Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa. It is a country almost enclaved in Senegal, that cuts literally in two (moving away Casamance, region of southern Senegal, the central power of Dakar and favoring on the spot a latent conflict), and with which it shares 740 km border. Its territory extends along the last 320 kilometers of the course of the Gambia River to its mouth, from 20 to 50 km on each side of the banks of the river. Its coastline overlooking the Atlantic Ocean extends for 80 km. Its capital is Banjul, the main urban area of the country, which lies at the mouth of the Gambia River, and which concentrates about half of the total population with more than 1.1 million inhabitants.
The relief of the country is flat and never rises beyond 55 meters above sea level.
Gambia – crossing the Gambia River in Banjul. Photo: Jérôme Chesnot
