The Gambia
Type of Government: Republic
Independence: 1965 from the UK
Head of State: President Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh (since October 18, 1996)
2007/2008 UN Development Index ranking (out of 177 countries): 155
2007 TI Corruption Perception Index (out of 179): 143
Political Development: Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. Jammeh has been elected president in all subsequent elections, including most recently in late 2006.
Adult HIV Rate: 1.2%
Life Expectancy: 54.54
GDP: $467.6 million
Inflation: 1.5%
Poverty: N/A
Petroleum: N/A
Leading Export Partner: India (38.5%)
Economic Note: About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia’s natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa. Despite an announced program to begin privatizing key parastatals, no plans have been made public that would indicate that the government intends to follow through on its promises. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain extremely high; short-run economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, on continued technical assistance from the IMF and bilateral donors, and on expected growth in the construction sector.
