Interesting Gambia Facts
Gambia is a coastal country located in Western Africa where it is bordered by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. It covers 11,295 km2 of land. The total population of Gambia is somewhere in the region of 2,139,721.
Find out interesting Gambia facts and information about this African country with our fact file for kids. Discover important facts about the climate, currency, flag, continent, geography, landscape, language, people, culture, landmarks, population, location and size of Gambia.
Learn about Africa with our interesting Gambia facts for kids based on questions such as: What continent is Gambia in? How big is Gambia? What is the capital city of Gambia? What is Gambia famous for? What color is the flag of Gambia?
Gambia Fact File: Continent: Africa * Country Name(s): Gambia, Republic of the Gambia * Location: Western Africa * Bordering: Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean * Capital City: Banjul * Size: 11,295 km2 * Estimated Population: over 2,139,721 * Currency: Gambian dalasi (GMD) * Language(s): English * Country Code: +220
Interesting Gambia Facts for Kids
Interesting Facts for Kids 1: Size & location facts
Gambia forms part of the continent of Africa, where it has a coastal position and is bordered by Senegal and the Atlantic Ocean. There are seven continents in the world: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Antarctica, Australia (Oceania). Africa is the world's second largest continent, spanning a total area of 30,370,000 km2. Africa has 54 countries, and forms 20.4% of the world's landmass. Gambia is a coastal country that spans a total area of approximately 11,295 km2. It is the smallest country on mainland Africa, with only five island countries of Africa being smaller.
Interesting Facts for Kids 2: Population facts
The population of this African country is thought to be more than 2,139,721 people. The majority of Gambia's inhabitants reside in Serekunda which is the country's most populous city. Gambia has an average population when compared to most other countries across the world, its overall population density is approximately 153 people per sq km. The estimated population of Africa is approximately 1,186,178,000 inhabitants, making it the continent with the second largest population in the world. The continents in order of population, starting with highest population first, are: Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Europe, Australia (Oceania Region) and Antarctica. The total population of the entire world is in excess of 7.6 billion people.
Interesting Facts for Kids 3: Capital & major cities
Gambia's capital city is called Banjul. The names of other major cities situated in this country are Serrekunda, Brikama, Bakau, Farafenni and Lamin.
Interesting Facts for Kids 4: Country borders
The following details provide a guide to Gambia's approximate border lengths:
Coastline 80 km, Senegal 749 km.
Interesting Facts for Kids 5: Climate and geography facts
Gambia has a hot tropical climate with a rainy season that occurs June to November. The weather conditions are cooler during the drier months from November to May. As the smallest country on the mainland of Africa, the geography of the Gambia comprises mainly of the Gambia River and its surrounding flood plain and areas of low lying ground with some hills. The lowest point of Gambia is the Atlantic Ocean at 0m, and the highest point of elevation is unnamed elevation at 53m.
Interesting Facts for Kids 6: Natural Resources of Gambia
Natural resources can be described as materials and substances found naturally occurring on Earth. Natural resources are very important across the world, and can be exploited for economic gain. The level of resources that occur naturally in an individual country are influenced by varying factors such as the geography, climate and location of that country. Some countries are very rich in natural resources, where as others have limited to none. Countries that have particularly rich resources include Russia, The United States, Saudi Arabia and Canada. Three of the primary uses of natural resources are food, transport and construction. The following examples provide information on the everyday uses of natural resources: Fish occurs naturally in many bodies of water and can be caught for food consumption. Crude oils can be refined into various fuels in order to power vehicles/cars. Wood/timber can be extracted from forests and used to construct houses and furniture. The natural resources of Gambia include fish, clay, silica sand, titanium, tin and zircon.
Interesting Facts for Kids 7: Language facts
The official language of Gambia is English. A small percentage of the population use other languages as their main form of communication such as Mandinka, Wolof and Fula.
Interesting Facts for Kids 8: Religion facts
The primary religion of Gambia is Muslim at approximately 95% of the population. People belonging to the Islamic religion worship Allah. In the English language, the word Allah refers to God in Islam. Those belonging to the religion of Islam believe in one god. Most of Gambia’s population are Muslim and follow the practices of Islam. Around 4% are Christian. The rest of the population either belongs to other religions or no religion at all.
Interesting Facts for Kids 9: Symbols of Gambia
Each country has its own individual culture, history and identity. Flags, emblems, symbols, colors, anthems, songs and mottos represent the national pride and identity of countries across the globe. These national symbols are formed through the unique history of a nation and are symbolic of both hardship and prosperity, embodying freedom, strength and unity. Flags, emblems, songs, mottos and colors reflect the past, present and future hopes of a country, and create an important image to the rest of the world. National symbols can include a mixture of things that are symbolic to a country such as animals, birds, flowers, trees, geographical features, tools of agriculture, crops, and tools of war. The following facts depict some of the national symbols, songs and colors that are important to Gambia:
National symbol(s): lion
National colors: red, blue, green and white
National Anthem/Song: For The Gambia, Our Homeland
National Holiday(s): Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
National Motto(s): Progress, Peace, Prosperity