Why Is It Called The Gambia?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The Gambia is the

official name of the smallest West African country

. … The Portuguese who first explored the country named it after the river known as ‘The River Gambia. ‘ The Portuguese thus named it ‘The Gambia. ‘ [In Portuguese A Gâmbia] So when Britain took over, they maintained that name.

Do you say Gambia or the Gambia?

In summary, when speaking officially

‘The Gambia’ is appropriate

, however you won’t offend locals when visiting the country if you drop the ‘The’.

Why is Gambia so poor?

As of 2014, the United Nations Development Programme’s human development index ranked it the 172nd poorest country out of 186. While the causes of poverty in the Gambia are numerous, the two root problems are an overall

lack of economic diversity

as well as inadequate agricultural proficiency and productivity.

Why is Gambia not part of Senegal?

It is such a small area, why did it not become part of Senegal? The main reason is

the colonial history

. Trading rights on the Gambia River were originally claimed by the Portuguese during the slave trade and then sold to the British in the late 1500s.

Why is Gambia called the Smiling Coast of Africa?

Aside from its welcoming people, the nickname, ‘The Smiling Coast’ was also

inspired by the country’s location on the map of Africa

. The Gambia cuts through the middle of Senegal and its position appears like that of a smile on the map of the continent, greeting those who make their way up the River Gambia.

Is Gambia rich or poor?

The Gambia – Poverty and wealth

The Gambia is classified as one of the least developed countries and is a

low-income country

. Real GNP per capita growth in the 1990-97 period averaged-0.6 percent a year, so average living standards were falling. SOURCE: United Nations.

What language do they speak in Gambia?

The Gambia is a former British Colony and the

official language is English but there are also several tribal languages including Mandinka and Wolof

. Educated in English, most Gambians are at least bilingual.

What is the average salary in Gambia?

A person working in Gambia typically earns

around 15,900 GMD per month

. Salaries range from 4,020 GMD (lowest average) to 71,000 GMD (highest average, actual maximum salary is higher). This is the average monthly salary including housing, transport, and other benefits.

How much does it cost to live in Gambia?

Food Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in expensive area

11,000 Dalasi
Monthly rent for a 45 m2 (480 sqft) furnished studio in normal area 7,000 Dalasi Utilities 1 month (heating, electricity, gas …) for 1 person in 45 m2 (480 sqft) studio 1,875 Dalasi

Are there lions in the Gambia?

Other animals that

the country has sadly lost include lions

, a number of species of antelopes and red river hogs, while the West African Manatee and the Western Red Colobus Monkey are in danger of extinction and many other animals including species of birds, fish, reptiles and mammals are considered at risk.

What is the religion of Gambia?

Approximately 95.7 percent of the population is

Muslim

, most of whom are Sunni. The Christian community makes up 4.2 percent of the population, the majority Roman Catholics. Religious groups that together constitute less than 1 percent of the population include Ahmadi Muslims, Baha’is, Hindus, and Eckankar members.

Is Gambia safe for tourists?

Gambia is, for

the most part, a safe country to visit

. However it does have a rather high crime rate, though it’s mainly ridden with petty street crime. You should be vigilant and take all possible precaution measures in order to minimize the risk of getting stolen from.

How do you say hello in Gambia?

Gambian Phrases (Traditional) When you greet someone you say “

Salaam aleikum”

which means “Peace be upon you” and they would reply Maleekum salaam which means “and peace be upon you” (Arabic). All the various ethnic groups are familiar with this formal salutation.

What is Gambia famous for?

The Gambian economy is heavily dependent on peanut (groundnut) production and export. The country is known for

the beaches along its small Atlantic coastline

and for being home to Jufureh (Juffure), the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley’s well-known novel Roots.

What is the smiling coast of Africa?


Gambia

– referred to as the smiling coast of Africa – shares that ‘pleasure’ with ‘The Bahamas.

Why is there in front of Gambia?

The Gambia is the official name of the smallest West African country. Yes, there is the need to put a definite article ‘The’ in front of Gambia. …

The Portuguese who first explored the country named it after the river known as ‘The River Gambia

. ‘ The Portuguese thus named it ‘The Gambia.

Ahmed Ali
Author
Ahmed Ali
Ahmed Ali is a financial analyst with over 15 years of experience in the finance industry. He has worked for major banks and investment firms, and has a wealth of knowledge on investing, real estate, and tax planning. Ahmed is also an advocate for financial literacy and education.