The Gambia

The Gambia, the smallest country on the African mainland, was first developed by trade routes along the Gambia River to the Atlantic. It was colonized by the British and received its independence two hundred years later in 1965. At first a constitutional monarchy, it soon changed to a republic, and later political unrest gave rise to a militaristic government for a time. For seven years, it formed part of the Senegambia Confederation with its surrounding country. Although periodic bouts of discontentment and unrest are still a part of Gambian politics, it has not fought a war in many years, and has recent re-joined the British commonwealth.

Its situation is unique: its total area being only 11,300 sq. kilometers, it is nearly engulfed by Senegal, which surrounds it on three sides. Tourism is one of the country’s main sources of income. Its population is most dense where the river meets the Atlantic, which is also where the capital is located. The rest of its inhabitants are scattered inland around the river, which is their best protection again the frequent droughts. Many of its people live on subsistence agriculture and struggle against poverty and the lack of education, but their greatest need is spiritual.

The Gambia is also a strategic country for ministry. There are several African dialects spoken, including Wolof and Mandinka, but the official language is English, which makes it one of the few predominate Moslem countries that has English as a main language. Although over 90% of its people claim Islam, their constitution grants freedom of religion — a rare blessing in Muslim countries. And the need is great: for such a small country, it has quite a number of different people groups, many of which are considered unreached.

Missionaries in The Gambia:

Missionaries in Africa (listed with BIMI account numbers)