Verified Facts
Quick Facts
Location & Borders
The Gambia is a small sovereign country located in West Africa, surrounded by the country of Senegal on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. It is situated on the Gambia River, which flows through the center of the country and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland, with a total area of approximately 11,300 square kilometers.
The country's strategic location on the Atlantic coast has made it an important hub for trade and commerce in the region. The Gambia is bordered by Senegal to the north, east, and south, and the two countries share a long history of cultural and economic exchange. The border between the Gambia and Senegal is approximately 740 kilometers long, and the two countries have a number of border crossings and trade agreements in place.
Terrain & Landscape
The Gambia's terrain is generally flat, with a low-lying coastal plain that rises to a gentle slope in the east. The country's highest point, Red Rock, is only 53 meters above sea level, and the lowest point is the Atlantic Ocean, which borders the country to the west. The Gambia River is the country's main geographical feature, and it flows through the center of the country, providing water and fertile soil for agriculture.
The country's landscape is dominated by tropical savannas and grasslands, with a number of small forests and woodlands scattered throughout the country. The Kiang West National Park is one of the country's most important protected areas, and it is home to a wide range of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and crocodiles. The park is also an important habitat for a number of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the pelican.
The Gambia's coastal region is characterized by a number of mangrove swamps and salt marshes, which provide important habitat for a range of marine species, including fish, shellfish, and birds. The country's beaches are also an important feature of the landscape, and they are a popular destination for tourists and locals alike.
Climate By Season
| Season | Months | Temperature Range | Rainfall | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dry Season | November to June | 20-30°C | low | clear skies, dry air |
| Hot Season | July to October | 25-35°C | high | hot and humid, heavy rainfall |
| Wet Season | July to September | 25-30°C | very high | heavy rainfall, flooding |
| Cool Season | December to February | 15-25°C | low | cooler temperatures, dry air |
Best Time To Visit
Best months: November to June. Why: the dry season offers pleasant temperatures and low humidity, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hiking and wildlife viewing. Avoid: July to October, when the hot and wet seasons bring heavy rainfall and high temperatures.
Natural Highlights
- The Kiang West National Park is one of the country's most important protected areas, and it is home to a wide range of wildlife, including monkeys, baboons, and crocodiles.
- The Gambia River is the country's main geographical feature, and it flows through the center of the country, providing water and fertile soil for agriculture.
- The Abuko National Park is a small but diverse park that is home to a range of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and reptiles.
- The Makasutu Forest is a beautiful and diverse forest that is home to a range of wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and crocodiles.
- The Tanji Bird Reserve is a small but important protected area that is home to a range of bird species, including the African fish eagle and the pelican.
- The Bijol Islands are a group of small islands that are located off the coast of the Gambia, and they are an important habitat for a range of marine species, including fish, shellfish, and birds.