The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa. Defined by the Gambia River, which flows east to west, the river shapes the country’s geography, creating fertile plains and supporting rich ecosystems that are central to the national economy. The country is surrounded by Senegal, except for its Atlantic coastline, and has a population of approximately 2.5 million. Covering just 10,700 square kilometers, The Gambia is one of Africa’s most densely populated countries, with 176 people per square kilometer. More than half of the population (57%) live in urban and peri-urban areas.

Political Context

The 2016 presidential election marked the end of 22 years of autocratic rule under Yahya Jammeh, ushering in a new era with President Adama Barrow assuming office in 2017. Re-elected in 2021, Barrow’s administration has been navigating a complex post-dictatorship transition focused on democratic consolidation and institutional reform. A cornerstone of this transition has been constitutional reform. However, efforts to replace the 1997 Constitution have repeatedly stalled. A revised draft introduced in July 2025 was rejected by the National Assembly, echoing a similar outcome in 2020. The next presidential election is scheduled for December 2026.

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