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mithridates
Joined: 03 Mar 2003
Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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 Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 10:03 am Post subject: The Gambia |
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| Muslims constitute more than 92% of the population. Christians of various denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance. |
True? |
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Gopher
Joined: 04 Jun 2005
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 10:23 am Post subject: |
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I see we go to exactly the same source for this kind of data, Mith.
I think the source is reliable, so I'd vote "yes," it's true.
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People
Nationality: Noun and adjective--Gambian(s).
Population (2003 census): 1.36 million.
Annual growth rate (2001 - 2003): 2.77%.
Ethnic groups (1993 census): Mandinka 39.5%, Fula 18.8%, Wolof 14.6%, Jola 10.6%, Serahule 8.9%, Serere 7.8%, Krio/Aku Marabout 1.8%, Manjago 0.8%, Bambara 0.7%, other Gambians 1.2%, no declaration 0.3%.
Non-Gambians 12.9% of the population.
Religions: Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, animists 0.08%.
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, other indigenous languages.
Education: Years compulsory--none. Attendance--69% primary, 35% secondary. Adult literacy--37.8%.
Health: Life expectancy--54.1 yrs. Infant mortality rate (2001)--91/1,000. Access to safe drinking water--urban 80%, rural 53%.
Work force (400,000): Agriculture--70%; industry, commerce, services--24%; government--6%. |
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Ya-ta Boy
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
Location: Established in 1994
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 10:28 am Post subject: |
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| I met a couple of Gambians once. It's how I learned what nationalism really means. They told me that Gambia will someday be recognized as the cultural, intellectual, scientific and political leader of the world because it deserves it. (We're talking about a river bank, folks.) |
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Tiger Beer
Joined: 07 Feb 2003
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:02 am Post subject: Re: The Gambia |
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| mithridates wrote: |
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| Muslims constitute more than 92% of the population. Christians of various denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance. |
True? |
Gambia is a fascinating country.
I actually know THREE Americans who live in South Korea and served in the Peace Corp in Gambia.
One of the most interesting stats I know by far.. the entire Gambia was BRITISH among the FRENCH territory turned country of SENEGAL.
Basically the BRITISH went up and down the main river in what became Senegal (french territory) and as far as a cannonball could shoot was claimed as British territory.
In addition, it divided up both the Gambia (two extremely different people on both sides of the river) as well as SENEGAL (multiple different people).. so that both British and French had greater control over its exploitations over each country.
In short, THE GAMBIA is an EXTREMELY interesting country with an EXTREMELY interesting history.
Regarding muslim Gambia.. yeah all those regions are heavily muslim.. Senegal as well.. weird but true. |
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mithridates
Joined: 03 Mar 2003
Location: President's office, Korean Space Agency
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 11:09 am Post subject: |
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| I also heard that it's one of the only places in the world where English is facing pressure from French influence everywhere and that some are considering changing the official language to reflect that. Can't remember where I saw that though. |
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bucheon bum
Joined: 16 Jan 2003
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| Posted: Fri Oct 14, 2005 1:03 pm Post subject: |
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| I was tempted to visit it and Senegal a couple years ago. Decided I didn't want to go through extreme culture shock for just a 10 day trip, so went to Tunisia instead. The higher airfare also encouraged north africa instead of that part of the continent. |
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jinglejangle
Joined: 19 Feb 2005
Location: Far far far away.
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 12:36 am Post subject: |
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I really know no more about Gambia than either of you, but if you are interested in it, a very interesting illustration of life in the Gambia as seen through the eyes of one young man can be found in the first few chapters of Roots. That is by the way, a long, but quick reading book, which I highly recommend. The author also discusses his trip to the Gambia in the Epilogue chapters about his research and making of the book.
If you haven't read it, order a copy today. I think you won't regret it.
On a side note, a good half the book occurs in the area I grew up in, which I love.... |
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Wangja
Joined: 17 May 2004
Location: Seoul, Yongsan
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| Posted: Sat Oct 15, 2005 2:11 am Post subject: |
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Wasn't the river the source of the book Roots?  |
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