The Gambia is situated on the Atlantic on Africa's vibrant West Coast. It's a thin strip of land of mainly low-lying plateau that runs inland and is packed with exotic sights and sounds for the visitor. Mangrove swamps, park-like savannah and unspoiled beaches all feature in The Gambia’s incredible landscape. The capital city of Banjul is the largest town and offers visitors plenty of sightseeing apportunities including the area around MacCarthy Square with its colonial atmosphere and elegant 19th-century architecture. The River Gambia is one of Africa's great waterways and dominates the country. It provides opportunities for fishing, boating and sailing and there are many camps and lodges along its banks. Particularly well worth visiting is the Abuko Nature Reserve, which has crocodiles, monkeys, birds and antelopes, and Makasutu for its incredible wildlife. Recommended dishes include benachin (a mixture of spiced meat and rice with tomato puree and vegetables) and chere (steamed millet flour balls). Nightlife is usually low key but there are nightclubs in Banjul, Farjara, Bakau and Serrekunda. The Roots Homecoming Festival is a fantastic event that takes place annually in June/July. There are also organised performances of Gambian ballet, drumming and fire-eating displays. But what makes a stay in The Gambia particularly special is its warm and welcoming people.

West Africa.

GMT.

11,295 sq km (4361 sq miles).

1.5 million (UN estimate 2005).

132.8 per sq km.

Banjul. Population: 38,828 (2003).

The Gambia is situated on the Atlantic coast at the bulge of Africa. The country consists of a thin ribbon of land, at no point wider than 50km (30 miles), running east–west on both banks of the River Gambia. The Gambia is bordered to the west by the Atlantic Ocean and on all other sides by Senegal. It is also the smallest and westernmost African nation. The country mainly consists of a low plateau, which decreases in height as it nears the Atlantic coast. The plain is broken in a few places by low flat-topped hills and by the river and its tributaries. The area extending from MacCarthy Island, where Georgetown is located, to the eastern end of the country, is enclosed by low rocky hills. The coast and river banks are backed mainly by mangrove swamps, while the lower part of the river has steep red ironstone banks which are covered with tropical forest and bamboo. Away from the river, the landscape consists of wooded, park-like savannah, with large areas covered by a variety of trees such as mahogany, rosewood, oil palm and rubber. On the coast, the river meets the Atlantic with impressive sand cliffs and 50km (30 miles) of broad, unspoiled beaches, palm-fringed and strewn with shells.

Republic. Gained independence from the UK in 1965. Head of State and Government: President Yahya Jammeh since 1996. Recent history: The most recent Presidential and legislative polls in October 2001 and January 2002 repeated the results of five years earlier, leaving Yahya Jammeh and his Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (APRC) firmly in control of The Gambia. Many of the international economic and political links damaged by the 1994 coup have since gradually been restored. However, Jammeh has dropped Jawara’s rigid pro-Western stance and has looked further afield for new donors and trading partners: these now include Libya and Taiwan, as well as Cuba, Iran and Nigeria. New agreements were also signed with neighbouring Senegal. A number of army officers suspected of plotting to overthrow President Yahya Jammeh, were arrested in March 2006. The President seeks re-election in 2006.

The official language is English. Local languages are Creole, Fula, Jola, Mandinka, Manjango, Serahule, Serere and Wolof.

Over 85 per cent Muslim, with the remainder holding either Christian or animist beliefs.

230 volts AC, 50Hz. Plugs are either round three-pin or square three-pin (15 or 13 amps).

Handshaking is a common form of greeting; Nanga def (‘How are you?’) is the traditional greeting. Gambians are extremely friendly and welcoming and visitors should not be afraid to accept their hospitality. Many Gambians are Muslim and their religious customs and beliefs should be respected by guests; however, most understand the English customs and language. Visitors should remember that the right hand must be used for the giving or receiving of food or objects. Casual wear is suitable, although beachwear should only be worn on the beach or at the poolside. Only the most exclusive dining rooms encourage guests to dress for dinner. Despite the effects of tourism, traditional culture in music, dancing and craftsmanship still flourishes in the many villages on both banks of the River Gambia. Travellers are advised not to photograph Banjul airport or military bases and to ask the permission of any locals if wishing to photograph them and their village.