1970
Did you know- The Gambia was not seen by most of the world until 1977. The small African country of Gambia became the center of international attention when it served as the setting for the 1977 television series “Roots”, which is the third most watched television program in the world. all the time, after “M * A * S * H” and “Dallas”.
Geography
Did you know- The Gambia is a nation, with lush tropical forests and large fertile valleys, on the coast of West Africa. It is one of the smallest nations in the world. Interestingly, the Gambia is the only former British colony in the world that is completely surrounded by a former French colony (Senegal).
Banjul
Did you know- The capital city is Banjul, which has been a center of commercial activity since independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. In centuries past, Banjul was one of the first cities to be built in West Africa. Besides Banjul, there are, of course, other major cities: Serukunda, Brikama, Bakau and Farafenni.
James island
Did you know- The country has a famous UNESCO World Heritage site in Sub-Saharan Africa – James Island and related sites. Without a doubt, each place is an open door to the past, from where thousands of slaves were sent to the United States, South America and Caribbean. This World Heritage site, on the Gambia River, is a legacy of a long history of relationships between Africa and three European countries (Portugal, the United Kingdom and France), from the pre-slavery periods to the new republic of The Gambia, one of the last black states on the planet. In fact, this site has become the most popular tourist destination in the country.
Wild birds
Did you know- The tropical jungles more than 28% of the national territory, provide habitat to a large number of birds -whose population is one of the most abundant in West Africa- such as petrels, pelicans, cormorants, hamerkops and storks.
Multi-sport events
Did you know- At least three national athletes (in two sports) participated in the Summer Olympics in August 2008. In the mid-1960s it gained its independence, but did not start competing in the Olympics until 1984. In addition to these Games, competes in the Commonwealth Games, the African Games, and the World University Games.
Gambia and the United States
Did you know- American novelist Alex Haley had visited Juffure, The Gambia.
Lost city of stone
Did you know- Apart from James Island, The Gambia also has another historical site: “Stone Circles of Senegambia”. Since then, it is an ancient wonder where the past is always present. Located along the Gambia River, this site, which brings together four groups of stones (Kerbatch, Sine Ngayene, Wanar and Wassu), is one of the new wonders of Africa. Surprisingly, it is estimated to contain a total of more than 1,000 stone blocks. Long unknown in the United States, these monuments, an “astonishing work of art” in West Africa, were built between the 3rd century BC. C. and the 16th century d. C. the artistically brightest periods in Gambian history. This huge area of stones was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2006. This area undoubtedly preserves the native culture.
Famous people
Did you know- Walli N’Dow was the United Nations Secretary-General on Human Settlements.
Soccer
Did you know- In 2009, The Gambia was an example for several Third World nations. Despite having one of the worst sports systems in Africa, they won the FIFA U-17 African Cup and competed for the World Championships (where they finished 11th, ahead of Japan and Costa Rica). The African champions were: Kemo Fatty, Ebrima Saho, Baka Ceesay, Buba Sama, Saikou Jawneh, Omar Bojang, Bubba Jallow, Ismaila Suwaneh, Ebrima Bojang, Osman Darboe, Lamin Sanjo Samathe, Dawda Ceesay, Lamin Samateh, Parrateh Sacatevageang, Baboucateh, Demba Janneth, Sanusi Jabbi, Bakary Sanyang, Darbo, Kissima Bojang, and Lamin Gibba.
sightseeing
Did you know- Tourism is growing rapidly. Since the early 2000s, the nation has been one of the most popular tourist stops in West Africa. Why? There is a world of wonderful things to see and do in The Gambia. This vibrant African nation is known for its magnificent beaches, rich biodiversity, exotic cuisine, colonial architecture, luxury resorts, history, friendly people of course, and traditions. At the same time, it is one of the most stable nations. Less than 100,000 tourists, on average, annually visit this small paradise with 85% of those from Europe, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. Tourism is the second economic pillar.
Famous Visitors
Did you know- This English-speaking, the size of Connecticut, was visited by Pope John Paul II in the early 1990s.
Old history
Did you know- Today’s Gambia has its roots in the former Mali Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms on the continent, in the 14th century. At that time, it was the natural corridor between Mali and the Atlantic Ocean. It was a European colony from the 15th century until 1965, when it became an independent nation.
Foreign Relations
Did you know- During the Cold War, for more than 24 years, the country’s government had supported the anti-apartheid movement, along with Uganda, Guyana, India, and a number of other Third World states. Since then, he has rejected recognition from Pretoria. In the mid-1970s, The Gambia withdrew from the Montreal XXI Summer Olympics because the Olympic member New Zealand national rugby team had visited South Africa, an international outcast between 1960 and 1991. In the following decade, he also boycotted other countries. Multi-sport event: the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh (Scotland), along with other national teams such as Kenya, Jamaica and The Bahamas.
Authors
Did you know- Lenrie Peters is the most respected writer in the country.
