Geography
The Republic of The Gambia is in Western Africa. It is bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal.

Banjul is the capital and the main port. Other towns include Serekunda and Brikama.

The River Gambia runs the length of the country. The terrain is generally flat and low-lying; there are some low hills.

The climate is tropical. The rainy season is from June to November.

Environment
There are a number of national forest parks and woodlands in The Gambia. These include the Abuko Nature Reserve, Bijilo Forest Park, Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolon Wetland Reserve.

The Gambia is famous for its wide variety of birdlfe. Over five hunded and sixty species live in protected areas. Examples are cuckoos, flycatchers, kingfishers, herons, plovers, sunbirds, warblers and woodpeckers.

Animals found in The Gambia are antelopes, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, hyenas, leopards and various species of primates.

Architecture
The influence of British Colonial architecture can still be seen in Banjul, the capital city.

The earliest British structure in The Gambia is the fort on James Island dating from the seventeenth century.

Fort Bullen, another British fortification built in the 1820s, is a national monument. UNESCO funding has been provided to preserve the site.

Population
The population of The Gambia was estimated at 1.9 million in 2018.

Languages
English is the official language. Indigenous languages include Mandinka, Wolof and Fula.

Religion
A large percentage of the people are Muslims, some are Christians and indigenous beliefs are followed.

Food
Fufu, made from cassava, is a traditional food in The Gambia. Rice is also a staple food.

Rice is served with meat or fish. Sauces are made using ingredients such as black pepper, chilli peppers, tomatoes, vegetables and groundnuts.

Vegetables grown are beans, okra, onions, plantains, pumpkins, spinach and sweet potatoes. Palm oil is used in cooking.

Rice and groundnuts are also used to make sweet porridge. Fruits include coconuts, bananas, citrus fruits, mangoes, papayas, pineapples and watermelons.

Coffee and tea are favourite drinks and soft drinks and fruit juices are available. Dark red sorrel flowers are boiled to make juice.

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