Gambia, the smiling coast of africa .
Read about the country, language, culture and more.
The Gambia is certainly much more than just sun, sea and beach. These three elements are guaranteed all
year round. But certainly also the special culture and friendly people. You can read more about that here.
Location
The Gambia is a West African country with approximately 1.8 million inhabitants. The narrow country,
which is no less than three times as small as the Netherlands, is surrounded by neighboring country
Senegal. Only the western part of Gambia, and its palm tree-strewn sandy beaches, border the Atlantic Ocean. You can fly from the Netherlands to Banjul airport in about 6.5 hours! All these ingredients make Gambia perhaps the most ideal winter sun destination.
Economy
The economy of the small West African country is one of the weakest in the world. Some sources indicate
that the country even ranks 15th among the ‘poorest countries in the world’. For example, we know that the average income of a Gambian is between € 40 and € 80 per month. Don’t forget that food prices for a
Gambian are also many times cheaper than for us in Western countries. Gambia’s main export product is
mainly peanuts. Many locals try to earn some extra money by selling home-grown crops.
Culture and religion
Gambia is bursting with culture. For example, most Gambians belong to a certain tribe. This is a hugely important part of the culture. The best known tribes are Wolof, Mandinka, Fula, Jola and Serahuli.
They each have their own language, traditions, recipes and characteristic build or skin color. The great
thing is that all tribes and religions live together. They respect each other. According to most Gambians,
it doesn’t matter what color you are. “We all have the same blood.” About 95% of the population is Islamic. Just under 5% are Christian. In Gambia you will find one or more mosques in almost every neighborhood. There are also a number of churches. If you ever get the chance to attend a mass, you should definitely do it. With a bit of luck you can witness the singing of a gospel choir.
Language
The main language is English. Almost everyone speaks one or more languages in addition to English
because of the tribe to which they belong. If you are on holiday in Gambia, you will be able
to speak English very well. This makes Gambia more than a suitable holiday destination.
—————————————————————————————————
Why go with a local Guide ? .
No one knows the country better than the locals themselves.
Traveling with a guide will give you unique insight, not only into the places you visit,
but also the way people live.
Take a tour of a local market, where you can experience culture through what is for sale:
merchants selling traditional food items, stands covered in vibrant cloth, handmade soap, and more.
Most guides are very open and happy to share their culture, and are willing to create tailored tours
and experiences based on the specific interests of travelers.