The Gambia
The Gambia’s river winds past English, Mandinka, and Wolof voices, linking Atlantic coast and inland towns in a compact setting.
Overview
Banjul’s markets, Serekunda’s bustle, and riverbank villages are never far apart in this narrow country surrounded by Senegal. The Gambia’s daily life flows between river and coast, shaped by a blend of languages and cross-border routines.
At a glance
Languages
- English(Official)
- Mandinka(Widespread)
- Mandjak(Widespread)
- Pulaar(Widespread)
- Serer(Widespread)
- Soninke(Widespread)
- Wolof(Widespread)
Population2,639,916
CurrencyGambian Dalasi (GMD)
1 GMD = 0.0135 USD
1 USD = 74.0000 GMD
Popular places
The Gambia
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of Life IndexLimitedSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
Healthcare IndexGenerally favorableSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
Crime IndexElevatedSource category: Crime | 2026 | Crime index (100 = highest crime)
Safety IndexLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
Pollution IndexElevatedSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
Traffic IndexHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Tourist / Visa Waiver, Temporary Residence.
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Entry Visa / Visa on Arrival
Gambia entry-visa route obtainable from Gambian embassies, missions, consulates, accredited government representatives, or immigration officers at gazetted ports of entry as visa on arrival. ECOWAS citizens are identified as visa-exempt.
Temporary Residence
- Residential Permit
Gambia residential-permit route for admitted non-citizens who need to reside or work in the country. The source states non-ECOWAS citizens must remain up to 56 days following admission before a residence permit may be issued.
Languages
- English(Official)
- Mandinka(Widespread)
- Mandjak(Widespread)
- Pulaar(Widespread)
- Serer(Widespread)
- Soninke(Widespread)
- Wolof(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for The Gambia.
Canada
Exercise a high degree of caution
Advisory effective · Verified
Exercise a high degree of caution in The Gambia due to petty crime.
United Kingdom
No destination-wide FCDO travel warning
Advisory effective · Verified
FCDO travel advice currently has no destination-wide warning for the Gambia. Review the full FCDO travel advice before travelling, including safety, entry, health, and insurance guidance.
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Advisory effective · Verified
There was no change to the advisory level. The “Other” risk indicator was removed, and the “Unrest” risk indicator was added. Advisory summary was updated. Exercise increased caution in The Gambia due to crime, unrest, and inadequate health infrastructure. Advisory summary Crime Petty street crime and home burglaries happen often in The Gambia. This is most common in the Banjul area and tourist spots. Do not display cash and valuable personal property. Avoid walking alone, including on beaches, in tourist areas, and after dark. Unrest A separatist rebel group operates in the Casamance region of southern Senegal. There has been sporadic fighting along The Gambia’s southern border in the recent past. Stay on main roads and do not travel at night if travelling near or across the southern
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