The Gambia
Republic of The Gambia
Africa Banjul
Population
2.52M
Area
11,300 km²
GDP
$2.51B
GDP Per Capita
$3,000
Pop. Density
223/km²
Quick Facts
Currency
Ddalasi(GMD)
Calling Code
+220
Timezone
UTC+00:00
Languages
English
Driving Side
right
Demonym
Gambian
Background
In the 10th century, Muslim merchants established some of The Gambia’s earliest large settlements as trans-Saharan trade hubs. These settlements eventually grew into major export centers sending slaves, gold, and ivory across the Sahara. Between the 16th and 17th centuries, European colonial powers began establishing trade with The Gambia. In 1664, the United Kingdom established a colony in The Gambia focused on exporting enslaved people across the Atlantic. During the roughly 300 years of the trans-Atlantic slave trade, the UK and other European powers may have exported as many as 3 million people from The Gambia.
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported democracy-strengthening activities, capacity building, economic development, and security sector education and training programs.
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed the short-lived confederation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1994, Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup overthrowing the president and banning political activity. He subsequently won every presidential election until 2016, when he lost to Adama BARROW, who headed an opposition coalition during free and fair elections. BARROW won reelection in 2021. The Gambia is the only member of the Economic Community of West African States that does not have presidential term limits. Since the 2016 election, The Gambia and the US have enjoyed improved relations. US assistance to the country has supported democracy-strengthening activities, capacity building, economic development, and security sector education and training programs.
Historical Trends
GDP (USD)
↑128.1% since 2006$1B (2006)$2B (2024)
Population
↑60.9% since 20061.7M (2006)2.8M (2024)
Life Expectancy at Birth
Latest: 65.9 years2006: 59.7 years2023: 65.9 years
Data source: World Bank Open Data
Geography19
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Geographic coordinates
13 28 N, 16 34 W
Map references
Africa
Area
total : 11,300 sq km
land: 10,120 sq km
water: 1,180 sq km
land: 10,120 sq km
water: 1,180 sq km
Area - comparative
slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundaries
total: 749 km
border countries: Senegal 749 km
border countries: Senegal 749 km
Coastline
80 km
Maritime claims
territorial sea: 12 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: extent not specified
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
contiguous zone: 18 nm
continental shelf: extent not specified
exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm
Climate
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Terrain
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Elevation
highest point: unnamed elevation 63 m; 3 km southeast of the town of Sabi
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 34 m
lowest point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m
mean elevation: 34 m
Natural resources
fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon
Land use
agricultural land
62.6% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: arable land
arable land: 43.5% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent crops
permanent crops: 0.7% (2023 est.)
agricultural land: permanent pasture
permanent pasture: 18.5% (2023 est.)
forest
22% (2023 est.)
other
15.4% (2023 est.)
Irrigated land
50 sq km (2012)
Major rivers (by length in km)
Gambia river mouth (shared with Senegal and Guinea [s]) - 1,094 km
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
note: [s] after country name indicates river source; [m] after country name indicates river mouth
Major aquifers
Senegalo-Mauritanian Basin
Population distribution
settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Natural hazards
droughts
Geography - note
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the African mainland
People & Society35
Population
total: 2,523,327 (2024 est.)
male: 1,250,490
female: 1,272,837
male: 1,250,490
female: 1,272,837
Nationality
noun: Gambian(s)
adjective: Gambian
adjective: Gambian
Ethnic groups
Mandinka/Jahanka 33.3%, Fulani/Tukulur/Lorobo 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola/Karoninka 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Serer 3.5%, other 4%, non-Gambian 9.9% (2019-20 est.)
Languages
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Religions
Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.)
Age structure
0-14 years: 38.2% (male 486,472/female 477,309)
15-64 years: 58.1% (male 723,360/female 743,127)
65 years and over: 3.7% (2024 est.) (male 40,658/female 52,401)
15-64 years: 58.1% (male 723,360/female 743,127)
65 years and over: 3.7% (2024 est.) (male 40,658/female 52,401)
Dependency ratios
total dependency ratio: 72.1 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 20.5 years (2025 est.)
male: 19.8 years
female: 20.6 years
male: 19.8 years
female: 20.6 years
Population growth rate
2.09% (2025 est.)
Birth rate
26.49 births/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Death rate
5.53 deaths/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Net migration rate
-0.04 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2025 est.)
Population distribution
settlements are found scattered along the Gambia River; the largest communities, including the capital of Banjul and the country's largest city, Serekunda, are found at the mouth of the Gambia River along the Atlantic coast, as shown in this population distribution map
Urbanization
urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Major urban areas - population
481,000 BANJUL (capital) (2023)
Sex ratio
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
0-14 years: 1.02 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.97 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 0.78 male(s)/female
total population: 0.98 male(s)/female (2024 est.)
Mother's mean age at first birth
20.7 years (2019/20 est.)
Maternal mortality ratio
354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Infant mortality rate
total: 35 deaths/1,000 live births (2025 est.)
male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
male: 39.1 deaths/1,000 live births
female: 32.2 deaths/1,000 live births
Life expectancy at birth
total population: 68.4 years (2024 est.)
male: 66.7 years
female: 70.1 years
male: 66.7 years
female: 70.1 years
Total fertility rate
3.39 children born/woman (2025 est.)
Gross reproduction rate
1.67 (2025 est.)
Drinking water source
improved: urban
urban: 90.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 76.4% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 85.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 9.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 23.6% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 14.4% of population (2022 est.)
Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 3.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Sanitation facility access
improved: urban
urban: 74.9% of population (2022 est.)
improved: rural
rural: 32% of population (2022 est.)
improved: total
total: 59.4% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: urban
urban: 25.1% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: rural
rural: 68% of population (2022 est.)
unimproved: total
total: 40.6% of population (2022 est.)
Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.3% (2016)
Alcohol consumption per capita
total: 2.67 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
beer: 0.21 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
wine: 0 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
spirits: 0.02 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
other alcohols: 2.44 liters of pure alcohol (2019 est.)
Tobacco use
total: 8.6% (2025 est.)
male: 17% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
male: 17% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
Children under the age of 5 years underweight
11.6% (2020 est.)
Currently married women (ages 15-49)
63% (2020 est.)
Child marriage
women married by age 15: 5.6% (2020)
women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020)
men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020)
men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
Education expenditure
Education expenditure (% GDP): 2.8% of GDP (2023 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 14.2% national budget (2025 est.)
Education expenditure (% national budget): 14.2% national budget (2025 est.)
Literacy
total population: 51.6% (2021 est.)
male: 65.3% (2021 est.)
female: 40.5% (2021 est.)
male: 65.3% (2021 est.)
female: 40.5% (2021 est.)
Government23
Country name
conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia
conventional short form: The Gambia
etymology: named for the Gambia River that flows through the country; Portuguese explorers in the 15th century derived the name for the river from its local name, Ba-Dimma, meaning "the river"
conventional short form: The Gambia
etymology: named for the Gambia River that flows through the country; Portuguese explorers in the 15th century derived the name for the river from its local name, Ba-Dimma, meaning "the river"
Government type
presidential republic
Capital
name: Banjul
geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, "bangjulo," or "rope making"
geographic coordinates: 13 27 N, 16 34 W
time difference: UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)
etymology: the name derives from a misunderstanding between Portuguese colonists and inhabitants in the 15th century; when asked what the area was called, the inhabitants thought they were being asked what they were doing and replied, "bangjulo," or "rope making"
Administrative divisions
5 regions, 1 city*, and 1 municipality**; Banjul*, Central River, Kanifing**, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, West Coast
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law
Constitution
history: previous 1965 (Independence Act), 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast
amendment process: proposed by the National Assembly; passage requires at least three-fourths majority vote by the Assembly membership in each of several readings and approval by the president of the republic; a referendum is required for amendments affecting national sovereignty, fundamental rights and freedoms, government structures and authorities, taxation, and public funding; passage by referendum requires participation of at least 50% of eligible voters and approval by at least 75% of votes cast
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
Citizenship
citizenship by birth: yes
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
citizenship by descent only: yes
dual citizenship recognized: no
residency requirement for naturalization: 5 years
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive branch
chief of state
President Adama BARROW (since 19 January 2022)
head of government
Vice President Mohammed JALLOW (since 23 February 2024)
cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
election/appointment process
president directly elected by simple-majority popular vote for a 5-year term (no term limits); vice president appointed by the president
most recent election date
4 December 2021
election results
2021: Adama BARROW reelected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (NPP) 53.2%, Ousainou DARBOE (UDP) 27.7%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 12.3%, other 6.8%
2016: Adama BARROW elected president; percent of vote - Adama BARROW (Coalition 2016) 43.3%, Yahya JAMMEH (APRC) 39.6%, Mamma KANDEH (GDC) 17.1%
expected date of next election
2026
Legislative branch
legislature name
National Assembly
legislative structure
unicameral
number of seats
58 (53 directly elected; 5 appointed)
electoral system
plurality/majority
scope of elections
full renewal
term in office
5 years
most recent election date
4/9/2022
parties elected and seats per party
National People's Party (NPP) (18); United Democratic Party (UDP) (15); National Reconciliation Party (NRP) (4); Independents (12); Other (4)
percentage of women in chamber
8.6%
expected date of next election
April 2027
Judicial branch
highest court(s): Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 justices; court sessions held with 5 justices)
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
judge selection and term of office: justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement at age 75
subordinate courts: Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts; cadi courts
Political parties
Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC
Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC
Gambia Moral Congress or GMC
National People's Party or NPP
People's Progressive Party or PPP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Gambia Democratic Congress or GDC
Gambia Moral Congress or GMC
National People's Party or NPP
People's Progressive Party or PPP
United Democratic Party or UDP
Diplomatic representation in the US
chief of mission: Ambassador Momodou Lamin BAH (12 December 2022)
chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
email address and website:
info@gambiaembassydc.us
https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home
chancery: 5630 16th Street NW, Washington, DC 20011
telephone: [1] (202) 785-1399
FAX: [1] (202) 785-1430
email address and website:
info@gambiaembassydc.us
https://www.gambiaembassydc.us/home
Diplomatic representation from the US
chief of mission
Ambassador (vacant); Chargé d’Affaires Eugene S. YOUNG (since 14 October 2025)
embassy
Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, P.M.B. 19, Banjul
mailing address
2070 Banjul Place, Washington DC 20521-2070
telephone
[220] 439-2856
FAX
[220] 439-2475
email address and website
ConsularBanjul@state.gov
https://gm.usembassy.gov/
International organization participation
ACP, AfDB, AU, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICCt, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNHRC, UNIDO, UNISFA, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO
Independence
18 February 1965 (from the UK)
National holiday
Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Flag
description: three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green
meaning: red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace
meaning: red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue for the Gambia River, and green for forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace
National symbol(s)
lion
National color(s)
red, blue, green, white
National anthem(s)
title: "For The Gambia, Our Homeland"
lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE
history: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"
lyrics/music: Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE
history: adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"
National heritage
total World Heritage Sites: 2 (both cultural)
selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia
selected World Heritage Site locales: Kunta Kinteh Island and Related Sites; Stone Circles of Senegambia
Economy30
Economic overview
low-income West African economy; agriculture-dominant; high poverty rate; heightened inflation; dependent on foreign assistance and remittances; structural reforms conditioned by IMF Extended Credit Facility program
Real GDP (purchasing power parity)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2024: $8.365 billion (2024 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $7.911 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $7.549 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $7.911 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $7.549 billion (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate
Real GDP growth rate 2024: 5.7% (2024 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 4.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2023: 4.8% (2023 est.)
Real GDP growth rate 2022: 5.5% (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita
Real GDP per capita 2024: $3,000 (2024 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,900 (2022 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,900 (2022 est.)
GDP (official exchange rate)
$2.508 billion (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2024: 11.6% (2024 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 17% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.5% (2022 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2023: 17% (2023 est.)
Inflation rate (consumer prices) 2022: 11.5% (2022 est.)
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 24.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
GDP - composition, by end use
household consumption
83.2% (2024 est.)
government consumption
8.5% (2024 est.)
investment in fixed capital
39% (2024 est.)
investment in inventories
0% (2024 est.)
exports of goods and services
6.6% (2024 est.)
imports of goods and services
-37.2% (2024 est.)
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, milk, millet, oil palm fruit, maize, vegetables, cassava, fruits, sorghum (2023)
Industries
peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
Industrial production growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)
Labor force
783,100 (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate
Unemployment rate 2024: 6.5% (2024 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6.1% (2022 est.)
Unemployment rate 2023: 6.5% (2023 est.)
Unemployment rate 2022: 6.1% (2022 est.)
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.9% (2024 est.)
male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
Population below poverty line
53.4% (2020 est.)
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2020: 38.8 (2020 est.)
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.6% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
Remittances
Remittances 2024: 21.1% of GDP (2024 est.)
Remittances 2023: 21.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 22.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Remittances 2023: 21.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 22.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
Budget
revenues: $308.887 million (2018 est.)
expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Current account balance
Current account balance 2024: -$74.374 million (2024 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$120.064 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$90.251 million (2022 est.)
Current account balance 2023: -$120.064 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$90.251 million (2022 est.)
Exports
Exports 2024: $838.409 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
Exports - partners
Kazakhstan 92%, Guinea-Bissau 2%, China 1%, India 1%, Greece 1% (2023)
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, cars, harvesting machinery, refined petroleum, trailers (2023)
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.549 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
Imports - partners
Kazakhstan 26%, China 18%, Senegal 8%, India 7%, Brazil 4% (2023)
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cotton fabric, iron alloys, rice (2023)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2023: $577.028 million (2023 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $568.244 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $652.671 million (2021 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $568.244 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $652.671 million (2021 est.)
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $902.421 million (2023 est.)
Exchange rates
Currency
dalasis (GMD) per US dollar -
Exchange rates 2023
61.096 (2023 est.)
Exchange rates 2022
54.923 (2022 est.)
Exchange rates 2021
51.484 (2021 est.)
Exchange rates 2020
51.502 (2020 est.)
Exchange rates 2019
50.062 (2019 est.)
Energy5
Electricity access
electrification - total population: 65.4% (2022 est.)
electrification - urban areas: 82.8%
electrification - rural areas: 31.2%
electrification - urban areas: 82.8%
electrification - rural areas: 31.2%
Electricity
installed generating capacity: 162,000 kW (2023 est.)
consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 104.176 million kWh (2023 est.)
consumption: 410.824 million kWh (2023 est.)
transmission/distribution losses: 104.176 million kWh (2023 est.)
Electricity generation sources
fossil fuels: 99% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
solar: 0.6% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
wind: 0.4% of total installed capacity (2023 est.)
Petroleum
refined petroleum consumption: 3,000 bbl/day (2023 est.)
Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 2.731 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Communications6
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 60,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Telephones - mobile cellular
total subscriptions: 2.68 million (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 101 (2021 est.)
Broadcast media
1 state-run TV-channel; one privately owned TV station; 1 online TV station; 3 state-owned and 31 privately owned radio stations; 8 community radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available; cable and satellite TV subscription services in some parts of the country (2019)
Internet country code
.gm
Internet users
percent of population: 46% (2023 est.)
Broadband - fixed subscriptions
total: 6,000 (2022 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: (2022 est.) less than 1
Transportation4
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C5
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 15 (2023)
by type: general cargo 5, other 10
by type: general cargo 5, other 10
Ports
total ports
1 (2024)
large
0
medium
0
small
0
very small
1
ports with oil terminals
1
key ports
Banjul
Military & Security6
Military and security forces
Gambian Armed Forces (GAF; aka Armed Forces of the Gambia): the Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambia Navy, Gambia Air Force, Republican National Guard (RNG)
Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025)
Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025)
Military expenditures
Military Expenditures 2024: 0.6% of GDP (2024 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military Expenditures 2023: 0.6% of GDP (2023 est.)
Military Expenditures 2022: 0.7% of GDP (2022 est.)
Military Expenditures 2021: 0.8% of GDP (2021 est.)
Military Expenditures 2020: 0.8% of GDP (2020 est.)
Military and security service personnel strengths
estimated 3,000-4,000 active Gambian Armed Forces (2025)
Military equipment inventories and acquisitions
the military of Gambia has a limited inventory of mostly older, obsolescent, or donated equipment originating from several suppliers, including Taiwan, Turkey, the UK, and the US (2025)
Military service age and obligation
18-28 years of age for men and women depending on enlisted, officer, or specialized positions (2025)
Military - note
the Gambian Armed Forces (GAF) are responsible for external defense and aiding civil authorities in internal emergencies and natural disaster relief; they participate in multinational peacekeeping missions, as well as domestic support activities such as agricultural development, construction, education, and health services; the Gambian security forces have a history of involvement in domestic politics, including multiple coup attempts and mutinies, with the latest being an attempted coup in 2022
since January 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have provided security forces for Gambia's stability, plus assistance and training for the GAF and other Gambian security forces through the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); as of 2025, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal were providing military and gendarmerie personnel for ECOMIG (2025)
since January 2017, several members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have provided security forces for Gambia's stability, plus assistance and training for the GAF and other Gambian security forces through the ECOWAS Mission in the Gambia (ECOMIG); as of 2025, Ghana, Nigeria, and Senegal were providing military and gendarmerie personnel for ECOMIG (2025)
Transnational Issues1
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,411 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)