The Gambia - Country & Culture

The Gambia, also known as the Smiling Coast and the smallest country of Africa, is located in the Western region of Africa. The former British Colony has now a day approximately 1.8 million inhabitants, on a land area of almost 12.000 square kilometres. From East to West, Gambia measures about 320 km. From North to South, the width varies from 20 to 50 km. Banjul is known as the capital of The Gambia and is situated in one of the seven administrative regions. This capital is, compared to other capitals in Africa, small and quiet. The biggest city in The Gambia is Serekunda.

There are at least ten languages spoken in the country, because there are various ethnic groups in The Gambia. Most recognized languages are Wolof, Serer-Sine, Sarahole, Pulaar, Maninkakan, Mandjaque, Mandingo, Jola-Fonyi and Aku’s Creole (pidgin English). Beside these languages, there are various dialects which originate from these. Most people are multi-lingual, because the official language spoken in schools and public offices is English.

In The Gambia, there are eight main ethnic groups. They each preserve their own cultural traditions, caste systems, language and music. The largest ethnic group is the Madinka, which originate from the Northern slopes of Futa Jallon Plateau (Guinea). The country of this agricultural people is in the Niger Valley. In the city of Banjul and the Senegambia region you can find the Wolofs. Their language is the one spoken in trading centres and family compounds. In the upriver are of The Gambia, The Wolofs are also known as the Fanafa. In the Foni district of the Western Division, the Jola or Kujamat are mostly known for the cultivation of rice. The Jola or Kujamat people don’t have the tradition of having a supreme chief. Since their traditional location was in swamps and deep forests, they were one of the last people to be converted to Islam.

Another ethnic group in The Gambia are the Serahule. They are mainly committed to farming, trading and property development. Most of them live in the Basse region. They speak multiple dialects, such as Azer and Kinbakka. The two last ethnic groups that are large enough to mention are the Serer people and the Tukulor people. The Serer people are for the most part involved in fisheries. Their customs and language can be compared with those of the Wolofs. The Tukulor share most similarities with the Fulani. Their culture, history and traditions are strongly influenced by agriculture and animal husbandry.

The people of The Gambia are friendly and hospitable and life is taken at a very relaxed pace. To accept this is essential, after all you will be on holiday. It is common to receive an invitation to a Gambian 'compound' and this will give you a remarkable insight into the local way of life. If you accept it is polite to take a small gift, for example a bag of rice or bars of soap for laundry. You may also be invited to try one of the local Gambian dishes, such as Benachin (rice and vegetables) or Domoda, (meat, stewed in groundnut puree and served with rice). It is an amazing expierence!