ABOUT THE GAMBIA
The Gambia is a small country on the West African Coast, surrounded by Senegal with whom it has very close cultural and economic ties. The population of The Gambia is about 1 million and the main groups are Mandinka, Diolla, Fulani and Wollof.There is a great deal of ethnic harmony in The Gambia, which makes it a friendly and welcoming country. There are few resources and the economy is dependent on tourism, agriculture and development aid. The common language is English and the unit of Currency is the Dalasi.
The Gambia is a parliamentary democracy, currently dominated by the APRC Party. President Jammeh heads the government. The main religion is Islam although other religions co-exist. The Capital of The Gambia is Banjul, but most urban dwellers live in Serrekunda, which is a lively and bustling town with great markets.
The Gambia has a rich cultural and historical tradition, which has had a wide influence on West Africa and America (because of the slave trade). The majority of the people still lead a very traditional way of life, determined by their culture and economic conditions, and most people live in the rural areas and rely on subsistence farming to make a living. There is a high and rising population of young people.
Most visitors to The Gambia see only a very one-dimensional aspect of life as they rarely move beyond the main hotels and tourist areas. In fact this gives a very false impression of life in The Gambia. Move beyond the tourist areas (around Fajara) and you can begin to discover the rich heritage of culture, language, music and the arts, which flourish as part of the every day lives of the Gambian people.
Moving around The Gambia is relatively easy as it is a small country. There are bush taxis to almost everywhere, and boats and ferries to cross the rivers and creeks. The people are friendly and will always be willing to help you. The Gambia is a relatively safe place, particularly if you take common sense precautions.
The weather depends on where
you are in The Gambia.
There are two seasons, wet (from June to September) and
dry (from October to May). During the dry season coastal area
are warm, not hot, and can be cool in the evening. At Boboi Beach
Lodge there is always an Atlantic breeze blowing, so a fleece
for evenings is recommended.
Malaria is common in The Gambia so you need to take precautions. However during the dry season at Boboi there are few, if any, mosquitoes, but you should still take anti-malarials.
YOU WILL FIND A WARM WELCOME AWAITS YOU IN THE GAMBIA.
A group of Gambian drummers
Gambian Links..
Pageant helps schools all over The Gambia. Pageants members are mainly people who have holidayed in The Gambia, fell in love with the country and people, and want to help them.