|RNational holiday|N: Independence Day, February 18.
|RNature and climate:|N A small enclave in Senegal along the Gambia River. The whole area lies within 20 km of the river.
Mainly Savannah, but also some forests and mangroveswamps.
Average temperature in January 23°C and in July 27°C.
Percipitation 1200 mm.
|RPeople:|N Biggest tribes are Mandingo 40%, Fulbe 15% and Wolof 15%. 21% of the population lives in towns.
|REconomy:|N 75% of the population is occupied in agriculture, 18% in manufacturing and trade.
Most important crop is peanuts, which accounts for 80% of the exportvalue. Rice, millet, maniok and maize are also cultivated.
The importance of fishing and cattleraising are increasing.
Manufacturing is poorly developed and diverted to refine peanuts.
Tourism is very important and the incomes accounts for close to 50% of the exportincomes.
|RHistory:|N Gambia was discovered by the Portuguese during the 15th century and in 1588 it became the first British colony in Africa. Crown colony from 1843.
Domestic selfgoverning from 1963 and an independent nation within the Commonwealth of Nations from 1965.
Republic after a referendum in 1970.
In 1981 a marxist coup-attempt was defeated with help of troops from the neighbour Senegal.
In 1982 Gambia and Senegal formed a confederation with joint defense, foreign and financial policies, but in every other respect the two nations are independent and sovereign. This confederation was abolished in 1989 at initiativ of Senegal.
Severe draft and famine occurred in 1977 and 1978.
A military coup in summer 1994 ousted the president and government.
