Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
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Environment
At only 11,295 sq km, The Gambia is mainland Africa's smallest country. It's also the
most absurdly shaped one. Its 300km-long territory is almost entirely surrounded by
Senegal and dominated by the Gambia River that runs through it. The country is flat, and
vegetation consists mainly of savannah woodlands, gallery forests and saline marshes. Six
national parks and reserves protect 3.7% of the country's landmass. Some of the most in-
teresting ones are Abuko, Kiang West and Gambia River. The Gambia boasts a few large
mammals, such as hippos and reintroduced chimps, but most animal lovers are drawn to
the hundreds of spectacular bird species that make The Gambia one of the best countries
in West Africa for birdwatching. The main environmental issues are deforestation, over-
fishing and coastal erosion.
