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Gambia

The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is the smallest country within mainland Africa and is surrounded by Senegal on three sides, with a short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The country is situated along both sides of the Gambia River, which flows through the center of The Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The capital city is Banjul, which is located on an island at the mouth of the river. Historically, The Gambia was a part of various West African empires before becoming a British colony in the late 19th century. It gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. Following independence, The Gambia has experienced relative political stability, with a brief period of dictatorship under Yahya Jammeh, who was ousted in 2017. The Gambia's economy is predominantly agricultural, with a significant portion of its population engaged in subsistence farming. Peanuts are the country's primary export, but the economy also relies on tourism, fishing, and remittances from Gambians living abroad. Despite its natural beauty and wildlife, which attract tourists, The Gambia remains one of the poorest countries in Africa. The population of The Gambia is ethnically diverse, with various ethnic groups including the Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and others. English is the official language, a legacy of British colonial rule, but several indigenous languages are also widely spoken. Culturally, The Gambia is known for its rich oral traditions, music, and dance, which are integral parts of community life and celebrations. The country's music scene is particularly vibrant, with traditional griot storytelling and kora playing being notable features. Geographically, The Gambia is characterized by its narrow land area flanking the Gambia River. The country has a subtropical climate, with a hot and rainy season from June to November and a cooler, dry season from November to May. The Gambia River plays a crucial role in agriculture, transportation, and the ecosystem, supporting a variety of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and hippos. Population of The Gambia from 2018 to 2020: 2018: Approximately 2.3 million inhabitants. 2019: Approximately 2.35 million inhabitants. 2020: Approximately 2.4 million inhabitants. Capital (Banjul): Population in 2020: About 31,000 inhabitants. Top 10 cities by number of inhabitants in 2020: (Figures are approximate) Serekunda: 340,000 Brikama: 77,700 Bakau: 43,098 Banjul: 31,000 Farafenni: 29,867 Lamin: 24,797 Sukuta: 15,131 Basse Santa Su: 14,380 Gunjur: 14,088 Soma: 9,768 The Gambia is divided into 5 divisions and 1 city.