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  • Title: The Gambia.
    Author: United States. Department of State. Bureau of Public Affairs.
    Journal: Backgr Notes Ser; 1982 Nov; ():1-4. PubMed ID: 12178083.
    Abstract:
    Attention in this discussion of the Republic of the Gambia is directed to the following: the people; geography; history; government and political conditions; economy; foreign relations; and relations between the US and Gambia. In 1980 Gambia's population was estimated to be 619,052; the 1980-81 annual growth rate estimate was 2.8%. The infant mortality rate is 217/1000; life expectancy is 32 years for men and 34 years for women. Almost 85% of the population live in rural areas. The principal ethnic groups are Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahuli, English is the official language, although most Gambians speak their native language. The Gambia, located on the bulge of West Africa, is low lying, with a maximum altitude of 73 meters above sea level. From what is known of its early history, the Gambia was once part of the Empire of Ghana and the Kingdom of the Songhais. By the 16th century, Portuguese slave traders and gold seekers had settled in the lower river area. During the late 17th and throughout the 18th century, England and France struggled continously for political and commercial supremacy in the regions of the Senegal and Gambia rivers. The Gambia achieved independence on February 18, 1965, as a constitutional monarchy within the British Commonwealth. Shortly thereafter the government proposed conversion from a monarchy to a republic with an elected president replacing the British monarch as chief of state. In 1970 a referendum was approved by the required majority, and the Gambia became a republic on April 24th. The government is divided into independent executive, legislative, and judicial branches. Executive power is vested in a president, popularly elected for a 5 year term. The Gambia is 1 of the few African countries with a genuine multiparty system. There is no army. The economy is almost totally agricultural. The small manfacturing sector accounts for about 5% of the gross domestic product. Few foreign investors have taken advantage of the generous tax and customs incentives offered by the government under the Development Act of 1973. Some subsistence crops are grown, primarily grain, sorghum, and rice. Almost all suitable land is planted with peanuts, although crop diversification is encouraged. During the last decade fishing and tourism have developed. The Gambia follows a formal policy of nonalignment, but it maintains particularly close relations with the United Kingdom, Senegal, and African members of the Commonwealth. US policy is to expand and strengthen its friendly ties with the Gambia.
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