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The Gambia is one of Africa's smallest countries and unlike many of its West African neighbours has enjoyed long spells of stability since independence. Unfortunately stability has not translated into prosperity. Despite the presence of the Gambia river which runs through the middle of the country, only one-sixth of the land is arable and poor soil quality has led to the predominance of one crop - peanuts.
This has made The Gambia heavily dependent on peanut exports - and a hostage to fluctuations in the production and world prices of the crop. Consequently, the country relies on foreign aid to fill gaps in its balance of payments. Tourism is an important source of foreign exchange, with most visitors being drawn to the resorts that occupy a stretch of the Atlantic coast. In 1994 The Gambia's elected government was toppled in a military coup. The country returned to constitutional rule two years later when its military leader ran as a civilian and won a presidential election.
Population:1.8 Million (UN2008)
Capital: Banjul
Area: 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles)
Major languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula
Major religions: Islam, Christianity
Life expectancy: 59 years (Men), 60 years (Women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 dalasi = 100 butut
Main exports: Peanuts and peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels
International dialling code: + 220
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