The Most Common Questions About The Gambia Answered.

The Gambia is a small country in West Africa that often piques curiosity. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about The Gambia.










What is The Gambia known for?

The Gambia is known for its beautiful beaches along the Atlantic Ocean, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant music scene. It's also famous for its diverse wildlife, particularly birdwatching, as it hosts many species of birds in its national parks and reserves.

The Gambian economy is heavily dependent on peanut (groundnut) production and export. The country is also known for being home to Jufureh (Juffure), the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley's well-known novel Roots.




Why is it called The Gambia and not Gambia?

The country is called "The Gambia" because it is named after the Gambia River, which flows through it. The "The" distinguishes it from Zambia, another African country. It was a convention established during colonial times to avoid confusion.

The Britons retained the Portuguese name 'A Gâmbia', but translated it to English, to mean 'The Gambia'. In the lead-up to official independence in 1965, The Gambia's then-prime minister wrote to a UK-based commission on naming of countries to retain the name The Gambia.




Is Gambia a rich or poor country?

The Gambia is considered a poor country. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, it struggles with economic challenges, and many of its people live in poverty.

As a low-income country, The Gambia uses the US$1.90 benchmark as the poverty line. As of 2019, there were over 0.25 million people, constituting about 10.8% of the Gambian population, who lived in extreme poverty. However, there are disparities in the poverty levels between rural and urban areas in the country.




What makes Gambia poor?

Several factors contribute to The Gambia's poverty, including a lack of natural resources, reliance on agriculture (which is often affected by climate change), political instability, and limited industrial development. The country also faces challenges in education and healthcare, which affect overall development.

The economy of the Gambia is heavily reliant on agriculture. The Gambia has no significant mineral or other natural resources, and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood.




Is it cheap to live in Gambia?

For many people, living in The Gambia can be relatively inexpensive, especially compared to Western countries. Basic goods and services are often cheaper, but imported goods can be quite expensive.

On average, consumer prices in The Gambia are 55-60% lower compared to the UK in 2023. Food is 59% cheaper - 1 kg of flour is 56% less expensive, eggs are 50% cheaper, and rice is 64% less. Drinks range from 22-70% lower cost - milk is 29% less, beer is 70% cheaper.










Why is Gambia so expensive?

Certain aspects of life in The Gambia can be expensive due to the high cost of imported goods. The country imports many essential items, and import duties and transportation costs can drive up prices. Additionally, the tourism industry can sometimes inflate prices in popular areas.

In Gambia there are no such incentives and imports of kitchen equipment, furniture, textiles attract a 40% tax. Although vat will not be introduced until next year, there is currently a 15% sales tax on all goods and services with no input tax allowance to offset it.




What are the main and biggest problems in Gambia?

The Gambia faces several significant problems, including poverty, unemployment, limited access to quality education and healthcare, and political instability. Environmental issues such as deforestation and climate change also pose challenges.




What to avoid in Gambia?

When visiting The Gambia, it's wise to avoid political demonstrations, as they can sometimes turn violent. It's also important to be cautious of petty crime, such as pickpocketing, particularly in crowded places. Travelers should respect local customs and dress modestly, especially in rural areas.




What is the most popular food in Gambia?

The most popular food in The Gambia is Domoda, a groundnut butter stew often made with beef or chicken and served with rice. Other beloved dishes include Benachin (Jollof rice) and Yassa, a spicy marinated chicken or fish dish, and so much more.




What does Gambia lack?

The Gambia lacks sufficient infrastructure in many areas, including roads, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions. There's also a shortage of job opportunities and modern industrial development, which hampers economic growth.




Is it safe to live in Gambia?

Living in The Gambia is generally safe for both locals and expatriates. However, like any country, it has its risks. It's essential to stay informed about the local situation, avoid risky areas, and take standard safety precautions. The overall crime rate is relatively low, but it's always good to be cautious.




Some Greetings, Farewells, Common Phrases and Basic Questions in The Gambian Languages.
Greetings

English: Hello
Mandinka: Abaraka
Wolof: Nanga def?
Jola: Ekóo
Jula: I ni ce




English: How are you?
Mandinka: I be di?
Wolof: Nanga def?
Jola: Buumam je?
Jula: I ka kene?




English: Good morning
Mandinka: E ni saama
Wolof: Jam nga fanane?
Jola: Ekóo bam
Jula: I ni sogoma




English: Good evening
Mandinka: E ni wula
Wolof: Jam nga endu?
Jola: Ekóo felem
Jula: I ni wula
Farewells

English: Goodbye
Mandinka: Fo
Wolof: Ba beneen yoon
Jola: Ajama
Jula: K'an ben




English: See you later
Mandinka: Fo kono
Wolof: Ba ci kanam
Jola: Ambe buk
Jula: T'i tilen
Common Phrases

English: Thank you
Mandinka: Abaraka
Wolof: Jërëjëf
Jola: Aboron
Jula: I ni ce




English: Yes
Mandinka: Ha
Wolof: Waaw
Jola: Ehe
Jula: Awo




English: No
Mandinka: Hani
Wolof: Déedéet
Jola: Hí
Jula: Ayi




English: Please
Mandinka: Jarama
Wolof: Ndekki
Jola: Bimman
Jula: M'ba fisa




English: I'm sorry
Mandinka: N'bari
Wolof: Baal ma
Jola: Sakma
Jula: N b'a fe
Basic Questions

English: What is your name?
Mandinka: I to mo?
Wolof: Naka nga tudd?
Jola: A buñena?
Jula: I togo?




English: Where are you from?
Mandinka: I be fo kango?
Wolof: Fan nga jóge?
Jola: Akumé it?
Jula: I bé je?




English: How much is this?
Mandinka: Fo ni deening?
Wolof: Naka la nii?
Jola: Furanke biba?
Jula: T'i n'a ka jo?




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