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Gambia

The smallest country in Africa, the Gambia is surrounded by Senegal on three sides and borders the Atlantic Ocean to the west.

The Gambia River runs through the middle of the country dividing it into two halves that are just 15 miles wide on each side of the river.

The people of Gambia are made up of a medley of Muslim people groups including the Mandika, Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serahuli and others.

mother and child, Gambia
Mother & child, Gambia

Because their country has no confirmed natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, unemployment is extremely high.

About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood, but these activities keep the people only at a subsistence level due to severe annual droughts.

The need for both economic development and spiritual ministry in Gambia is tremendous.

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gambia map

Area (size): 4361 sq. miles (a little smaller than Yorkshire). Capital City: Banjul.

Population: 1.8 million

Languages: English (official); Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous languages/dialects 

Religion: Muslim (90%+); minority Christian and indigenous beliefs. 

Christians in Gambia

Like its neighbour Senegal, Gambia is dominated by Islam. Only about 2-5% of its 1.8 million people are Christian.

Gambia prides itself as a 'peaceful' country. The government strives to promote tolerance between Muslims and Christians, and publicly guards this distinctive jealously. Unfortunately, privately, for Muslims who have converted to Christianity, there are still predictable hardships ranging from moderate to severe, mostly from family members.