The Gambia
Kiang, The Gambia
In the forested region of Kiang in The Gambia, Musukayba prepares the family meal of rice and groundnut stew. To do so, she must collect firewood for fuel, go to the market, pound grains and spices, pull water from the well, build the fire, cook over a three stone fireplace, and wash the dishes. It’s a long, long day.
The Gambia encompasses approximately ten kilometers north and south of “The Gambia River.” The long, narrow shape of this tiny country is the result of 17th century British colonial rule. The story goes that the English, with their powerful navy, could control only as far as their ships’ cannons could fire as they sailed up the river. The Gambia gained independence in 1965, becoming the smallest country on the African continent.
Photo © 2008 Steven Snyderman
Peace Corps Volunteer, The Gambia 2008-2010
Republic of the Gambia
Western Africa
Area 11,295 km2 (RANK 167)
Arable 27.9%
Capital Banjul (436K)
Population 1,840,454 (162/km2)
Literacy 50%
Life expectancy 64 yrs
HIV/AIDS 2.0% (18,000 adults)
In poverty 48%
Military 0.9% of GDP (RANK 138 of 195)
Languages English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars
Religions Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%
Gov’t Republic
GDP/capita $1,900
Agriculture rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (manioc), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats
Industry processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing
PCVs 1967-present, current 94, TTD 1,635, education, health, environment
Adult Books
by Mark Hudson, 1991
Paperback: 322 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt & Co; Reprint edition (April 1, 1991)
Language: English
ISBN-13: 978-0805016208
Book Description
British journalist/critic describes his involvement in local life and rituals during 14 months spent in the Gambian village of Keneba.
Kids' Books
by Gill Lewis
Format: Paperback, 287 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1442414464
Age Range: 8-12 years
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers, 2011
Films
Film: The Mirror Boy
Director: (2010)
Documentary: Exchange: Six Faces of the Gambia
Director: (2009)
Music
Focus Word
Focus Word for 2014 - "Home"
Mandinka: sukono (so-ko-no)Wolof: kér (kairrr)
Jola: sindar (sin-day)
Copyright © Julie Olsen
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Returned Peace Corps Volunteers of Wisconsin-Madison is a public charity registered under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of the United States. Its EIN is 39-1669348. It is also an affiliate group of the National Peace Corps Association (NPCA).
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