Gambia Fun Facts: The Seven Wonders of Africa!
1970
Did you know- Gambia was unknown to most of the world until 1977. The small African country of Gambia came into the international spotlight when it served as the setting for the 1977 television series “Roots,” which is the third most-watched television program in all time, after “M*A*S*H” and “Dallas.”
Geography
Did you know- The Gambia is a nation, with lush tropical forests and large fertile valleys, on the coast of West Africa. It is one of the smallest nations in the world. Interestingly, The Gambia is the only former British colony in the world that is completely surrounded by a former French colony (Senegal).
Banjul
Did you know- The capital city is Banjul, which has been a center of commercial activity since independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. In centuries past, Banjul was one of the first cities to be built in West Africa. Apart from Banjul, there are of course other major cities: Serukunda, Brikama, Bakau and Farafenni.
james island
Did you know- The country boasts a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in sub-Saharan Africa: James Island and related sites. Without a doubt, each place is an open door to the past, from where thousands of slaves were sent to the United States, South America and Caribbean. This World Heritage Site, on the banks of the Gambia River, is the legacy of a long history of relations between Africa and three European countries (Portugal, United Kingdom and France), from the time before slavery to the new republic of Gambia, one of the last black states on the planet. In fact, this site has become the most popular tourist destination in the country.
wild birds
Did you know- the tropical jungles, more than 28% of the national territory, serve as habitat for a large number of birds – whose population is one of the most abundant in West Africa – such as storm-petrels, pelicans, cormorants, hamerkops and storks.
multisport events
Did you know- At least three national athletes (in two sports) participated in the Summer Olympics in August 2008. In the mid-1960s it gained its independence, but did not start competing in the Olympics until 1984. In addition to these Games, compete in the Commonwealth Games, the African Games and the World University Games.
The Gambia and the United States
Did you know- American novelist Alex Haley had visited Juffure, The Gambia.
lost city of stone
Did you know- Apart from James Island, The Gambia also has another historical site: “Senegambia Stone Circles”. Since then, it is a millenary wonder where the past is always present. Located along the Gambia River, this site, which brings together four groups of stones (Kerbatch, Sine Ngayene, Wanar and Wassu), is one of the new wonders of Africa. Surprisingly, it is estimated that it contains a total of more than 1,000 stone blocks. Long unknown in the United States, these monuments, an “incredible work of art” in West Africa, were built between the 3rd century B.C. C. and the 16th century AD. C.; the most artistically brilliant periods in Gambian history. This huge area of stones was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2006. Without a doubt, this area preserves the native culture.
Famous people
Did you know- Walli N’Dow was Secretary General of the United Nations for Human Settlements.
Football
Did you know- In the year 2009, The Gambia was an example for several Third World nations. Despite having one of the worst sporting systems in Africa, they won the FIFA U-17 Africa Cup and competed for the World Championship (where they finished 11th, ahead of Japan and Costa Rica). The African champions were: Kemo Fatty, Ebrima Saho, Baka Ceesay, Buba Sama, Saikou Jawneh, Omar Bojang, Bubba Jallow, Ismaila Suwaneh, Ebrima Bojang, Osman Darboe, Lamin Sanjo Samathe, Dawda Ceesay, Lamin Samateh, Pateh Nyang, Baboucarr Savage , Demba Janneth, Sanusi Jabbi, Bakary Sanyang, Darbo, Kissima Bojang and Lamin Gibba.
Tourism
Did you know- Tourism is growing rapidly. Since the early 2000s, the nation has been one of the most popular tourist stops in West Africa. Why? There is a world of great things to see and do in The Gambia. This vibrant African nation is known for its magnificent beaches, rich biodiversity, exotic cuisine, colonial architecture, luxury resorts, history, friendly people, of course, and traditions. At the same time, it is one of the most stable nations. Fewer than 100,000 tourists, on average, visit this little paradise annually with 85% of those from Europe, Japan, Taiwan and the United States. Tourism is the second economic pillar.
famous visitors
Did you know- About the size of Connecticut, this English-speaking place was visited by Pope John Paul II in the early 1990s.
Old history
Did you know- Today’s Gambia traces its roots back to the ancient Mali Empire, one of the most powerful kingdoms on the continent, in the 14th century. At that time, it was the natural corridor between Mali and the Atlantic Ocean. It was a European colony from the 15th century until 1965, when it became an independent nation.
foreign relations
Did you know- During the Cold War, for more than 24 years, the country’s government supported the anti-apartheid movement, along with Uganda, Guyana, India, and many other Third World states. Since then, recognition of Pretoria has been denied. In the mid-1970s, The Gambia withdrew from the XXI Summer Olympics in Montreal because the Olympic member New Zealand national rugby union team had visited international outcast South Africa between 1960 and 1991. In the following decade, too boycotted other multi-sport events: the 1986 Commonwealth Games in Edinburgh (Scotland), along with other national teams such as Kenya, Jamaica and the Bahamas.
Authors
Did you know- Lenrie Peters is the nation’s most respected writer.
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