Why is The Gambia river important?
The most important function of the Gambia River in modern times is its use as a waterway for transporting cargo, people, and mail across various distances. Ferry services operate along the course of the river, allowing north-south river crossings connecting the northern and southern parts of the nation of The Gambia.
What is the river in Gambia called?
River Gambra
The Gambia River (formerly known as the River Gambra) is a major river in West Africa, running 1,120 kilometres (700 mi) from the Fouta Djallon plateau in north Guinea westward through Senegal and The Gambia to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul. It is navigable for about half that length.
Where is The Gambia river?
western Africa
The Gambia River runs for approximately 1,130 km in western Africa from Guinea, through Senegal to The Gambia. The basin contains a range of habitats (including estuaries, marshes, swamps and mudflats), and harbours a high level of floral and faunal biodiversity.
How many rivers are in The Gambia?
7 RIVERS AND WATERFALLS During the dry season, tidal saltwater intrudes as far as 250 kilometers (155 miles) upstream. The Gambia River is navigable by seagoing vessels as far as Kuntaur, 240 kilometers (150 miles) upstream, and as far as Koina by vessels of shallow draft.
Who discovered The Gambia river?
The European discovery of the Gambia began in the 15th century, with the push toward exploration by the Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator. In 1446, Portuguese captain Nuno Tristao made contact with the inhabitants of Cape Vert, and made a treaty of commerce and friendship with them.
Who owns The Gambia river?
As a result of a conference in Paris in 1889, France ceded control of the Gambia River to Britain, and the present-day boundaries of the Gambia were drawn. In 1900 Britain imposed indirect rule on the interior, or protectorate (established in 1894), dividing it into 35 chiefdoms, each with its own chief.
Why is Gambia called Gambia?
The name “Gambia” is derived from the Mandinka term Kambra/Kambaa, meaning Gambia River (or possibly from the sacred Serer Gamba, a special type of calabash beaten when a Serer elder dies). Upon independence in 1965, the country used the name the Gambia.
What was the name of Gambia before?
Following the proclamation of a republic in 1970, the long-form name of the country became Republic of the Gambia. The administration of Yahya Jammeh changed the long-form name to Islamic Republic of the Gambia in December 2015. On 29 January 2017 President Adama Barrow changed the name back to Republic of the Gambia.
Is the river Gambia salt water?
The water in this zone freshwater all year around. Fish species diversity is much lower than the estuary zones with bottom-feeding catfish species the most dominant. The freshwater swamps or Banto Faros along this portion of the river are the main rice producing areas of the Gambia.
Is there a National Park in the Gambia?
River Gambia National Park The River Gambia National Park is one of three national parks in The Gambia. Established in 1978, the park has an area of 585 hectares and is located on the left bank of the Gambia River, within the Niamina East district of the Central River Division, and also includes the Baboon Islands archipelago.
What are the important protected areas in the Gambia?
1 Other Important Protected Areas in The Gambia. In addition to its three national parks, wildlife and biodiversity in The Gambia is protected through various nature reserves. 2 River Gambia National Park. The River Gambia National Park is one of three national parks in The Gambia. 3 Niumi National Park. 4 Kiang West National Park.
Where is the best place to stay in Gambia?
The National Park “BABOON ISLANDS” is a group of 5 islands in the middle of the river Gambia and such a fantastic place to stay.
What is the River Gambia called?
The river is “The Gambia”, quite literally, the country exists as a small strip of land area to either side of the river (see map ). It is often said that “The Gambia River is the Gambia and the Gambia is the river Gambia”. It is a major tourist attraction and the dominant feature running through the heart of the country.