Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The British continued to extend their influence further upstream until the 1820s, when
the territory was declared a British protectorate ruled from Sierra Leone. In 1886 Gambia
became a Crown colony.
Gambia became self-governing in 1963, although it took two more years until real inde-
pendence was achieved. Gambia became The Gambia, Bathurst became Banjul, and
David Jawara, leader of the People's Progressive Party, became Prime Minister Dawda
Jawara and converted to Islam, while the queen remained head of state.
High groundnut prices and the advent of package tourism led to something of a boom in
the 1960s. Jawara consolidated his power, and became president when The Gambia be-
came a fully fledged republic in 1970. The economic slump of the 1980s provoked social
unrest. Two coups were hatched - but thwarted with Senegalese assistance. This coopera-
tion led to the 1982 confederation of the two countries under the name of Senegambia, but
the union had collapsed by 1989. Meanwhile, corruption increased, economic decline con-
tinued and popular discontent rose. In July 1994, Jawara was overthrown in a reportedly
bloodless coup led by Lieutenant Yahya Jammeh. After a brief flirtation with military dic-
tatorship, the 30-year-old Jammeh bowed to international pressure, inaugurated a second
republic, turned civilian and won the 1996 election comfortably.
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Culture
Holiday brochures like to describe Gambia as the 'Smiling Coast'. Hospitality certainly is
part of Gambian culture, but it's more easily found upcountry, away from the large tourist
centres.
Years of authoritarian rule have resulted in a climate of distrust. Conversations are often
conducted with care, and few people will express their views on governmental politics
openly - you never know who might be listening. Short-term travellers might not readily
notice this. Yet being aware of the troubles the population faces will help you understand
the country better and grant you an insight into the real Gambia that lies beyond the pol-
ished smiles and tourist hustling.
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People
