World · permanent entity record · GA
Gambia, The
Thirty-second orientation
Gambia, The at a glance
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Gambian(s); adjective: Gambian
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Government
- presidential republic
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
- Languages
- English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · as of 2026-02-04
Independently structured milestones · not a complete national history
Gambia, The through time
Admitted to the United Nations
Gambia, The became a member of the United Nations.
United Nations, Member States · source checked 2026-09-04
Source history · changed fields only
Changes since the final CIA profile
| Field | Maintained Almanac value | Final CIA profile |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,822,093World Bank, World Development Indicators · observation year 2025 | total: 2,523,327 (2024 est.) male: 1,250,490 female: 1,272,837CIA World Factbook · as of 2026-01-05 |
A difference may reflect a newer observation, a revised estimate, or a different source definition. This table reports the values and dates; it does not manufacture a trend.
World Development Indicators · latest available observation
People, economy, and access
Observation years vary by measure. Each row identifies the series and year instead of presenting unlike dates as one current snapshot.
- Gross domestic product
- $2.6 billion
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.MKTP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Gross domestic product per person
- $919
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator NY.GDP.PCAP.CD. Underlying providers: National statistical authorities, central banks, OECD national accounts, and World Bank staff estimates. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Life expectancy at birth
- 66.1 years
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator SP.DYN.LE00.IN. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Urban population
- 65.0%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS · observation year 2025 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, World Urbanization Prospects. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Access to electricity
- 69.0%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS. Underlying providers: World Bank ESMAP, Tracking SDG 7. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- People using the internet
- 49.5%
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS · observation year 2024 · dataset updated 2026-07-13World Development Indicators observation for 2024; indicator IT.NET.USER.ZS. Underlying providers: International Telecommunication Union. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
World Development Indicators data are provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International (CC BY 4.0). The linked indicator metadata identifies the underlying statistical providers.
Maintained profile
- Capital
- Banjul
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The nation set and displayed federal short name follow the current State Department independent-states register, dated August 11, 2026.
- Area
- 11,300 sq km
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Final CIA source data preserved by a community mirror after the Factbook was retired; the mirror is not the issuing authority.
- Population
- 2,822,093
- World Bank, World Development Indicators · World Development Indicators observation for 2025; indicator SP.POP.TOTL. Underlying providers: UN Population Division, national statistical offices, and Eurostat. Retrieved 2026-09-08.
- Currency
- dalasis (GMD)
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Currency label extracted from the Factbook exchange-rate field.
- Languages
- English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · Factbook language listing reproduced without inferring official status beyond the source wording.
- Nationality / demonym
- noun: Gambian(s); adjective: Gambian
- CIA World Factbook final dataset, preserved by factbook.json · The source’s noun and adjective forms are retained. These are language labels, not evidence of any individual person’s citizenship.
- Continent
- Africa
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Continental label standardized from the archived profile region “Africa.”
- Coastline
- 80 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Climate
- tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Religions
- Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Flag colors
- red, blue, white, green
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Colors extracted from the flag description in the preserved final CIA profile.
- National symbol
- lion
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Highest point
- unnamed elevation · 207 ft (63 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- Lowest point
- Atlantic Ocean · 0 ft (0 m)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · Preserved final CIA profile; this field is a historical baseline, not a claim of current conditions.
- NATO membership
- Not a member
- NATO, What is NATO? · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
- BRICS membership
- Not a member
- BRICS Brazil, About the BRICS · Membership status is reported from the organization's current member list as of the stated date.
Preserved public-domain record · not maintained current data
Final CIA World Factbook profile
This is the preserved historical baseline from the Factbook’s final public snapshot. It is presented as the CIA stated it, not as a current Standard American Almanac finding. Current, independently maintained facts appear above when available.
CIA World Factbook historical record · final public snapshot · profile updated · pinned source record · commit d81154954b8b
Introduction1 fields
- Background
- In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. During the roughly 300 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the UK and other European powers may have exported as many as 3 million people from The Gambia. The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported democracy-strengthening activities, capacity building, economic development, and security sector education and training programs.
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Geography19 fields
- Location
- Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area
- total : 11,300 sq km land: 10,120 sq km water: 1,180 sq km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Area - comparative
- slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land boundaries
- total: 749 km border countries (1): Senegal 749 km
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maritime claims
- territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: extent not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Terrain
- flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Elevation
- highest point: unnamed elevation 63 m; 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m mean elevation: 34 m
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Natural resources
- fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 62.6% (2023 est.) arable land: 43.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 18.5% (2023 est.) forest: 22% (2023 est.) other: 15.4% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major rivers (by length in km)
- Gambia river mouth (shared with Senegal and Guinea [s]) - 1,094 km note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Geography - note
- almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the African mainland
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
People and Society35 fields
- Population
- total: 2,523,327 (2024 est.) male: 1,250,490 female: 1,272,837
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ethnic groups
- Mandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola/Karoninka 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Serer 3.5%, other 4%, non-Gambian 9.9% (2019-20 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Languages
- English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Religions
- Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Age structure
- 0-14 years: 38.2% (male 486,472/female 477,309) 15-64 years: 58.1% (male 723,360/female 743,127) 65 years and over: 3.7% (2024 est.) (male 40,658/female 52,401)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Dependency ratios
- total dependency ratio: 72.1 (2024 est.) youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.) elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.) potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Median age
- total: 20.5 years (2025 est.) male: 19.8 years female: 20.6 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Birth rate
- 26.49 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Death rate
- 5.53 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Net migration rate
- -0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population distribution
- settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Major urban areas - population
- 481,000 BANJUL (capital) (2023) note: includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sex ratio
- at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female 0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female 15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female 65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Mother's mean age at first birth
- 20.7 years (2019/20 est.) note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Maternal mortality ratio
- 354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Infant mortality rate
- total: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.) male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births female: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Life expectancy at birth
- total population: 68.4 years (2024 est.) male: 66.7 years female: 70.1 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total fertility rate
- 3.39 children born/woman (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Drinking water source
- urban: 90.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.) total: 85.6% of population (2022 est.) urban: 9.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.) total: 14.4% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Health expenditure
- 3.2% of GDP (2021) 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Physician density
- 0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Hospital bed density
- 1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Sanitation facility access
- urban: 74.9% of population (2022 est.) rural: 32% of population (2022 est.) total: 59.4% of population (2022 est.) urban: 25.1% of population (2022 est.) rural: 68% of population (2022 est.) total: 40.6% of population (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Alcohol consumption per capita
- total: 2.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.) other alcohols: 2.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Tobacco use
- total: 8.6% (2025 est.) male: 17% (2025 est.) female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Children under the age of 5 years underweight
- 11.6% (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Currently married women (ages 15-49)
- 63% (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Child marriage
- women married by age 15: 5.6% (2020) women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020) men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Education expenditure
- 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.) 14.2% national budget (2025 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Literacy
- total population: 51.6% (2021 est.) male: 65.3% (2021 est.) female: 40.5% (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Environment10 fields
- Environmental issues
- deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; desertification; water pollution; water-borne diseases
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International environmental agreements
- party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Climate
- tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Land use
- agricultural land: 62.6% (2023 est.) arable land: 43.5% (2023 est.) permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.) permanent pasture: 18.5% (2023 est.) forest: 22% (2023 est.) other: 15.4% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Urbanization
- urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023) rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Carbon dioxide emissions
- 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.) from petroleum and other liquids: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Particulate matter emissions
- 34.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Waste and recycling
- municipal solid waste generated annually: 193,400 tons (2024 est.) percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total water withdrawal
- municipal: 41.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.) agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Total renewable water resources
- 8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Government23 fields
- Country name
- conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia conventional short form: The Gambia etymology: named for the Gambia River that flows through the country; Portuguese explorers in the 15th century derived the name for the river from its local name, Ba-Dimma, meaning "the river"
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Capital
- name: Banjul geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time) etymology: the name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, "bangjulo," or "rope making"
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Administrative divisions
- 5 regions, 1 city*, and 1 municipality**; Banjul*, Central River, Kanifing**, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, West Coast
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legal system
- mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Constitution
- history: previous 1965 (Independence Act), 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997 amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast note: in 2024, The Gambian government announced its commitment to adopting a new constitution
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International law organization participation
- accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Citizenship
- citizenship by birth: yes citizenship by descent only: yes dual citizenship recognized: no residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Executive branch
- chief of state: President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022) head of government: Vice President Mohammed JALLOW (since 23 February 2024) cabinet: Cabinet appointed by the president election/appointment process: president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); vice president appointed by the president most recent election date: 4 December 2021 election results: 2021: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (NPP) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (UDP) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 12.3%, other 6.8% 2016: Adama BARROW elected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (Coalition 2016) 43.3%, Yahya JAMMEH (APRC) 39.6%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 17.1% expected date of next election: 2026
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Legislative branch
- legislature name: National Assembly legislative structure: unicameral number of seats: 58 (53 directly elected; 5 appointed) electoral system: plurality/majority scope of elections: full renewal term in office: 5 years most recent election date: 4/9/2022 parties elected and seats per party: National People's Party (NPP) (18); United Democratic Party (UDP) (15); National Reconciliation Party (NRP) (4); Independents (12); Other (4) percentage of women in chamber: 8.6% expected date of next election: April 2027
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Judicial branch
- highest court(s): Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices; court sessions held with 5 justices) judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75 subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Political parties
- Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC Gambia Moral Congress or GMC National People's Party or NPP People's Progressive Party or PPP United Democratic Party or UDP
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation in the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador Momodou Lamin BAH (12 December 2022) chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011 telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399 FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430 email address and website: info@gambiaembassydc.us https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Diplomatic representation from the US
- chief of mission: Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Eugene S. YOUNG (since 14 October 2025) embassy: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, P.M.B. 19, Banjul mailing address: 2070 Banjul Place, Washington DC 20521-2070 telephone: [220] 439-2856 FAX: [220] 439-2475 email address and website: ConsularBanjul@state.gov https://gm.usembassy.gov/
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- International organization participation
- ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National holiday
- Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Flag
- description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green meaning: red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National anthem(s)
- title: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland" lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE history: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- National heritage
- total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural) selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Economy30 fields
- Economic overview
- low-income West African economy; agriculture-dominant; high poverty rate; heightened inflation; dependent on foreign assistance and remittances; structural reforms conditioned by IMF Extended Credit Facility program
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
- $8.365 billion (2024 est.) $7.911 billion (2023 est.) $7.549 billion (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP growth rate
- 5.7% (2024 est.) 4.8% (2023 est.) 5.5% (2022 est.) note: annual GDP % growth based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Real GDP per capita
- $3,000 (2024 est.) $2,900 (2023 est.) $2,900 (2022 est.) note: data in 2021 dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP (official exchange rate)
- $2.508 billion (2024 est.) note: data in current dollars at official exchange rate
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Inflation rate (consumer prices)
- 11.6% (2024 est.) 17% (2023 est.) 11.5% (2022 est.) note: annual % change based on consumer prices
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by sector of origin
- agriculture: 24.1% (2024 est.) industry: 14.7% (2024 est.) services: 53.9% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- GDP - composition, by end use
- household consumption: 83.2% (2024 est.) government consumption: 8.5% (2024 est.) investment in fixed capital: 39% (2024 est.) investment in inventories: 0% (2024 est.) exports of goods and services: 6.6% (2024 est.) imports of goods and services: -37.2% (2024 est.) note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Agricultural products
- rice, groundnuts, milk, millet, oil palm fruit, maize, vegetables, cassava, fruits, sorghum (2023) note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industries
- peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Industrial production growth rate
- 2.4% (2024 est.) note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Labor force
- 783,100 (2024 est.) note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Unemployment rate
- 6.5% (2024 est.) 6.5% (2023 est.) 6.1% (2022 est.) note: % of labor force seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
- total: 10.9% (2024 est.) male: 10.9% (2024 est.) female: 10.9% (2024 est.) note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Population below poverty line
- 53.4% (2020 est.) note: % of population with income below national poverty line
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
- 38.8 (2020 est.) note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Household income or consumption by percentage share
- lowest 10%: 2.6% (2020 est.) highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.) note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Remittances
- 21.1% of GDP (2024 est.) 21.5% of GDP (2023 est.) 22.8% of GDP (2022 est.) note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Budget
- revenues: $308.887 million (2018 est.) expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.) note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Current account balance
- -$74.374 million (2024 est.) -$120.064 million (2023 est.) -$90.251 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports
- $838.409 million (2024 est.) $717.774 million (2023 est.) $267.377 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - partners
- Kazakhstan 92%, Guinea-Bissau 2%, China 1%, India 1%, Greece 1% (2023) note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exports - commodities
- packaged medicine, cars, harvesting machinery, refined petroleum, trailers (2023) note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports
- $1.549 billion (2024 est.) $1.353 billion (2023 est.) $829.516 million (2022 est.) note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - partners
- Kazakhstan 26%, China 18%, Senegal 8%, India 7%, Brazil 4% (2023) note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Imports - commodities
- crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cotton fabric, iron alloys, rice (2023) note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
- $577.028 million (2023 est.) $568.244 million (2022 est.) $652.671 million (2021 est.) note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Debt - external
- $902.421 million (2023 est.) note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Exchange rates
- dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 61.096 (2023 est.) 54.923 (2022 est.) 51.484 (2021 est.) 51.502 (2020 est.) 50.062 (2019 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Energy5 fields
- Electricity access
- electrification - total population: 65.4% (2022 est.) electrification - urban areas: 82.8% electrification - rural areas: 31.2%
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity
- installed generating capacity: 162,000 kW (2023 est.) consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023 est.) transmission/distribution losses: 104.176 million kWh (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Electricity generation sources
- fossil fuels: 99% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.) wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Petroleum
- refined petroleum consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Energy consumption per capita
- 2.731 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Communications6 fields
- Telephones - fixed lines
- total subscriptions: 60,000 (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Telephones - mobile cellular
- total subscriptions: 2.68 million (2021 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2021 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadcast media
- 1 state-run TV-channel; one privately owned TV station; 1 online TV station; 3 state-owned and 31 privately owned radio stations; 8 community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available; cable and satellite TV subscription services in some parts of the country (2019)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Internet users
- percent of population: 46% (2023 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Broadband - fixed subscriptions
- total: 6,000 (2022 est.) subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transportation4 fields
- Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
- C5
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Merchant marine
- total: 15 (2023) by type: general cargo 5, other 10
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Ports
- total ports: 1 (2024) large: 0 medium: 0 small: 0 very small: 1 ports with oil terminals: 1 key ports: Banjul
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Military and Security6 fields
- Military and security forces
- Gambian Armed Forces (GAF; aka Armed Forces of the Gambia): the Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambia Navy, Gambia Air Force, Republican National Guard (RNG) Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025) note: the RNG is responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security, while the GPF maintains internal security
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military expenditures
- 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.) 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.) 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.) 0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military and security service personnel strengths
- estimated 3,000-4,000 active Gambian Armed Forces (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
- the military of Gambia has a limited inventory of mostly older, obsolescent, or donated equipment originating from several suppliers, including Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military service age and obligation
- 18-28 years of age for men and women depending on enlisted, officer, or specialized positions (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
- Military - note
- the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) are responsible for external defense and aiding civil authorities in internal emergencies and natural disaster relief; they participate in multinational peacekeeping missions, as well as domestic support activities such as agricultural development, construction, education, and health services; the Gambian security forces have a history of involvement in domestic politics, including multiple coup attempts and mutinies, with the latest being an attempted coup in 2022 since January 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have provided security forces for Gambia's stability, plus assistance and training for the GAF and other Gambian security forces through the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); as of 2025, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal were providing military and gendarmerie personnel for ECOMIG (2025)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
Transnational Issues1 fields
- Refugees and internally displaced persons
- refugees: 4,411 (2024 est.) IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
- CIA World Factbook historical record · as of · source
The underlying United States government material is public domain. The Almanac’s reuse terms do not change the legal status of this preserved source layer.