The Gambia's people

As of 2001, the population of The Gambia was approximately 1.5 million; half of them along the coast. With 120 inhabitants per km², the Gambia is one of the most densely populated countries in Africa. On average, Gambian families have 5.5 children, but nearly 10% of them die already in their first year of life because of poor medical care. The life expectancy for men is 53 and for women 56, and there is a predominance of young people in the country. Nearly 40% of all Gambians are younger than 16. Youths take care of the animals and help out at home. Starting around the age of 40, men do not work actively anymore, but delegate work and provide instruction for young people.

Gallery

In spite of all the problems in the country, the Gambians consider themselves the friendliest people in the world. This may be true, especially when it comes to tourists.


Education
The literacy rate in The Gambia is approximately 40%. Illiteracy is higher among women than among men. Elementary school is mandatory. After elementary school, only 20% of the boys and 12% of the girls go on to secondary school. This is due to the fact that they have to pay tuition for three months in advance (about €30). The language of instruction is English and the foreign language offered is French. In addition, there are schools for the training of teachers, nurses and other professions, as well as the international school of the Ecole Francaise in Banjul. There are no universities in the country.


Ethnic Groups
Despite the small size of the country The Gambia is the home for several ethnic groups. The population mainly consists of the following three tribes: the Mandinka (43%), the Fulba (18%) and the Wolof (15%). Furthermore smaller tribes can be found regionally, like the Jola (7%), the Serahuli (7%), the Tukoulor (2%), the Serer (2%), the Aku (1%) and the Manjago. There are also small numbers of Mauritanians, Moroccans, Lebanese, Chinese and Europeans.
The Mandika make up a main part of the Gambian upper class, whereas parts of the Wolof tribe work in the government administration.


Languages
Besides English, the country's official language, there are of course the various national languages: Mandinka, Wolof, Fulba and the regional languages Djola, Sarahule, Manjango and Gambian Creole. Gambians know after hearing someone say just a few words what language the other is speaking. In the event that the two interlocutors are not from the same tribe and do not speak the same language, the communicate in English.


Religion
Gambia is a good example for the peaceful coexistence of different relition. Everyone can practice the faith he or she chooses.About 85% of the Gambians are Sunni muslims. They distance themselves from the radical Islamic fundamentalists. 10% are Christians and the remainder belong to African animistic religious communities. The Christians live primarily in Banjul, and this is where the bishopric is located.


The Family
According to the teachings of Islam, every man can have up to four wives. This occurs frequently in Gambia. This makes family relations quite complicated. In such a marriage, the legal separation of goods is the rule. Through the sale of items they grow themselves at market, women do not only earn money for their families, but also increase their own wealth which gives them a certain degree of financial independence. The man in a large family naturally has the last word, but women are consulted on many decisions and they are responsible for the household and for raising the children.

Generally, a number of families in the same tribe live together in a compound. The oldest man is the community is the chief. He is responsible for everything that occurs in the compound. He has to give his approval for christenings, marriages and other important events. All of the elders together govern the village. The chief with the longest family history in the village is the Alkilo - the responsible one.