Gambia: flag, capital, currency and history

Gambia, officially the Republic of the Gambia, is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Banjul. The currency is the dalasi. Languages spoken include English.

Quick facts about Gambia

Official name: Republic of the Gambia
Capital: Banjul
Region: Africa, Western Africa
Currency: dalasi (GMD, D)
Languages: English
Calling code: +220
Internet domain: .gm
Area: 10,689 km² (4,127 sq mi)
Land borders: Senegal
Demonym: Gambian
National day: Independence Day, February 18

Flag of Gambia

Download the flag of Gambia as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇬🇲.

SVG (vector)

History of Gambia

The lands along the Gambia River were part of the Mali Empire and later of smaller Mandinka and Wolof states. Portuguese traders arrived in the 15th century, followed by British merchants in the 17th century who built trading posts on the river. Britain gradually extended control, and boundaries with neighbouring French Senegal were agreed in 1889. The Gambia became independent in 1965 and a republic in 1970. It formed a confederation with Senegal from 1982 to 1989. The modern state is a narrow country surrounding the river, with Banjul as its capital.

Key dates

15th centuryPortuguese navigators reach the Gambia River and begin trading.
1889Britain and France agree the boundaries of the Gambia colony within Senegal.
1965The Gambia becomes independent from the United Kingdom.
1970The Gambia becomes a republic after a referendum.
1982The Senegambia Confederation with Senegal is established; it dissolves in 1989.
1994A military coup removes the first post-independence government.
2017A new president takes office after the December 2016 election.