The Gambia: Unraveling the Mystery of its Existence

🌍The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland and is entirely surrounded by Senegal.

🗺️The Gambia's name includes the definite article 'the', similar to a few other countries like 'the Bahamas' and 'the Philippines'.

🏰The Gambia's existence can be traced back to colonialism, with the British and French establishing control in the region.

🌐The Gambia's colonial borders were shaped through negotiations, including a joint Anglo-French boundary commission.

🇬🇲The Gambia gained independence in 1965 and briefly united with Senegal in the Senegambia Confederation before becoming an independent nation again.

Why is The Gambia surrounded by Senegal?

—The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal because it was previously a British colony, while Senegal was under French control. The colonial powers defined the borders, resulting in The Gambia being entirely surrounded by Senegal.

Why is The Gambia called 'The Gambia'?

—The Gambia is called 'The Gambia' due to its official name, the Republic of The Gambia. The use of the definite article 'the' is unique and adds distinction to the country's name.

When did The Gambia gain independence?

—The Gambia gained independence from British colonial rule on February 18, 1965.

Has The Gambia ever been part of another country?

—Yes, The Gambia briefly united with Senegal in the Senegambia Confederation from 1982 to 1989. However, the union was dissolved, and The Gambia became an independent nation once again.

What is the significance of The Gambia's borders?

—The Gambia's borders were shaped through negotiations between the British and French, as well as a joint Anglo-French boundary commission. The borders define the country's territory, which is entirely surrounded by Senegal.

00:00The Gambia is a small country in West Africa surrounded by Senegal.

01:23The Gambia is officially known as the Republic of The Gambia and is named after the Gambia River.

02:19The Gambia's existence can be traced back to colonialism, with the British and French establishing control in the region.

04:10The Gambia was a British colony, while Senegal was under French control.

08:32The Gambia gained independence in 1965 and briefly united with Senegal in the Senegambia Confederation before becoming an independent nation again.

09:58The Senegambia Confederation was dissolved in 1989, and The Gambia became an independent nation once again.

10:27The Gambia changed its name to the Islamic Republic of The Gambia in 2015 but reverted to the Republic of The Gambia in 2017.

10:30The Gambia is the smallest country on the African mainland.