The Gambia is a nation in Western Africa. It is the nominal country on the African continental mainland and is surrounded to the north, east, and south by Senegal, and has a tiny coast on the Atlantic Ocean in the west. Curving through the centre of the country and emptying into the Atlantic Ocean is the Gambia River. On 18 February 1965, The Gambia was approved independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; and joined The Commonwealth. Banjul is its capital but the largest city is Serekunda. Talk: Languages spoken in Gambia are English (the authorized language), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, sarrancule and other native vernaculars. Climate: Tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May); Natural hazards: drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years). Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills - the highest point is just 53m above sea level.

Buy: Kora is the main musical gadget of the Mandinka tribe, and could be considered the national instrument of Gambia. It is 21-stringed and built from a large calabash cut in half and enclosed with cow skin to make a resonator. It sounds like a mixture of harp and flamenco guitar. Real koras can be very costly but little souvenir versions are also accessible. Other accepted tourist items include wood carvings, wooden masks, african drums and hand-woven table runners. Sleep: There are many comfort 4 and 5 star resorts along the Atlantic coastline. Further in land there are eco camps and lodges which offer basic housing usually in natural surroundings, such as Balaba Nature Camp near Kartong.

Food: Benachin or Jollof rice - a conventional West African rice dish with onions, spices, tomatoes or tomato paste sundry with meat, fish or vegetables. Chicken Yassa - chicken boiled with onion, black pepper and lime or lemon. Domoda - meat cook with rice and peanut butter sauce. Lots and lots of peanuts, the main crop of The Gambia. Drink: Gambia's own beer, Julbrew is worth a try. It's made by Banjul Breweries, who also make soft drinks. Palm Wine is juice from palmtrees that is composed and fermented. It is used as a kind of wine by the locals, and you may get a chance to try it if you go on a tour to rural Gambia.