Getting to know Gambia. The Internet Travel Guide

The Gambia: Geography

The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa, with an area of only 10,000 km2. It is situated in West Africa at the Atlantic coast, only two hours by plane from the Canary Islands, and is geographically on the same latitude as the Caribbean Islands. The Gambia is bordered on the north, south and east by Senegal, which is 20 times larger. The two countries are linked by strong economic and cultural relations.

The Gambia stretches 375 km from the Atlantic coast inland along both sides of the river of the same name. The Gambia measures no more than about 50 km at its broadest point. Mangrove swamps line the river and its estuary it is so broad that boats go back and forth regularly to transport people and goods.

The topography is dominated by the river. There are parts near the river covered with silt as well as hilly areas and various plateaus.

The landscape is characterized by plenty of hills and descends gently to the sea. The highest point is at approximately 70 meters above sea level. The mangrove swamps lining the river merge into flooded grasslands while other areas are covered by savannahs. Leopards, crocodiles, hippopotamus and various species of antelopes can still be found here.

The Gambia has a subtropical climate with a rainy season in the summer months. During the dry season, from November until April, a hot dry wind called the Harmattan blows in from the Sahara.

The Gambia has neither mineral resources nor industries. In fact, most people work in the agricultural sector. But tourism is generally seen as the hope of the future.

The Gambia: Geography

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