On this day in 1965, The Gambia achieved independence as a constitutional monarchy within the commonwealth after decades of fighting for freedom.
Located in West Africa, it is one of the smallest countries on the continent.
With an estimated population of 2.5 million people, The Gambia is entirely surrounded by Senegal with the exception of its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. Gambia has had one of the worst leadership on the continent. The first leader, Dawda Jawara, ruled the nation for decades until he was overthrown by Yahya Jammeh, who ruled until his defeat to Adama Barrow in the 2017 elections.
The Gambia is blessed with laterite, titanium, rutile, ilmenite, tin, zircon, and silica sand. However, its economy relies more on tourism, imports, and agriculture.
In commemoration of its independence, we cast the spotlight on famous people you probably didn’t know are from The Gambia.
