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Region:
Western Africa
Capital:
Banjul
Population:
1 546 848 (July
2004 est.)
Surface
area:
11 295
Currency:
dalasi
GDP
per capita:
$1 700 (2003
est.)
Background:
The
Gambia gained
its independence
from the UK in
1965; it formed
a short-lived
federation of
Senegambia with
Senegal between
1982 and 1989.
In 1991 the two
nations signed
a friendship
and cooperation
treaty. A military
coup in 1994
overthrew the
president and
banned political
activity, but
a 1996 constitution
and presidential
elections, followed
by parliamentary
balloting in
1997, completed
a nominal return
to civilian rule.
The country undertook
another round
of presidential
and legislative
elections in
late 2001 and
early 2002. Yahya
A. J. J. JAMMEH,
the leader of
the coup, has
been elected
president in
all subsequent
elections.
Economy
– overview:
The
Gambia has no
important mineral
or other natural
resources and
has a limited
agricultural
base. About 75%
of the population
depends on crops
and livestock
for its livelihood.
Small-scale manufacturing
activity features
the processing
of peanuts, fish,
and hides. Re-export
trade normally
constitutes a
major segment
of economic activity.
Unemployment
and underemployment
rates are extremely
high. Shortrun
economic progress
remains highly
dependent on
sustained bilateral
and multilateral
aid, on responsible
government economic
management as
forwarded by
IMF technical
help and advice,
and on expected
growth in the
construction
sector.
United
Nations Membership
date:
21 September
1965
New
York Mission:
Permanent Mission
of the Gambia
to the United
Nations,
800 2nd Avenue,
Suite 400F, New
York, N.Y. 10017
Telephone: 212-949-6640
Fax: 212-856-9820
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