Gambia

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. 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.

Economical characteristics

 * Currency: Dalasi (ISO code: GMD)
 * Central bank discount rate: NA% (31 December 2008)
 * Commercial banks lending rate: NA% (31 December 2008)
 * Stock of money (M1): $192.9 million (31 December 2008)
 * Quasi money (with M1 makes M2): $176.2 million (31 December 2008)

Notable events:

 * Banking crisis: 1985-1992

Links

 * Gambia on Wikipedia
 * Central bank of Gambia
 * Country profile (pdf) from the Enterprise Studies page (part of the The World Bank Group)
 * BBC country profile