15 facts about GAMBIA

15 facts about GAMBIA

1. The Gambia was named after the Gambia river that flows through the heart of the country

 

2. The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa. Only the island nations Cape Verde, Comoros, Mauritius, Sao Tome e Principe and Seychelles are smaller.

 

3. The capital of Gambia is called Banjul, but the largest two cities are Serekunda and Brikama.

 

4. The Gambia gained independence from the British on February 18th 1965.

 

5. The Gambia's flag has red, blue and green stripes seperated by two white stripes. 

Blue represents the Gambia river

Red stands for the sun and the equatorial position  of the country

Green represents the agriculture and nature 

White stands for peace and unity

 

6. The currency that is used in Gambia is the Dalasi.

 

7. About 2,4 Mio. people are living in the Gambia (2021)

 

8. The Gambia is known as the "Smiling Coast of Africa" due to the warm-hearted Gambian mentality the people have. The vibe there is so nice!

 

9. The Gambia river is famous for its diverse wildlife which includes almost 600 species of birds as well as hippos, crocodiles and monkeys.

 

10. Gambia and Senegal are definetely the winner for best Jollof rice! ;) Try one of the famous dishes "Benachin" and you will confirm. 

Generally the most common food served in a Gambian home is white rice with any one of a tasty (and often spicy) sauce. For example Domoda, Benachin, Supakanja/Okra Stew, Yassa and Plasas are the popular ones. 

Street food is Gambia is also very tasty. Try Akara (black eyed pea-fritters) or buy fresh baked "tapalapa" bread.

 

11. Baobab trees are common symbols of Gambia. The tree is also known as the monkey bread tree and "tree of life", as it can live up to a 1000 years. Try the fresh "Baobab Juice" on the beach sides made out of baobab powder. This is one of the first things I do when arriving in Gambia. 

 

12. The Gambia was once part of the Empire of Ghana from the 5th to 11th century and then later the Empire of Mali from the 13th century. Mali had the richest king who is the well-known Mansa Musa (Mandinka tribe). From the Mandinka tribe comes also the legendary Kunta Kinteh. 

 

13. There are several different tribes in Gambia. The largest one is the Mandinka tribe. We also have Wolof, Fulani, Jola, Aku, Serer , Sarahule and more. All these different tribes speak their own language. The most common languages spoken in Gambia are Wolof and Mandinka. The beautiful thing is that everyone is living together peacefully.

 

14. What all tribes and people in Gambia have in common is the sense of family unity. Families in Gambia are often used to live together in one big conpound.

 

15. Crocodiles represent the power of fertility in Gambia, so the famous "Kachikally Crocodile Pool" , where you are able to touch crocodiles, is considered a sacred site. 

 

 

 

Kommentar schreiben

Kommentare: 2
  • #1

    Elaine T (Samstag, 05 März 2022 12:51)

    Yes! Smiling Coast of Africa

  • #2

    Kanata (Dienstag, 11 Juni 2024 09:19)

    Jollof rice, benachin, thieboudiene is a Senegalese dish its not Gambian, its origins are Senegalese and its French influenced. By saying Gambia and Senegal are the winner of jollof rice you are implying that the dish also originates in Gambia which is not the case. Senegal are the originators so of course they are the winner of jollof rice, also all countries surrounding Senegal including Gambia cook the dish the same way as the Senegalese do.

DELIVERY

PAYMENT

ABOUT ROYALGEAR

ROYALGEAR ist der Shop für afrikanische Kleidung, Bademode und Schmuck für die besonderen Momente im Leben. 

 

ROYALGEAR is the Onlineshop for African Fashion, African Print Swimwear and Jewelry for the special moments in life.