11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).
Population:1.9 million (2014).
Population density:170.5 per sq km.
Capital:Banjul.
Government:Republic.
Head of state:President Yahya Jammeh since 1996.
Head of government:President Yahya Jammeh since 1996.
Electricity:230 volts AC, 50Hz. British-style plugs with three square pins are most commonly used.
The Gambia may be mainland Africa's smallest nation, but it punches way above its weight in terms of attractions. With its glorious low-key beaches, bustling towns that combine colonial architecture and traditional activities and wealth of wildlife, The Gambia is the most approachable of all West African countries.
Virtually enveloped by its much larger neighbour Senegal (an eccentric legacy of the colonial carve up of Africa), the shard of land comprising The Gambia still retains its own clear identity, and although this accessible Anglophone country does deliver relaxing winter sun at good-value rates, its rich history and fascinating mix of cultures make it hard to pigeonhole. If you escape the sun loungers you will uncover another side of the country, rich in eco-tourism opportunities, wilderness, wildlife and birdwatching.
Inextricably linked to the river Gambia, one of Africa's great waterways, The Gambia comprises a varied landscape, featuring sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded savannah. Then there are Gambia's parks, reserves and riverbanks including Kiang West National Park and River Gambia National Park, where you’ll see all kinds of wildlife, amongst them monkeys, crocodiles, a small population of hippos and well over 500 bird species.
Visitors keen to experience West African music and rural culture may head off the beaten track and up-country to simple, traditional villages - there are always vibrant festivals, events full of traditional drumming, energetic dancing as well as customary wrestling matches, going on. But, for many, it is The Gambia's idyllic cocktail of sunny days, warm welcomes and relaxing Atlantic beach resorts which lures them to this little slice of Africa.
