Although
The Gambia is mainland Africa’s smallest nation, it is scenically varied, with
sandy beaches, lush
tropical forests, swamps, marshes and large areas of wooded
savannah. The River Gambia, one of Africa’s great waterways, dominates the country.
The Gambia is a
birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 540 different species. While the country’s
parks, reserves and up-country villages are a major draw for
ecotourists and those interested in
African culture, for many visitors it is the country’s pleasant
tropical climate and
relaxing beach resorts which are the star
attraction.
The area around the River Gambia, known to the Carthaginians in the fifth century BC, subsequently became part of several successive African empires. During the
colonial period, several European powers contested for ownership of the river and the rich trade which it carried.
Britain eventually gained control of the lowest reaches, establishing an enclave in the surrounding French territories of Senegal and a useful base from which to launch attacks on French trading settlements.
The Gambia was Britain’s first and last colony, being officially colonized in 1765 and gaining
independence 200 years later in February 1965. Since then, the country has enjoyed long spells of stability; unfortunately this has yet to translate into prosperity for its inhabitants.
GeographyThe Gambia is situated on West Africa’s Atlantic coast. The country consists of a thin ribbon of land, at no point wider than 50km (30 miles), running east-west on both banks of the River Gambia. The Gambia is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is the smallest and westernmost mainland African nation. The country mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is bisected by the river and is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river’s tributaries. In the west of the country, near the coast, the river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while in the inland area which extends from central Gambia to the eastern border the river has steep red ironstone banks covered with tropical forest. Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as baobab, silk-cotton, mahogany and oil palm. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of beaches, the best of which are broad, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.
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