A smile on the face of Africa

The Gambia, country in western Africa situated on the Atlantic coast and surrounded by the neighbouring country of Senegal. It occupies a long narrow strip of land that surrounds the Gambia River.

 

The Gambia is Africa’s smallest non-island country. It is also one of Africa’s most densely populated countries. A few towns are located upriver, but most Gambians live in rural villages.

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The Gambia has long been home to several different ethnic groups who have maintained their individual cultural traditions; as such, the country has a rich heritage. In the past, blacksmiths, goldsmiths, leatherworkers, weavers, textile dyers, and other artisans were found in all of the region’s societies.

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Aside from its welcoming people, the nickname, ‘The Smiling Coast’ was also inspired by the country’s location on the map of Africa. The Gambia cuts through the middle of Senegal and its position appears like that of a smile on the map of the continent, greeting those who make their way up the River Gambia.

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