Sailing to the GambiaBackgroundThe Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965; it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia with Senegal between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty. A military coup in 1994 overthrew the president and banned political activity, but a 1996 constitution and presidential elections, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. The country undertook another round of presidential and legislative elections in late 2001 and early 2002. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH, the leader of the coup, has been elected president in all subsequent elections. GeographyLocation: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and
Senegal Coastline80 km Maritime claimsTerritorial sea: 12 nm ClimateTropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May) TerrainFlood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills Elevation extremesLowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m EconomyThe Gambia has no significant mineral or natural resource deposits and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but a 1999 government-imposed preshipment inspection plan, and instability of the Gambian dalasi (currency) have drawn some of the reexport trade away from The Gambia. The government's 1998 seizure of the private peanut firm Alimenta eliminated the largest purchaser of Gambian groundnuts. Despite an announced program to begin privatizing key parastatals, no plans have been made public that would indicate that the government intends to follow through on its promises. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain extremely high; short-run economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, on continued technical assistance from the IMF and bilateral donors, and on expected growth in the construction sector. TransportationAirports: 1 (2005) Waterways390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2004) Merchant marineTotal: 4 ships (1000 GRT or over) 30,976 GRT/10,978 DWT Sailing Specifics: Ports and terminalsBanjul Other Sailing Destinations in the RegionAngola - Antarctica - Cameroon - Congo - Falkland Islands - Gambia - Ivory Coast - Mauritania - Namibia - Nigeria - St. Helena, Ascension and Tristan da Cunha - Senegal - South Africa Further Reading |
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