What is the first language in Gambia?

Mandinka
The Gambia is a former British Colony and the official language is English but there are also several tribal languages including Mandinka and Wolof. Educated in English, most Gambians are at least bilingual.

How many languages are spoken in the Gambia?

There are at least 10 languages spoken in Gambia by the various ethnic groups. Apart from English which is the official language spoken in schools and public offices there is also Wolof, Serer-Sine, Sarahole, Pulaar, Maninkakan, Mandjaque, Mandingo, Jola-Fonyi and the Aku’s Creole (pidgin English).

Is Gambia a French speaking country?

The country retains strong connections with Britain and is one of the few parts of West Africa where English, rather than French, is the official language.

How do you say hello in Gambia?

Gambian Phrases (Traditional) When you greet someone you say “Salaam aleikum” which means “Peace be upon you” and they would reply Maleekum salaam which means “and peace be upon you” (Arabic). All the various ethnic groups are familiar with this formal salutation.

What is Gambia religion?

Approximately 95.7 percent of the population is Muslim, most of whom are Sunni. The Christian community makes up 4.2 percent of the population, the majority Roman Catholics. Religious groups that together constitute less than 1 percent of the population include Ahmadi Muslims, Baha’is, Hindus, and Eckankar members.

Is Gambia poor?

The Gambia is Africa’s smallest country. And the Gambia is poor, cripplingly poor, with over a third of its population of 1.7 million surviving below the United Nations poverty line of $1.25 a day.

Is Gambia a poor country?

Why is Gambia so poor?

As of 2014, the United Nations Development Programme’s human development index ranked it the 172nd poorest country out of 186. While the causes of poverty in the Gambia are numerous, the two root problems are an overall lack of economic diversity as well as inadequate agricultural proficiency and productivity.

Why is The Gambia poor?

Poverty in The Gambia is mainly caused by a lack of economic diversity. Over half of all Gambians depend on agriculture to bring money and food to the table, but harsh weather conditions leave their farming fates unpredictable. When rainfall is at it highest, the Gambia falls into a “hunger season.”

What is the main religion in The Gambia?

Muslim
Approximately 95.7 percent of the population is Muslim, most of whom are Sunni. The Christian community makes up 4.2 percent of the population, the majority Roman Catholics. Religious groups that together constitute less than 1 percent of the population include Ahmadi Muslims, Baha’is, Hindus, and Eckankar members.

Can you drink alcohol in Gambia?

Introduction: The legal drinking age in Gambia is 18, but not strictly followed because so few people consume alcohol. Drinking is prohibited by the Islamic faith, and this reflects greatly on the attitude of Gambians towards alcohol—most abstain from drinking, selling, and having it present in their compound.

What is Gambia known for?

The Gambia is Africa’s smallest nonisland country. The country is known for the beaches along its small Atlantic coastline and for being home to Jufureh (Juffure), the reputed ancestral village of Kunta Kinte, the main character in Alex Haley’s well-known novel Roots.

What languages are spoken in the Gambia?

Information: Most of the languages spoken in Gambia belong to the Niger-Congo language family of the Atlantic or Congo branches. There are at least 10 languages spoken in Gambia by the various ethnic groups. Apart from English which is the official language spoken in schools and public offices there is also Wolof, Serer-Sine, Sarahole, Pulaar, Maninkakan, Mandjaque, Mandingo, Jola-Fonyi and the Aku’s Creole (pidgin English).

Where do the Gambian’s speak Mandinka?

The Mandinka language ( Mandi’nka kango) or Mandingo, is a Mande language spoken by the Mandinka people of Guinea, northern Guinea-Bissau, the Casamance region of Senegal, and in The Gambia where it is one of the principal languages.

What to do in the Gambia?

Things to do in The Gambia 1. Spend a day on an unspoilt beach 2. Spot some of the 540 species of bird 3. Visit a local school 4. Visit a Gambian family compound 5. Support the local industry 6. Home cooking course with Ida 7. Watch local fishermen bring in their catch 8. Get up close with a crocodile 9. Watch a local football match

What continent is the Gambia in?

The Gambia is a country in West Africa and is the smallest country on the continent of Africa. It has a short North Atlantic Ocean coastline in the west and is surrounded by Senegal so that it is almost an enclave. The country occupies the navigable length of the Gambia River valley and surrounding hills.