Exploring the Vibrant Tapestry of The Gambia: A Journey Through Culture, History, and Nature
In this video, we are excited to present to you some lesser-known facts about the country of Gambia. The Gambia is situated on both sides of the lower reaches of the Gambia River, the nation's namesake, which flows through the Centre of The Gambia and empties into the Atlantic Ocean. It has an area of 10,689 km2 with a population estimated above 1.8 million people.
First and foremost, The Gambia stands out as the smallest country on the African mainland, yet its diminutive size belies its significance. Bordered by Senegal on all sides except for its stunning coastline along the Atlantic Ocean, The Gambia is a land of contrasts, where bustling urban centers blend seamlessly with verdant landscapes and tranquil riverine ecosystems.
Agriculture is a major source of income. The Gambia's economy relies heavily on tourism, but the second biggest cash crop is groundnuts. Around 80% of the population is employed in this sector, which is sensitive to adverse climatic conditions and still operates largely at subsistence farming rather than commercial enterprise level. 3. The Gambia is predominantly a Muslim country. The country is also very tolerant of different religions, with a small number of Christians residing there too. The festival of Ramadan is celebrated: a period of fasting occurring for one month every year. 4. The Gambia is home to nine different tribes. The largest of these tribes is the Mandinka, along with the Fula and Wolof, all of whom live together harmoniously. This does make learning any of the local language a bit trickier as there are several variations. Although as a former British colony, English is widely spoken. 5. There's close to 600 species of bird to look out for. The country is undoubtedly a birdwatcher’s paradise with 540 species to be discovered in the forests and by its banks. As you venture further inland, you'll also see crocodiles and hippos residing in the river 6. During elections, Gambians vote using marbles. In a private booth, voters are presented with holes in the ground marked with each candidate. They then simply drop their marble into the hole they choose. 7. There is a sacred crocodile pool in Bakau. The Kachikally crocodile pool is home to around 100 crocodiles of varying shapes and sizes. They're all well looked after (and more importantly, well fed!) so pose no danger to the tourists who pass through on a daily basis. Whilst you're here though, do make sure to visit the small museum on the site as it provides much broader description of how and why the area came to be sanctified. 8. It's named after the River Gambia, one of West Africa's major rivers. The river stretches 700 miles from north-western Guinea all the way to Banjul in The Gambia, before eventually spilling into the Atlantic Ocean. 9. The Gambia once sat at the centre of the slave trade. Kunte Kinte Island, formerly known as James Island, was once a major waypoint of the transatlantic slave trade, becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003. 10. The Gambia has 50 miles of coastline. For such a tiny country, The Gambia has an impressive stretch of coastline. It's these uncrowded sandy beaches and year-round sunshine that make The Gambia so popular with British holidaymakers in search of a sun-kissed beach holiday.
Beyond its natural beauty and cultural heritage, The Gambia is perhaps best known for the warmth and hospitality of its people. Gambians are renowned for their friendliness and generosity, welcoming visitors with open arms and inviting them to partake in their vibrant traditions and celebrations.
Link is below
[ Ссылка ]
