GEOGRAPHY                 

The Gambia is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west with the remaining borders closely following the meandering shape of the River Gambia thus forming a small enclave within Senegal. Only 11295 km², The Gambia is the smallest country in West Africa. The country’s length is estimated at 440km from East to West and the width from North to South is not more than 50km.

HISTORY                   

The settlement is very ancient since Neolithic era tools have been excavated near Banjul. In the 13^th Century, Mandinkas, Fulanis and Wollofs  settled in the valley of The Gambia, forming small kingdoms and paid taxes to the Mali Empire.

In 1455, the Portuguese established commercial routes along the River Gambia  and began  trading slaves. The French and the British later took over the lucrative commercial activity.  

In 1816, the British bought Banjul Island from the local chief and created Bathust Island, which was later renamed Banjul.

After a joint agreement between the French and the British in 1889, the present borders of The Gambia were officially outlined. The French had previously intended to unify the Senegalese and the Gambian territories.

In 1894, The Gambia became a British protectorate. Great Britain encouraged the development and production of groundnuts, and trained Gambians to occupy administrative positions. It was in the 1950's that political parties started taking form in The Gambia.