Knelstrom Intelligence · World Factbook
Gambia
Republic of The Gambia
CapitalBanjul
Population2,822,093
GDP$2.6bn
Area11,300 km²
RegionSub-Saharan Africa
Data sources current · last checked September 20, 2026 2:10 am
Country facts
Overview
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.
Reference: 2021, 2016, 1994, 1989The 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.
Geography
Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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)
Reference: 2012Major 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
Population & Society
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.)
Reference: 2019Languages
English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Religions
Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, other or none 0.1% (2019-20 est.)
Reference: 2019Age 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)
Reference: 202415-64 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.)
Reference: 2024youth dependency ratio: 65.7 (2024 est.)
elderly dependency ratio: 6.3 (2024 est.)
potential support ratio: 15.8 (2024 est.)
Median age
total: 20.2 years (2024 est.)
male: 19.8 years
female: 20.6 years
Reference: 2024male: 19.8 years
female: 20.6 years
Population growth rate
2.16% (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Birth rate
27.3 births/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Death rate
5.6 deaths/1,000 population (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Population 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
Major urban areas - population
481,000 BANJUL (capital) (2023)
note: note: includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing
Reference: 2023note: note: includes the local government areas of Banjul and Kanifing
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.)
Reference: 20240-14 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.)
note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Reference: 2019note: note: data represents median age at first birth among women 25-49
Maternal mortality ratio
354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Gross reproduction rate
1.74 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024Drinking 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Sanitation 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.)
Reference: 2022improved: 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)
Reference: 2016Alcohol 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.)
Reference: 2019beer: 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.)
Reference: 2020Currently married women (ages 15-49)
60.9% (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Child 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)
Reference: 2020women married by age 18: 23.1% (2020)
men married by age 18: 0.2% (2020)
Migration & Displacement
Immigrant/emigrant stock measures the number of international migrants resident in, or originating from, the country; it is not the same as annual immigration/emigration flows.
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,411 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
Government & Politics
| Office | Holder | Affiliation | From | Status | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head of state | Adama Barrow | — | 2017-01-21 | Current | Reported |
| Head of government | Adama Barrow | — | 2017-01-21 | Current | Reported |
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"
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
note: note: in 2024, The Gambian government announced its commitment to adopting a new constitution
Reference: 2024, 1997, 1996, 1970amendment 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
note: note: in 2024, The Gambian government announced its commitment to adopting a new constitution
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
Reference: 2026, 2024, 2022, 2021head 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
Reference: 2027, 2022legislative 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
Reference: 2022chancery: 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/
Reference: 2070, 2025embassy: 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)
Reference: 1965National holiday
Independence Day, 18 February (1965)
Reference: 1965Flag
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"
Reference: 1965lyrics/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
Government & Official Links
No official institutional links have yet been verified for this country.
Legislature & Elections
Legislature
| Name | Chamber | Seats | Electoral system |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Assembly of The Gambia | — | 58 | — |
Economy
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2023: $7.911 billion (2023 est.)
Real GDP (purchasing power parity) 2022: $7.549 billion (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
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.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Real GDP per capita 2023: $2,900 (2023 est.)
Real GDP per capita 2022: $2,900 (2022 est.)
note: note: data in 2021 dollars
GDP - composition, by sector of origin
agriculture: 24.1% (2024 est.)
industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
Reference: 2024industry: 14.7% (2024 est.)
services: 53.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to non-allocated consumption not captured in sector-reported data
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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Reference: 2024government 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.)
note: note: figures may not total 100% due to rounding or gaps in data collection
Agricultural products
rice, groundnuts, milk, millet, oil palm fruit, maize, vegetables, cassava, fruits, sorghum (2023)
note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Reference: 2023note: note: top ten agricultural products based on tonnage
Industries
peanuts, fish, hides, tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
Industrial production growth rate
2.4% (2024 est.)
note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Reference: 2024note: note: annual % change in industrial value added based on constant local currency
Labor force
783,100 (2024 est.)
note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Reference: 2024note: note: number of people ages 15 or older who are employed or seeking work
Youth unemployment rate (ages 15-24)
total: 10.9% (2024 est.)
male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Reference: 2024male: 10.9% (2024 est.)
female: 10.9% (2024 est.)
note: note: % of labor force ages 15-24 seeking employment
Population below poverty line
53.4% (2020 est.)
note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Reference: 2020note: note: % of population with income below national poverty line
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income
Gini Index coefficient - distribution of family income 2020: 38.8 (2020 est.)
note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Reference: 2020note: note: index (0-100) of income distribution; higher values represent greater inequality
Household income or consumption by percentage share
lowest 10%: 2.6% (2020 est.)
highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
Reference: 2020highest 10%: 30.5% (2020 est.)
note: note: % share of income accruing to lowest and highest 10% of population
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.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Remittances 2023: 21.5% of GDP (2023 est.)
Remittances 2022: 22.8% of GDP (2022 est.)
note: note: personal transfers and compensation between resident and non-resident individuals/households/entities
Budget
revenues: $308.887 million (2018 est.)
expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Reference: 2018expenditures: $221.137 million (2018 est.)
note: note: central government revenues and expenses (excluding grants/extrabudgetary units/social security funds) converted to US dollars at average official exchange rate for year indicated
Public debt
Public debt 2016: 82.3% of GDP (2016 est.)
Reference: 2016Current 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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$120.064 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$90.251 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $838.409 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Kazakhstan 92%, Guinea-Bissau 2%, China 1%, India 1%, Greece 1% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, cars, harvesting machinery, refined petroleum, trailers (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.549 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Kazakhstan 26%, China 18%, Senegal 8%, India 7%, Brazil 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cotton fabric, iron alloys, rice (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
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.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2022: $568.244 million (2022 est.)
Reserves of foreign exchange and gold 2021: $652.671 million (2021 est.)
note: note: holdings of gold (year-end prices)/foreign exchange/special drawing rights in current dollars
Debt - external
Debt - external 2023: $902.421 million (2023 est.)
note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: present value of external debt in current US dollars
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.)
Reference: 2023, 2022, 2021, 2020Exchange 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.)
Trade
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.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Current account balance 2023: -$120.064 million (2023 est.)
Current account balance 2022: -$90.251 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - net trade and primary/secondary income in current dollars
Exports
Exports 2024: $838.409 million (2024 est.)
Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Exports 2023: $717.774 million (2023 est.)
Exports 2022: $267.377 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - exports of goods and services in current dollars
Exports - partners
Kazakhstan 92%, Guinea-Bissau 2%, China 1%, India 1%, Greece 1% (2023)
note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export partners based on percentage share of exports
Exports - commodities
packaged medicine, cars, harvesting machinery, refined petroleum, trailers (2023)
note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five export commodities based on value in dollars
Imports
Imports 2024: $1.549 billion (2024 est.)
Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022Imports 2023: $1.353 billion (2023 est.)
Imports 2022: $829.516 million (2022 est.)
note: note: balance of payments - imports of goods and services in current dollars
Imports - partners
Kazakhstan 26%, China 18%, Senegal 8%, India 7%, Brazil 4% (2023)
note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import partners based on percentage share of imports
Imports - commodities
crude petroleum, refined petroleum, cotton fabric, iron alloys, rice (2023)
note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Reference: 2023note: note: top five import commodities based on value in dollars
Energy & Resources
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.)
Reference: 2023consumption: 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.)
Reference: 2023solar: 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.)
Reference: 2023Energy consumption per capita
Total energy consumption per capita 2023: 2.731 million Btu/person (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Infrastructure
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 60,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Health
Maternal mortality ratio
354 deaths/100,000 live births (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023Health expenditure
Health expenditure (as % of GDP): 3.2% of GDP (2021)
Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021Health expenditure (as % of national budget): 7.5% of national budget (2022 est.)
Physician density
0.09 physicians/1,000 population (2023)
Reference: 2023Hospital bed density
1.2 beds/1,000 population (2021 est.)
Reference: 2021Obesity - adult prevalence rate
10.3% (2016)
Reference: 2016Tobacco use
total: 8.6% (2025 est.)
male: 17% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
male: 17% (2025 est.)
female: 0.5% (2025 est.)
Education
Rights, Freedoms & Society
Press & Media Freedom
V-Dem expert-coded/modelled source measures. Knelstrom does not create a press-freedom ranking or composite score.
LGBTQ+ Rights & Law
Concrete legal-status fields only; Knelstrom does not generate an LGBTQ rights score or country ranking.
Source: Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory (CC BY-SA 4.0). Community-edited legal-status summary; retrieved by Knelstrom and not legal advice.
Crime & Justice
Legal system
mixed system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law
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
Military & Security
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)
note: note: the RNG is responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security, while the GPF maintains internal security
Ministry of Interior: Gambia Police Force (GPF) (2025)
note: note: the RNG is responsible for VIP protection, riot control, and presidential security, while the GPF maintains internal security
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.)
Reference: 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021Military 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 (2024)
Reference: 2024Military service age and obligation
18-25 years of age for voluntary service for men and women (18-22 for officers); no conscription; service obligation six months (2024)
Reference: 2024Military - 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)
Reference: 2025, 2022, 2017since 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)
International Relations
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Reference: 2022chancery: 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/
Reference: 2070, 2025embassy: 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
Treaties & Organisations
| Organisation | Status | Joined |
|---|---|---|
| African Union (AU) | member | — |
| Commonwealth of Nations (Commonwealth) | member | 2018-02-08 |
| United Nations (UN) | member | 1965-09-21 |
| World Trade Organization (WTO) | member | — |
International law organization participation
accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction
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
Conflict & Security
Refugees and internally displaced persons
refugees: 4,411 (2024 est.)
IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
Reference: 2024IDPs: 7,462 (2024 est.)
Transportation & Logistics
Civil aircraft registration country code prefix
C5
Airports
1 (2025)
Merchant marine
total: 15 (2023)
by type: general cargo 5, other 10
Reference: 2023by 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
Reference: 2024large: 0
medium: 0
small: 0
very small: 1
ports with oil terminals: 1
key ports: Banjul
Environment
Environmental issues
deforestation due to slash-and-burn agriculture; desertification; water pollution; water-borne diseases
International environmental agreements
party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Climate Change-Paris Agreement, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
signed, but not ratified: Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban
Climate
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
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.)
Reference: 2023agricultural 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.)
Urbanization
urban population: 64.5% of total population (2023)
rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Reference: 2023, 2020rate of urbanization: 3.75% annual rate of change (2020-25 est.)
Carbon dioxide emissions
total emissions: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
from petroleum and other liquids: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Reference: 2023from petroleum and other liquids: 537,000 metric tonnes of CO2 (2023 est.)
Particulate matter emissions
34.9 micrograms per cubic meter (2019 est.)
Reference: 2019Waste and recycling
municipal solid waste generated annually: 193,400 tons (2024 est.)
percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Reference: 2024, 2022percent of municipal solid waste recycled: 13% (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal
municipal: 41.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022industrial: 21.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
agricultural: 39.2 million cubic meters (2022 est.)
Total renewable water resources
8 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022Communications & Media
Telephones - fixed lines
total subscriptions: 60,000 (2021 est.)
subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 est.)
Reference: 2022, 2021subscriptions per 100 inhabitants: 2 (2022 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)
Reference: 2019Internet country code
.gm
Historical Trends
Population
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Population data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2,283,769 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | 2,342,189 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | 2,399,632 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | 2,456,844 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | 2,515,733 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | 2,576,010 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | 2,636,470 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | 2,697,845 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 2,759,988 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | 2,822,093 | world_bank_wdi |
GDP (current US$)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View GDP (current US$) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $1,484,578,886 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | $1,504,909,463 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | $1,670,671,328 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | $1,813,609,692 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | $1,812,170,891 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | $2,014,158,842 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | $2,204,734,528 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | $2,382,262,185 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | $2,404,888,738 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | $2,593,673,988 | world_bank_wdi |
International migrant stock (immigrants)
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International migrant stock (immigrants) data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 215,659 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | 236,137 | world_bank_wdi |
International emigrant stock
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View International emigrant stock data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 1990 | 14,218 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 1995 | 16,789 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2000 | 19,940 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2005 | 27,073 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2010 | 34,151 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2015 | 38,925 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2020 | 61,390 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
| 2024 | 72,452 | un_migrant_stock_2024 |
Net migration
Source: World Bank WDI. Historical observations shown by reference period.
View Net migration data table
| Period | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | -3,486 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2017 | -3,696 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2018 | -3,944 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2019 | -4,186 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2020 | -1,949 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2021 | -1,949 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2022 | -3,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2023 | -3,000 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2024 | -2,989 | world_bank_wdi |
| 2025 | -2,984 | world_bank_wdi |
Sources & Methodology
Current statistical observations include their reference period and provenance. Reference fields from approved source datasets are attributed below. Missing information is left unknown rather than inferred.
| Indicator | Value | Period | Source | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Population | 2,822,093 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| UN Population Division population estimate | 2,884,080 | 2026 | UN Population Division Data Portal | Estimated |
| Wikidata population (fallback) | 2,639,916 | 2021 | Wikidata | Reported |
| International migrant stock (immigrants) | 236,137 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International migrant stock | 8.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| International emigrant stock | 72,452 | 2024 | UN DESA International Migrant Stock 2024 | Estimated |
| Net migration | -2,984 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Refugees from this country | 6,728 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Asylum seekers from this country | 6,712 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Freedom of expression & alternative information index | 0.814 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Government censorship effort — media | 1.357 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Harassment of journalists | 1.250 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Print/broadcast media critical of government | 0.527 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Range of perspectives in major media | 1.534 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media bias | 1.682 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Media self-censorship | 0.776 | 2025 | Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem) Country-Year Dataset v16 | Estimated |
| Same-sex sexual activity | No Illegal since 1 January 1889 (as the Gambia Colony and Protectorate); Penalty: Up to life imprisonment. | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Recognition of same-sex relationships | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex marriage | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Same-sex adoption | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Open military service | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law | No | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| Gender identity / expression law | No Forms of gender expression criminalized since 2013 | current | Wikipedia — LGBTQ rights by country or territory | Reported |
| GDP (current US$) | $2,593,673,988 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP per capita (current US$) | $919 | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| GDP growth | 5.9% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Inflation, consumer prices | 11.6% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Unemployment | 6.5% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Income level | Low income | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Life expectancy at birth | 66.1 years | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fertility rate | 3.9 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Urban population | 65.0% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Individuals using the Internet | 49.5% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Exports of goods and services | 12.7% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Imports of goods and services | 49.4% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Trade | 62.2% | 2025 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Adult literacy rate | 51.6% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secondary school enrolment, gross | 107.0% | 2021 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Government education expenditure | 2.8% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Access to electricity | 69.0% | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Renewable energy consumption | 47.7% | 2022 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Current health expenditure | 2.9% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Infant mortality rate | 32.7 per 1,000 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Forest area | 22.3% | 2023 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Mobile cellular subscriptions | 126.2 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Fixed broadband subscriptions | 0.5 per 100 | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Secure Internet servers | 59 per million | 2024 | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude | 13.4495° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Longitude | -16.5885° | current | World Bank — World Development Indicators | Verified |
| Latitude (Wikidata) | 13.5000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Longitude (Wikidata) | -15.5000° | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Time zone | UTC±00:00, Africa/Banjul | current | Wikidata | Reported |
| Form of government | republic | current | Wikidata | Reported |
Data attribution
Credits below are generated from sources actually used by this country profile. Source-specific terms take precedence.
- CIA World Factbook, final 2025 country profile (structured via factbook.json). Accessed September 20, 2026. U.S. Government public-domain data; retained as a reference source where a newer approved field is not available. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, International Migrant Stock 2024; data access/processing via Our World in Data. Accessed September 20, 2026. Underlying UN dataset used under CC BY 3.0 IGO. Source · Terms/licence
- United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affairs, Population Division, World Population Prospects (WPP indicator 49) Accessed September 19, 2026. Used under CC BY 3.0 IGO; current-year WPP population values are presented as estimates/projections where applicable. Source · Terms/licence
- Varieties of Democracy (V-Dem), Country-Year Dataset v16 (variables: v2mebias, v2mecenefm, v2mecrit, v2meharjrn, v2merange, v2meslfcen, v2x_freexp_altinf) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0; V-Dem measures are expert-coded/modelled and no V-Dem endorsement is implied. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikidata structured data (CC0). Accessed September 20, 2026. Attribution is provided by Knelstrom for provenance although CC0 does not require it. Source · Terms/licence
- Wikipedia, “LGBTQ rights by country or territory” (source revision/data fields: Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Gender identity / expression law, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Open military service, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Recognition of same-sex relationships, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex adoption, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex marriage, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Same-sex sexual activity, Wikipedia revision 1374406645 — Sexual-orientation anti-discrimination law) Accessed September 20, 2026. Used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Knelstrom changes formatting and presents the imported material as a community-edited legal-status summary, not legal advice or a Knelstrom rights score. Source · Terms/licence
- World Bank, World Development Indicators (series: AG.LND.FRST.ZS, country_metadata, EG.ELC.ACCS.ZS, EG.FEC.RNEW.ZS, FP.CPI.TOTL.ZG, IT.CEL.SETS.P2, IT.NET.BBND.P2, IT.NET.SECR.P6, IT.NET.USER.ZS, NE.EXP.GNFS.ZS, NE.IMP.GNFS.ZS, NE.TRD.GNFS.ZS, NY.GDP.MKTP.CD, NY.GDP.MKTP.KD.ZG, NY.GDP.PCAP.CD, SE.ADT.LITR.ZS, SE.SEC.ENRR, SE.XPD.TOTL.GD.ZS, SH.XPD.CHEX.GD.ZS, SL.UEM.TOTL.ZS, SM.POP.ASYS.EO, SM.POP.NETM, SM.POP.RHCR.EO, SM.POP.TOTL, SM.POP.TOTL.ZS, SP.DYN.IMRT.IN, SP.DYN.LE00.IN, SP.DYN.TFRT.IN, SP.POP.TOTL, SP.URB.TOTL.IN.ZS) Accessed September 20, 2026. Data used under CC BY 4.0; Knelstrom presentation/formatting may differ from the source. Source · Terms/licence
Knelstrom does not imply endorsement by any listed data provider.
Last automated statistical refresh: 2026-09-20 02:05:15