Gambia: general information about country, happiness index 2024

World Happiness Report for Gambia 2024

  • Overall Happiness Rank Gambia: 112
  • Happiness Score Gambia:4.485

Happiness is a subjective concept that has long been debated by philosophers, psychologists, and economists alike. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in quantifying happiness and using it as a measure of a nation’s overall well-being. This is where the concept of the Happiness Index comes into play.

What is the Happiness Index?

The Happiness Index is a measure that attempts to quantify the overall happiness and life satisfaction of a country’s population. It is based on the idea that traditional economic indicators, such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), do not fully capture the overall well-being of a society. The Happiness Index takes into account various factors that contribute to an individual’s sense of happiness and life satisfaction, including social support, freedom to make life choices, healthy life expectancy, and perceptions of corruption.

How is the Happiness Index Calculated?

The Happiness Index is calculated through a combination of subjective and objective data. The primary source of data is the Gallup World Poll, which is a survey conducted in over 160 countries. The survey asks respondents to rate their overall life satisfaction on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being the worst possible life and 10 being the best possible life.

In addition to the life satisfaction score, the Happiness Index also takes into account the following factors:

  1. GDP per capita: This is a measure of a country’s economic output and standard of living.
  2. Social support: This factor measures the extent to which individuals have supportive relationships and love in their lives.
  3. Healthy life expectancy: This is a measure of the number of years an individual is expected to live in good health.
  4. Freedom to make life choices: This factor measures the extent to which individuals are able to make decisions about their lives without external constraints.
  5. Generosity: This factor measures the extent to which individuals engage in charitable activities and donate to others.
  6. Perceptions of corruption: This factor measures the extent to which individuals perceive their society to be free from corruption.

These factors are weighted and combined to produce an overall Happiness Index score for each country.

What Does the Happiness Index Affect?

The Happiness Index has significant implications for policymaking and societal well-being. Countries with higher Happiness Index scores are generally considered to have better overall quality of life and well-being for their citizens. This can have positive impacts on various aspects of society, including:

  1. Economic productivity: Happier individuals tend to be more productive and engaged in their work, which can contribute to a country’s economic growth.
  2. Public health: Higher levels of happiness and life satisfaction are associated with better physical and mental health outcomes, which can reduce healthcare costs and improve overall well-being.
  3. Social cohesion: Societies with higher levels of happiness tend to have stronger social bonds and lower levels of conflict and crime.
  4. Environmental sustainability: Happier individuals may be more likely to engage in environmentally-friendly behaviors and support policies that promote sustainability.

By focusing on the factors that contribute to happiness and well-being, policymakers can develop strategies to improve the overall quality of life for their citizens. The Happiness Index provides a valuable tool for measuring progress and identifying areas where improvements can be made.

Short information

  • Abbreviation of Gambia. GM.

    Gambia is a small country in West Africa

  • It is known for its unique and vibrant culture, with a rich tradition of music and dance
  • Gambia has a long history of political stability, with a democratic government and a peaceful society
  • The country’s economy is largely based on agriculture, particularly the production of peanuts
  • The Gambia – Overview

    History

    Early History: The area now known as The Gambia has been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Stone Age. The region was home to various ethnic groups, including the Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula people.

    Colonial Period: In the 15th century, the Portuguese were the first Europeans to arrive in the region, followed by the British in the 17th century. The Gambia became a British colony in 1765, serving as a vital hub for the British slave trade. The country remained a British colony until gaining independence in 1965.

    Independence and Modern Era: The Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965, with Dawda Kairaba Jawara becoming the first president. The country experienced periods of political instability, including a military coup in 1994 led by Yahya Jammeh, who ruled as an authoritarian leader until his departure in 2017 following electoral defeat.

    Current Political Situation: The Gambia is a multi-party democratic republic, with Adama Barrow as the current president since 2017. Recent elections have been considered generally free and fair, marking a transition toward greater democracy and human rights.

    International Relations

    The Gambia maintains friendly relations with its neighbors and is a member of various regional and international organizations, including the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the United Nations.

    Human Development and Economy

    The Gambian economy is largely based on agriculture, with groundnuts (peanuts) being a major export commodity. Tourism and remittances from Gambians living abroad also contribute significantly to the economy. Despite progress, poverty and income inequality remain significant challenges.

    Cultural Highlights

    The Gambia is a culturally diverse nation, with the Mandinka, Fula, and Wolof being the largest ethnic groups. Islam is the predominant religion, with a significant Christian minority. The country is known for its rich oral traditions, music, and vibrant festivals.

    Challenges and Opportunities: Key challenges facing The Gambia include economic development, poverty reduction, environmental sustainability, and strengthening democratic institutions. Opportunities exist in sectors like tourism, agriculture, and renewable energy.

    Travel Tips for The Gambia

    – Best Time to Visit: The dry season from November to May offers the most pleasant weather for visiting The Gambia.

    – Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Respect local customs and traditions.

    – Safety: Exercise caution and avoid isolated areas, especially at night. Petty crime can occur in urban areas.

    – Must-See Landmarks: Visit the Kachikally Crocodile Pool, Abuko Nature Reserve, and the capital city of Banjul.

    – Culinary Experiences: Try local dishes like domoda (peanut stew), супер кхандо (a spicy rice dish), and palm wine.

    Living in The Gambia

    – Cost of Living: The cost of living in The Gambia is relatively low compared to many Western countries.

    – Housing: Expats often choose to live in compound-style housing or gated communities for security reasons.

    – Healthcare: Public healthcare facilities are limited, and many expats opt for private healthcare or travel abroad for major medical treatments.

    – Education: There are international schools in urban areas, but educational standards may vary.

    – Lifestyle: Adapting to the slower pace of life and conservative cultural norms can be a challenge for some expats.

    Doing Business in The Gambia

    – Business Culture: Personal relationships and face-to-face interactions are highly valued in Gambian business culture.

    – Key Industries: Agriculture, tourism, telecommunications, and trade are significant industries.

Main facts

1. Location

The Gambia is a country in West Africa, surrounded by Senegal except for a short coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. It is the smallest country on the African mainland and is situated on either side of the Gambia River, which flows westward into the Atlantic Ocean.

2. Map References

The Gambia is located in Western Africa.

3. Area – Comparative

The Gambia has an area slightly less than twice the size of the US state of Delaware.

4. Land Boundaries and Border Countries

The Gambia has a total land border of 749 km, shared entirely with Senegal.

5. Coastline

The Gambia has a coastline of 80 km along the Atlantic Ocean, with a small coastal region known as the Banjul Peninsula.

6. Maritime Claims

The Gambia claims a territorial sea of 12 nautical miles and a contiguous zone of 18 nautical miles.

7. Climate

The Gambia has a hot, semi-arid climate, with a tropical climate along the coast. There is a rainy season from June to October and a dry season from November to May.

8. Terrain

The Gambia is characterized by a low-lying terrain, with most of the country being flat and dominated by the Gambia River and its tributaries. There are some rolling hills in the eastern part of the country.

9. Elevation Extremes

The lowest point in The Gambia is the Atlantic Ocean at 0 m, while the highest point is an unnamed location in the eastern part of the country at 53 m.

10. Natural Resources

The Gambia’s natural resources include fish, titanium, tin, zircon, silica sand, clay, and petroleum.

11. Major Bodies of Water

The Gambia River is the country’s most significant water body, flowing westward for 1,120 km from the Fouta Djallon plateau in Guinea. It is shared with Senegal.

12. Natural Hazards

The Gambia is susceptible to periodic droughts, as well as occasional flooding during the rainy season.

13. Geography – Notes

The Gambia’s unique geography, with its narrow shape following the Gambia River, has played a significant role in shaping the country’s history and culture. The river serves as an important transportation route and a source of livelihood for many Gambians.

  • Forest Area (% of land area): 48.40%. This is the percentage of a country’s total land area that is covered by natural or planted forests.
  • Co2 Emissions: 532. CO2 emissions refer to the release of carbon dioxide gas into the atmosphere, primarily from the burning of fossil fuels (coal, oil, and natural gas) for energy production, transportation, and industrial processes.
  • Agricultural Land( %). 59.80%. Agricultural land refers to the share of land area that is arable and used for cultivating crops or raising livestock.
  • Geographic Coordinates:  13.443182-15.310139.
  • Capital: The capital of Gambia is  Banjul
  • Major Cities:
    • Banjul – Population: 31,301
    • Serekunda – Population: 340,000
    • Bakau – Population: 43,098
    • Farafenni – Population: 29,867
  • Population: 2,347,706
  • Area(Km2): 11300
  • Population Density( P/Km²):239. This is the number of people living per square kilometer of land area in a given region or country.
  • Calling Code:220
  • Official Language(s):Gambia is English with 70% of the population speaking it as their primary language.
  • Currency: GMD

Main Economic Indicators

Gambia – Economic Overview

The Gambian economy is small, open, and undiversified, with limited natural resources. It heavily relies on agriculture, tourism, remittances, and regional trade. Key economic challenges include high unemployment, a debt burden, and low domestic resource mobilization. Notable policies aim to increase fiscal discipline, promote private sector development, and attract foreign investment.

Inflation Rate (Consumer Prices)

2021: 7.6% (World Bank data)
2020: 5.9% (World Bank data)

Credit Ratings

Fitch: Not Rated
Moody’s: Not Rated
Standard & Poor’s: Not Rated

GDP – Composition by Sector of Origin

Agriculture: 19.4%
Industry: 14.7%
Services: 65.9% (2021 estimates)

Key Agricultural and Industrial Products

Agricultural Products: Peanuts, fish, millet, sorghum, rice, maize, palm kernels
Industrial Products: Tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Labor Force

Total Labor Force: 1.053 million (2022 estimate)
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Current Account Balance

2021: -$195.3 million
2020: -$109.4 million
Comparative Ranking: Not available

Exports and Imports

Exports (2021): $112.4 million
Key Partners: China, India, France, Mali
Main Commodities: Peanuts, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels
Imports (2021): $497.8 million
Key Partners: China, India, Turkey, Senegal
Main Commodities: Foodstuffs, machinery, fuel, vehicles

Reserves of Foreign Exchange and Gold

Foreign Exchange Reserves (2021): $331.7 million
Gold Reserves (2022): 0.003 million ounces

  • GDP (Current US$):$1,763,819,048. It represents a country’s gross domestic product measured in current US dollars. Higher values indicate a larger economy and economic output.
  • Tax Revenue (% of GDP): 9.40%. It refers to the amount of tax revenue collected by the government, expressed as a percentage of the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Higher values indicate a higher tax burden relative to the size of the economy.
  • Total Tax Rate (% of commercial profits): 48.40%. This is the sum of all taxes payable by businesses, expressed as a percentage of their commercial profits. Higher values indicate a higher tax burden on businesses.
  • Gasoline Price. $1.18. It refers to the cost of one liter or gallon of gasoline/petrol. Higher values indicate more expensive gasoline prices for consumers and businesses.
  • Minimum wage. $0.13. It refers to the lowest legally mandated hourly wage that employers must pay their workers. Higher values indicate a higher minimum level of pay for low-wage workers.
  • Unemployment Rate (%): 9.06%. It represents the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed and actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate more joblessness in the economy.

Social Indicators

1. National Identity

Noun: Gambian(s)

Adjective: Gambian

2. Ethnic Groups

Mandinka/Jahanka 34%

Fulani 22.4%

Wolof 14.8%

Jola/Karoninka 11.3%

Serahuli 9.1%

Serer 3.4%

Others 5%

3. Religions

Muslim 95.7%

Christian 4.2%

Other/None 0.1%

4. Age Structure

0-14 years: 38.4%

15-64 years: 58.6%

65 years and over: 3% (2022 est.)

5. Dependency Ratios

Total dependency ratio: 67.4

Youth dependency ratio: 62.1

Elderly dependency ratio: 5.3

6. Median Age

Total: 21.9 years

Male: 21.3 years

Female: 22.6 years (2022 est.)

7. Lifestyle Indicators

Obesity rate: 10.8% (2016)

Alcohol consumption: 1.6 liters of pure alcohol per capita per year (2019)

Tobacco use: 12.8% of adults (2020)

  • Life Expectancy at Birth: 61.7. Life Expectancy at Birth refers to the estimated average number of years a newborn is expected to live based on current mortality rates. Higher values indicate better health outcomes and living conditions in a country or region.
  • Literacy Rate (% of adults): 50.9%. It refers to the percentage of the population aged 15 and above who can read and write with understanding of a short simple statement about their everyday life. Higher literacy rates indicate better educational attainment within a population.
  • Birth Rate:38.54. Birth Rate is the total number of live births per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher birth rates indicate a larger share of the population being born each year.
  • Death Rate:8. Death Rate is the number of deaths per 1,000 population in a given year. Higher death rates indicate more people dying annually within a population.
  • Fertility Rate: 5.22. Fertility Rate is the average number of children a woman would have over her reproductive years based on current birth rates. Higher fertility rates indicate larger family sizes and population growth.
  • Internet Users (% of population): 15.8%. Internet Users (% of population) refers to the percentage of the total population in a country or region that has access to and uses the internet. Higher values indicate greater internet penetration and connectivity among the population.
  • Urban Population: 1,453,958. Urban Population refers to the percentage or number of people living in urban areas or cities within a country or region. Higher urban population values indicate greater urbanization and concentration of people in cities compared to rural areas.
  • Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure):20.30%. Out of Pocket Health Expenditure (% of total health expenditure) represents the portion of total health care costs that individuals pay directly out of their own pockets, rather than being covered by insurance or government programs. Higher values indicate greater personal financial burden for health care expenses.

Infrastructure and Services

Military and Security Forces

The Gambian Armed Forces consist of the Gambian National Army, Gambian Navy, and Gambian Air Force. The Army is the largest component, with Infantry and Artillery Battalions. The Navy operates a small fleet of patrol boats for coastal defense and maritime security. The Air Force has a limited inventory of transport aircraft and helicopters.

The Gambian National Police and the Gambian Immigration Department play key roles in maintaining internal security and border control.

Military Expenditures

Gambia’s military spending as a percentage of GDP for the last five years:

  • 2022: 1.1%
  • 2021: 1.2%
  • 2020: 1.3%
  • 2019: 1.4%
  • 2018: 1.5%

Gambia ranks among the lower tiers globally in terms of military expenditure.

Personnel Strengths

The Gambian Armed Forces have a total active-duty strength of approximately 2,500 personnel, with the following breakdown:

  • Army: 2,000
  • Navy: 300
  • Air Force: 200

The Gambian National Police and other security services employ an additional 4,000 personnel.

Military Equipment Inventories and Acquisitions

Gambia’s military hardware primarily consists of light infantry weapons, armored personnel carriers, and a limited number of artillery pieces and transport aircraft. Most of the equipment is imported from countries like China, Turkey, and the United States.

There are no major ongoing military acquisition or development programs due to budgetary constraints.

Military Service Age and Obligation

The legal age range for voluntary military service in Gambia is 18 to 25 years. There is no mandatory military conscription currently in place.

Military Deployments

Gambia does not have any significant overseas military deployments. It contributes a small contingent of troops to the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA).

Strategic Military Notes

Gambia’s defense strategy focuses on maintaining territorial integrity, ensuring internal security, and contributing to regional stability through participation in peacekeeping missions. The military plays a limited role in international security due to its modest size and capabilities.

Gambia is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and participates in regional security initiatives and joint military exercises with neighboring countries.

  • Armed Forces Size: 800. Armed Forces Size refers to the total number of active personnel serving in a country’s military forces, including the army, navy, air force, and other branches. Higher values indicate a larger military presence and personnel.
  • Physicians per Thousand: Number of doctors per 1,000 people is 0.1
  • Population: Labor Force Participation (%): 59.40%. This is the percentage of the total population aged 15 and older that is economically active, meaning they are either employed or actively seeking employment. Higher values indicate a greater proportion of the working-age population engaged in the labor force.

Leave a Comment