea [s]) - 1,094 km
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Area
Total : 11,300 sq km
Land: 10,120 sq km
Water: 1,180 sq km
Land: 10,120 sq km
Water: 1,180 sq km
Age structure
0-14 years: 38.2% (male 486,472/female 477,309)
15-64 years: 58.1% (male 723,360/female 743,127)
65 years and over: 3.7% (2024 est.) (male 40,658/female 52,401)
15-64 years: 58.1% (male 723,360/female 743,127)
65 years and over: 3.7% (2024 est.) (male 40,658/female 52,401)
Sex ratio
At birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
Total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Literacy
Total population: 51.6% (2021 est.)
Male: 65.3% (2021 est.)
Female: 40.5% (2021 est.)
Male: 65.3% (2021 est.)
Female: 40.5% (2021 est.)
Nationality
Noun: Gambian(s)
Adjective: Gambian
Adjective: Gambian
Urbanization
Urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023)
Rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Drinking water source
Improved:
Urban: 90.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 85.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 9.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 14.4% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 90.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 85.6% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 9.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 14.4% of population (2022 est.)
Major urban areas - population
481,000 BANJUL (capital) (2023)
Note: Includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing
Note: Includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.7 years (2019/20 est.)
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Note: Data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Dependency ratios
Total dependency ratio: 72.1 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
Youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.)
Elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
Potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
Sanitation facility access
Improved:
Urban: 74.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 32% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 59.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 25.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 68% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 40.6% of population (2022 est.)
Urban: 74.9% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 32% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 59.4% of population (2022 est.)
Unimproved:
Urban: 25.1% of population (2022 est.)
Rural: 68% of population (2022 est.)
Total: 40.6% of population (2022 est.)
Ethnic groups
Mandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola/Karoninka 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Serer 3.5%, other 4%, non-Gambian 9.9% (2019-20 est.)
Religions
Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.)
Languages
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Health expenditure
3.2% of GDP (2021)
7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Child marriage
Women married by age 15: 5.6% (2020)
Women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020)
Men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
Women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020)
Men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
Gross reproduction rate
1.74 (2024 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
60.9% (2023 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
Total: 10.9% (2024 est.)
Male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
Female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
Female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Net migration rate
0 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Median age
Total: 20.2 years (2024 est.)
Male: 19.8 years
Female: 20.6 years
Male: 19.8 years
Female: 20.6 years
Maternal mortality ratio
354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Total fertility rate
3.52 children born/woman (2024 est.)
Population
Total: 2,523,327 (2024 est.)
Male: 1,250,490
Female: 1,272,837
Male: 1,250,490
Female: 1,272,837
Infant mortality rate
Total: 35.7 deaths/1,000 live births (2024 est.)
Male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births
Female: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Tobacco use
Total: 8.6% (2025 est.)
Male: 17% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
Male: 17% (2025 est.)
Female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.3% (2016)
Death rate
5.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Birth rate
27.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.6% (2020)
Alcohol consumption per capita
Total: 2.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 2.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Other alcohols: 2.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Life expectancy at birth
Total population: 68.4 years (2024 est.)
Male: 66.7 years
Female: 70.1 years
Male: 66.7 years
Female: 70.1 years
Education expenditure
2.7% of GDP (2023 est.)
17.5% national budget (2023 est.)
17.5% national budget (2023 est.)
Population growth rate
2.16% (2024 est.)
Total water withdrawal
Municipal: 41.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Waste and recycling
Municipal solid waste generated annually: 193,400 tons (2024 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
34.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
From petroleum and other liquids: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
2.731 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Diplomatic representation from the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Robert ANDERSON (since 22 August 2025)
Embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, P.M.B. 19, Banjul
Mailing address: 2070 Banjul Place, Washington DC 20521-2070
Telephone: [220] 439-2856
FAX: [220] 439-2475
Email address and website:
ConsularBanjul@state.gov
https://gm.usembassy.gov/
Embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, P.M.B. 19, Banjul
Mailing address: 2070 Banjul Place, Washington DC 20521-2070
Telephone: [220] 439-2856
FAX: [220] 439-2475
Email address and website:
ConsularBanjul@state.gov
https://gm.usembassy.gov/
Administrative divisions
5 regions, 1 city*, and 1 municipality**; Banjul*, Central River, Kanifing**, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, West Coast
Capital
Name: Banjul
Geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, "bangjulo," or "rope making"
Geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
Time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
Etymology: The name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, "bangjulo," or "rope making"
Constitution
History: Previous 1965 (Independence Act), 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast
Note: In 2024, The Gambian government announced its commitment to adopting a new constitution
Amendment process: Proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast
Note: In 2024, The Gambian government announced its commitment to adopting a new constitution
Executive branch
Chief of state: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022)
Head of government: Vice President Mohammed JALLOW (since 23 February 2024)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); vice president appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 4 December 2021
Election results:
2021: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (NPP) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (UDP) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 12.3%, other 6.8%
2016: Adama BARROW elected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (Coalition 2016) 43.3%, Yahya JAMMEH (APRC) 39.6%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 17.1%
Expected date of next election: 2026
Head of government: Vice President Mohammed JALLOW (since 23 February 2024)
Cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president
Election/appointment process: President directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); vice president appointed by the president
Most recent election date: 4 December 2021
Election results:
2021: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (NPP) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (UDP) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 12.3%, other 6.8%
2016: Adama BARROW elected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (Coalition 2016) 43.3%, Yahya JAMMEH (APRC) 39.6%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 17.1%
Expected date of next election: 2026
Flag
Description: Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green
Meaning: Red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace
Meaning: Red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace
Independence
18 February 1965 (from the UK)
Judicial branch
Highest court(s): Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices; court sessions held with 5 justices)
Judge selection and term of office: Justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
Judge selection and term of office: Justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75
Subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law
Legislative branch
Legislature name: National Assembly
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 58 (53 directly elected; 5 appointed)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/9/2022
Parties elected and seats per party: National People's Party (NPP) (18); United Democratic Party (UDP) (15); National Reconciliation Party (NRP) (4); Independents (12); Other (4)
Percentage of women in chamber: 8.6%
Expected date of next election: April 2027
Legislative structure: Unicameral
Number of seats: 58 (53 directly elected; 5 appointed)
Electoral system: Plurality/majority
Scope of elections: Full renewal
Term in office: 5 years
Most recent election date: 4/9/2022
Parties elected and seats per party: National People's Party (NPP) (18); United Democratic Party (UDP) (15); National Reconciliation Party (NRP) (4); Independents (12); Other (4)
Percentage of women in chamber: 8.6%
Expected date of next election: April 2027
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
National holiday
Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Political parties
Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC
Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC
Gambia Moral Congress or GMC
National People's Party or NPP
People's Progressive Party or PPP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC
Gambia Moral Congress or GMC
National People's Party or NPP
People's Progressive Party or PPP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Government type
presidential republic
Country name
Conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
Conventional short form: The Gambia
Etymology: Named for the Gambia River that flows through the country; Portuguese explorers in the 15th century derived the name for the river from its local name, Ba-Dimma, meaning "the river"
Conventional short form: The Gambia
Etymology: Named for the Gambia River that flows through the country; Portuguese explorers in the 15th century derived the name for the river from its local name, Ba-Dimma, meaning "the river"
Diplomatic representation in the US
Chief of mission: Ambassador Momodou Lamin BAH (12 December 2022)
Chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
Email address and website:
Info@gambiaembassydc.us
https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home
Chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
Telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
Email address and website:
Info@gambiaembassydc.us
https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home
National anthem(s)
Title: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland"
Lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE
History: Adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"
Lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE
History: Adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
National symbol(s)
lion
Citizenship
Citizenship by birth: Yes
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Citizenship by descent only: Yes
Dual citizenship recognized: No
Residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
National heritage
Total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia
Selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia
National color(s)
red, blue, green, white
Population below poverty line
53.4% (2020 est.)
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Household income or consumption by percentage share
Lowest 10%: 2.6% (2020 est.)
Highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, cars, harvesting machinery, refined petroleum, trailers (2023)
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Exports - partners
Kazakhstan 92%, Guinea-Bissau 2%, China 1%, India 1%, Greece 1% (2023)
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, milk, millet, oil palm fruit, maize, vegetables, cassava, fruits, sorghum (2023)
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Budget
Revenues: $308.887 million (2018 est.)
Expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cotton fabric, iron alloys, rice (2023)
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Exchange rates
dalasis (GMD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates:
61.096 (2023 est.)
54.923 (2022 est.)
51.484 (2021 est.)
51.502 (2020 est.)
50.062 (2019 est.)
Exchange rates:
61.096 (2023 est.)
54.923 (2022 est.)
51.484 (2021 est.)
51.502 (2020 est.)
50.062 (2019 est.)
Industries
peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
Economic overview
low-income West African economy; agriculture-dominant; high poverty rate; heightened inflation; dependent on foreign assistance and remittances; structural reforms conditioned by IMF Extended Credit Facility program
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.508 billion (2024 est.)
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
GDP - composition, by end use
Household consumption: 83.2% (2024 est.)
Government consumption: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 39% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 6.6% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -37.2% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Government consumption: 8.5% (2024 est.)
Investment in fixed capital: 39% (2024 est.)
Investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.)
Exports of goods and services: 6.6% (2024 est.)
Imports of goods and services: -37.2% (2024 est.)
Note: Figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Imports - partners
Kazakhstan 26%, China 18%, Senegal 8%, India 7%, Brazil 4% (2023)
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Remittances
21.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
21.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
22.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
21.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
22.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Labor force
783,100 (2024 est.)
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Debt - external
$902.421 million (2023 est.)
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
$577.028 million (2023 est.)
$568.244 million (2022 est.)
$652.671 million (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
$568.244 million (2022 est.)
$652.671 million (2021 est.)
note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Unemployment rate
6.5% (2024 est.)
6.5% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
6.5% (2023 est.)
6.1% (2022 est.)
note: % of labor force seeking employment
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
$8.365 billion (2024 est.)
$7.911 billion (2023 est.)
$7.549 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$7.911 billion (2023 est.)
$7.549 billion (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
11.6% (2024 est.)
17% (2023 est.)
11.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
17% (2023 est.)
11.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual % change based on consumer prices
Current account balance
-$74.374 million (2024 est.)
-$120.064 million (2023 est.)
-$90.251 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
-$120.064 million (2023 est.)
-$90.251 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Real GDP per capita
$3,000 (2024 est.)
$2,900 (2023 est.)
$2,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
$2,900 (2023 est.)
$2,900 (2022 est.)
note: data in 2021 dollars
Imports
$1.549 billion (2024 est.)
$1.353 billion (2023 est.)
$829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
$1.353 billion (2023 est.)
$829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports
$838.409 million (2024 est.)
$717.774 million (2023 est.)
$267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
$717.774 million (2023 est.)
$267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Real GDP growth rate
5.7% (2024 est.)
4.8% (2023 est.)
5.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
4.8% (2023 est.)
5.5% (2022 est.)
note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
Industrial production growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
Agriculture: 24.1% (2024 est.)
Industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
Services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Electricity access
Electrification - total population: 65.4% (2022 est.)
Electrification - urban areas: 82.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 31.2%
Electrification - urban areas: 82.8%
Electrification - rural areas: 31.2%
Electricity generation sources
Fossil fuels: 99% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
Refined petroleum consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Electricity
Installed generating capacity: 162,000 kW (2023 est.)
Consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 104.176 million kWh (2023 est.)
Consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023 est.)
Transmission/distribution losses: 104.176 million kWh (2023 est.)
Internet users
Percent of population: 46% (2023 est.)
Internet country code
.gm
Broadcast media
1 state-run TV-channel; one privately owned TV station; 1 online TV station; 3 state-owned and 31 privately owned radio stations; 8 community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available; cable and satellite TV subscription services in some parts of the country (2019)
Telephones - mobile cellular
Total subscriptions: 2.68 million (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2021 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
Total: 6,000 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Telephones - fixed lines
Total subscriptions: 60,000 (2021 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C5
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
Total: 15 (2023)
By type: General cargo 5, other 10
By type: General cargo 5, other 10
Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-22 for officers); no conscription; service obligation six months (2024)
Military expenditures
0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security forces
Gambian Armed Forces (GAF; aka Armed Forces of the Gambia): the Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambia Navy, Gambia Air Force, Republican National Guard (RNG)
Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025)
Note: The RNG is responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security, while the GPF maintains internal security
Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025)
Note: The RNG is responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security, while the GPF maintains internal security
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 3,000-4,000 active Gambian Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military of Gambia has a limited inventory of mostly older, obsolescent, or donated equipment originating from several suppliers, including Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2024)
Military - note
the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) are responsible for external defense and aiding civil authorities in internal emergencies and natural disaster relief; they participate in multinational peacekeeping missions, as well as domestic support activities such as agricultural development, construction, education, and health services; the Gambian security forces have a history of involvement in domestic politics, including multiple coup attempts and mutinies, with the latest being an attempted coup in 2022
Since January 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have provided security forces for Gambia's stability, plus assistance and training for the GAF and other Gambian security forces through the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); as of 2025, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal were providing military and gendarmerie personnel for ECOMIG (2025)
Since January 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have provided security forces for Gambia's stability, plus assistance and training for the GAF and other Gambian security forces through the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); as of 2025, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal were providing military and gendarmerie personnel for ECOMIG (2025)
Refugees and internally displaced persons
Refugees: 4,411 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
Ports
Total ports: 1 (2024)
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Banjul
Large: 0
Medium: 0
Small: 0
Very small: 1
Ports with oil terminals: 1
Key ports: Banjul
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
38.8 (2020 est.)
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality