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Gambia, The flag Gambia, The
Gambia, The
Quick Facts
Region:
Africa
Full Name:
Republic of The Gambia
Capital City:
Banjul
Language Spoken:
English (official),
Mandinka,
Wolof,
Fula,
other indigenous vernaculars
Personnel risk: MODERATE
Evacuation risk: LOW
The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in late 2006.