Gambia

The Gambia is a country on the west African coast almost completely enclosed by Senegal. It has a land mass of 11,300km², a coastline of 80km, a population of 2.6 million people and a GDP of US$2.8bn which is expected to grow by 5.7% in 2025.
Its currency is the Gambian Dalasi.

The Gambia was ruled for over two decades by former president Yahya Jammeh, who first seized power in a military coup and consistently violated political rights and civil liberties. The 2016 election resulted in a surprise victory for opposition candidate Adama Barrow. Respect for fundamental freedoms including the rights to free assembly, association, and expression initially improved under the Barrow administration, but it has faced criticism for continued corruption.

The Gambia’s economic outlook remains positive, with real GDP estimated to expand by 5.7 percent in 2025, supported by continuous recovery in the tourism sector and good performance in the agricultural and construction sectors. Headline inflation has gradually declined, reaching 8.1 percent by end-April 2025. The outlook is subject to significant downside risks stemming from global uncertainty.

About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and animal hides.


Sources: Who Owns Whom sector reports, CIA Factbook, African Development Bank, World Bank, Trading Economics, African Statistical Yearbook and IMF. ?>