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The Gambia

Learn About The Gambia

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Summary

The West African country of The Gambia has a population of approximately 2.5 million people. The country is situated on the banks of the Gambia River, which provides a vital source of water for agriculture and fishing, and also serves as a hub for transportation and trade.Additionally, The Gambia has taken steps to improve access to education and healthcare and has made progress in addressing gender inequality. The Gambia is also making strides in the areas of education and healthcare, with significant investments being made to improve these sectors. The Gambia is working towards a successful future.

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The Gambia Demographics

Demographics

Nationality
Gambian
Population
1,883,051 (July 2013 est.)
Ethnic Groups
Languages
Religions

Causes in The Gambia

Learn more about specific causes in The Gambia that you can get involved in.

Environment
Family
Human Rights
Education
Poverty
Religion
Clean Water
Economy
Government
Health
Children
Animals

Environment

The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, faces various environmental issues that impact its natural resources and sustainability. Deforestation is a significant concern in The Gambia, as agricultural expansion, logging, and charcoal production contribute to the loss of forests, which in turn affects biodiversity, soil erosion, and water resources. Desertification and land degradation are also challenges, with overgrazing and unsustainable farming practices leading to soil erosion, reduced fertility, and loss of arable land. Water pollution is another issue, as inadequate waste management and pollution from industries and agricultural activities can contaminate rivers and other water sources, impacting both human health and the environment. Climate change also poses risks, including rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns, and sea level rise, which can exacerbate existing environmental challenges Read More and impact agriculture, water resources, and coastal communities. Conservation and sustainable management of natural resources, addressing deforestation and desertification, promoting responsible waste management, and building resilience to climate change are important priorities for The Gambia in order to protect its environment and ensure a sustainable future for its people and ecosystems. Efforts to raise awareness, promote environmental education, and engage in participatory and inclusive approaches to environmental management are vital for addressing these issues and safeguarding the environment Show Less

Family

Family dynamics and challenges in The Gambia, like in many other countries, can vary greatly depending on factors such as cultural norms, socio-economic status, and geographic location. One of the issues faced by families in The Gambia is poverty, which can affect access to basic necessities such as food, shelter, healthcare, and education. Economic struggles can strain family relationships and impact the well-being of family members, particularly children. Another challenge is child marriage, as The Gambia has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with many girls being married off at a young age, which can have negative consequences on their health, education, and future prospects. Gender inequality and domestic violence may also be issues faced by families in The Gambia, Read More with women and girls often experiencing discrimination and violence within their families and communities. Access to quality healthcare and family planning services may also be limited in some areas, which can impact reproductive health and family planning choices. Efforts to alleviate poverty, promote gender equality, prevent child marriage, and provide access to healthcare and social services can help address family-related issues in The Gambia and support the well-being of families and individuals. Community-based initiatives, education, and advocacy for women's rights and gender equality are crucial for addressing these challenges and promoting healthy and thriving families. Show Less

Human Rights

The Gambia has faced significant human rights challenges in recent years. Under the previous government led by Yahya Jammeh, human rights abuses were widespread, including restrictions on freedom of expression, press freedom, and political dissent. There were reports of arbitrary detentions, torture, enforced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings. The rights of marginalized groups, such as LGBTQ+ individuals and women, were also severely constrained, with discrimination and violence against these groups often going unpunished. However, since the peaceful transition of power in 2017, The Gambia has taken steps to address these human rights concerns, including establishing a Truth, Reconciliation and Reparations Commission (TRRC) to investigate past human rights abuses, enacting legal reforms, and taking measures to promote accountability and justice. Despite these efforts, challenges persist, including the Read More need for continued reforms, strengthening of institutions, and ensuring that human rights are upheld for all individuals, regardless of their identity, background, or beliefs. Protecting and promoting human rights, fostering a culture of accountability, and promoting inclusivity and non-discrimination are vital for building a just and equitable society. Show Less

Education

Education in The Gambia faces several challenges. One of the main issues is access to quality education, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure and resources are often limited. Many children, especially girls, face barriers to education due to poverty, early marriage, cultural norms, and household responsibilities. Additionally, inadequate funding and resources for schools, low teacher-to-student ratios, and a lack of trained teachers can affect the quality of education. The Gambia also struggles with high dropout rates and low literacy levels, particularly among marginalized groups. Furthermore, the COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated these challenges, with school closures and disruptions to learning impacting students' access to education. Efforts to improve education in The Gambia include initiatives to increase access to schooling, provide quality teacher training, improve infrastructure Read More and resources, promote gender equality in education, and address the impact of the pandemic on education. Strengthening the education system, enhancing teacher training and support, and addressing socio-economic and cultural barriers to education are crucial for ensuring that all children in The Gambia have access to quality education and can reach their full potential. Show Less

Poverty

Poverty is a significant challenge in The Gambia, with a large portion of the population living below the poverty line. Many Gambians struggle with inadequate access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, healthcare, and education. Poverty is particularly prevalent in rural areas, where livelihoods depend on rain-fed agriculture and vulnerability to climate shocks is high. Limited job opportunities, low wages, and lack of access to credit and financial services also contribute to poverty. Additionally, social inequality, including gender-based discrimination and disparities, further exacerbate the issue of poverty in The Gambia. Efforts to combat poverty in The Gambia include poverty reduction programs, social safety nets, and initiatives to promote economic diversification and job creation. Addressing the underlying causes of poverty, such as improving access Read More to education, healthcare, and clean water, promoting inclusive economic growth, and addressing social inequalities, are crucial for alleviating poverty and promoting sustainable development. Show Less

Religion

Religion plays a significant role in The Gambia, with the majority of the population being Muslim. However, issues related to religion in The Gambia are relatively limited, as the country has a history of religious tolerance and coexistence. Religious freedom is generally respected, and different religious communities in The Gambia often live in harmony and mutual respect. However, like in any society, there may be occasional tensions or conflicts related to religious beliefs, practices, or differences in interpretation. These tensions can sometimes be exacerbated by political or social factors, but overall, The Gambia has a history of peaceful coexistence among different religious communities. The government of The Gambia has taken measures to promote interfaith dialogue, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among religious groups, and efforts to Read More promote religious harmony and understanding are ongoing in the country. Show Less

Clean Water

Access to clean water is a significant issue in The Gambia, particularly in rural areas. Many communities in The Gambia lack access to safe and reliable sources of drinking water, leading to challenges in maintaining adequate sanitation and hygiene practices. This lack of access to clean water puts people at risk of waterborne diseases, such as diarrhea, cholera, and other water-related illnesses. Limited infrastructure for water supply and sanitation, including insufficient water treatment facilities and aging water infrastructure, pose challenges in ensuring access to clean water for all. Climate change impacts, such as erratic rainfall patterns and prolonged dry seasons, also affect water availability in some areas of The Gambia. Efforts to improve access to clean water in The Gambia include investments in water infrastructure, Read More drilling of boreholes, and promotion of water management and conservation practices. Ensuring access to clean water is critical for safeguarding public health, reducing water-related diseases, and promoting sustainable development Show Less

Economy

The Gambia faces various challenges in its economy. One of the main issues is the high poverty rate, with a significant portion of the population living below the poverty line. Limited economic diversification and heavy reliance on agriculture, particularly subsistence farming, pose challenges in generating sustainable income and creating employment opportunities. The country also faces challenges in terms of infrastructure, including inadequate transportation networks, unreliable energy supply, and limited access to financial services. These factors can hinder economic growth and development, impacting the overall well-being of the population. Additionally, The Gambia is vulnerable to external shocks, such as changes in international commodity prices and fluctuations in tourism, which is a key industry in the country. The government of The Gambia has been implementing various economic Read More reforms and development strategies to address these issues, including efforts to promote economic diversification, infrastructure development, and investment in key sectors such as tourism and agriculture. These efforts aim to improve the economic situation in The Gambia and promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Show Less

Government

The Gambia has faced challenges with its government, including issues related to governance, political stability, and transparency. In the past, The Gambia has experienced periods of political instability, including authoritarian rule and a lack of respect for human rights and democratic principles. This has resulted in challenges related to corruption, limited freedom of expression and press freedom, and weak governance institutions. The Gambia has also faced challenges in terms of inclusivity and representation, with concerns about discrimination against certain groups and limited participation in decision-making processes. However, in recent years, The Gambia has undergone significant political changes with a transition towards a more democratic system, including the election of a new government in 2016. The government of The Gambia has been working towards strengthening democratic Read More institutions, promoting transparency and accountability, and addressing issues related to human rights and governance. Nonetheless, challenges remain, and efforts to ensure good governance, political stability, and inclusive representation continue to be important priorities for the government of The Gambia and its development partners. Show Less

Health

The Gambia faces various challenges related to health, including limited access to quality healthcare services, inadequate infrastructure and resources, and prevalent health risks. The country has a relatively high burden of communicable diseases such as malaria, respiratory infections, and diarrheal diseases, which contribute to a significant portion of morbidity and mortality. Maternal and child health remains a concern, with high maternal and infant mortality rates. Malnutrition, both among children and adults, is also a persistent issue. Additionally, The Gambia faces challenges in healthcare service delivery, including a shortage of healthcare professionals, limited healthcare facilities, and inadequate medical equipment and supplies. The country's healthcare system is also strained by limited funding and financial resources, which affects the availability and quality of healthcare services. The government of Read More The Gambia, in partnership with international organizations and development partners, is working to address these health challenges through various initiatives aimed at improving access to healthcare services, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, and promoting health promotion and disease prevention programs. However, significant efforts are still needed to ensure that the health needs of the population Show Less

Children

The Gambia faces several challenges related to the well-being of children. One of the key issues is child mortality, with high rates of infant and under-five mortality. Malnutrition among children is also a concern, with a significant proportion of children suffering from stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. Access to quality education is another challenge, with many children in The Gambia facing barriers to school enrollment and attendance, including poverty, limited infrastructure, and inadequate resources. Child labor and child exploitation, including child marriage and child trafficking, are also persistent issues that affect the well-being of children in The Gambia. Additionally, access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) facilities can be limited, leading to increased vulnerability to waterborne diseases and other health risks. The government of Read More The Gambia, in partnership with NGOs and international organizations, is working to address these challenges through policies and programs aimed at improving child health, nutrition, education, and protection. However, significant efforts are still needed to ensure that the rights and well-being of all children in The Gambia are fully protected and promoted. Show Less

Animals

Animals in The Gambia face various challenges that require attention and concerted efforts to address. One significant issue is habitat loss and degradation. Deforestation, urbanization, and unsustainable agricultural practices contribute to the destruction of natural habitats, threatening the survival of diverse wildlife species. This includes endangered animals such as the West African manatee, the African elephant, and various bird species. Additionally, the illegal wildlife trade poses a significant threat. The Gambia serves as a transit and destination country for the trafficking of animals, including primates, reptiles, and birds. This illicit trade not only affects wildlife populations but also disrupts ecosystems and undermines conservation efforts. Furthermore, human-wildlife conflict is a pressing concern, particularly in areas where communities rely on natural resources that are in competition with Read More wildlife. Efforts to strengthen conservation measures, enforce wildlife protection laws, promote sustainable land use practices, and raise awareness about the importance of preserving The Gambia's biodiversity are crucial for the well-being and survival of animals in the country. Collaboration between governmental authorities, local communities, and conservation organizations is essential to address these issues and ensure the sustainable future of wildlife in The Gambia. Show Less
The Gambia

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