Gambia is the smallest country in mainland Africa, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. It’s known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Here are 51 riddles about this unique West African nation along with their answers.
Geography
What country surrounds Gambia on 3 sides?
Senegal surrounds Gambia on 3 sides – north, east and south. Gambia only has a short coastline on its western border along the Atlantic Ocean.
What major feature flows through the middle of Gambia?
The Gambia River flows through the middle of Gambia from east to west into the Atlantic Ocean.
What shape is Gambia’s border on a map?
Gambia looks like a narrow rectangle on the map, with its long sides bordering Senegal and short sides bordering the Atlantic Ocean and Senegal.
History & Culture
Which ancient West African empire was centered where modern-day Gambia is located?
The ancient Ghana Empire was centered in what is now southeastern Mauritania and western Mali between the 6th and 13th centuries. The Empire helped facilitate trans-Saharan trade.
What is Gambia’s native language called?
Gambia’s native language is called Mandinka. It belongs to the Mande family of languages common throughout West Africa.
What religion do most Gambians follow?
Most Gambians are Muslim, at about 90% of the population. The remaining 10% are mostly Christian or follow traditional African beliefs.
Wildlife & Nature
What type of monkey is native to Gambia’s forests?
The red colobus monkey is native to Gambia’s forests. It has a distinct reddish fur color over much of its body.
What is the name of Gambia’s largest national park?
Gambia’s largest national park is called Kiang West National Park. It protects forests, savannahs, and swamps near the Atlantic coast.
Which rare bird species winters in Gambia’s wetlands?
The Pel’s fishing owl, one of Africa’s rarest birds, lives year-round in scattered populations but can also be found wintering in Gambian wetlands during the dry season.
Society & Culture
What fabric is commonly worn by Gambians?
Vibrantly colored wax print fabrics are commonly worn by Gambians. They feature bright African prints and patterns.
What communal attire is worn by Gambian ethnic groups?
Matching attire called “ankara” featuring colorful tailored tops and skirts is commonly worn by Gambian women during special cultural celebrations and events.
What is Gambia’s most popular spectator sport?
Wrestling is Gambia’s most popular spectator sport. Gambian wrestling matches draw large and lively crowds of dedicated fans.
Economy
What crop is most commonly farmed along Gambia’s riverbanks?
Rice farming along the fertile soil of Gambia’s riverbanks accounts for nearly half of the nation’s agricultural production.
What product makes up 70% of Gambia’s total exports?
Around 70% of Gambia’s total exports are peanuts and peanut products. The nut thrives in Gambia’s climate.
Which industry accounted for 20% of Gambia’s GDP in 2013?
According to reports, tourism accounted for approximately 20% of total GDP in Gambia in 2013 as beach resorts continued gaining popularity.
Politics
Who led Gambia to independence from Britain in 1965?
Dawda Jawara led Gambia to independence from Britain in 1965 and subsequently became the new nation’s first prime minister for over 2 decades.
How many years did Yahya Jammeh rule Gambia?
Yahya Jammeh seized power in a 1994 coup d’état and proceeded to lead Gambia as an authoritarian ruler for 22 years until his exile in 2017.
Who became Gambia’s president in 2017?
Property developer Adama Barrow became Gambia’s president after winning a surprise 2016 election that ended Jammeh’s decades-long rule.
Food & Drink
What starchy food is used to make the Gambian dish domoda?
Domoda is a Gambian groundnut/peanut stew usually served over white rice or thin millet couscous called findi.
What type of hot sauce is commonly paired with Gambian dishes?
A fermented hot chili pepper sauce called yoleleh is commonly served alongside Gambian dishes like domoda stew to add spicy heat.
What sweet Gambian drink ingredient is tapped from palm trees?
Palm wine, an alcoholic drink made from the sap of various palm trees, is a common beverage and ingredient used in Gambian cuisine.
The Capital
What is the name of Gambia’s capital and largest city?
Banjul is the capital and largest city in Gambia with a population of over 30,000 residents within the city limits.
Where is Banjul located within Gambia?
Banjul is situated on Saint Mary’s Island where the Gambia River enters the Atlantic Ocean on the country’s western coastline near the ocean border.
Which prominent central feature divides Banjul’s halves?
Banjul Road, a major avenue, divides Banjul into two sections known as the North Bank and the South Bank on either side of the thoroughfare.
Geography
What are Gambia’s lowest and highest points of elevation?
Gambia’s lowest point is at sea level along the Atlantic coast while its highest point reaches 53 meters (174 feet) above sea level inland.
What dangerous ocean currents lie off Gambia’s coast?
The Canary Current runs southward along Gambia’s Atlantic coast, bringing cold, rough waters that pose hazards for ships and swimmers.
Which desert borders northern Gambia?
The vast Sahara Desert lies north of the Gambia River basin, accounting for Gambia’s tropical savanna landscape transitioning gradually into desert terrain.
Fun Facts
How long is Gambia’s Atlantic coastline in kilometers?
Gambia boasts 80 kilometers (50 miles) of coastline bordering the Atlantic Ocean despite being one of Africa’s smallest mainland countries in total area.
At its widest points, how many kilometers separate Gambia’s Atlantic and Senegal borders?
Gambia measures 48 kilometers (30 miles) at its widest points between the shores of the Atlantic Ocean and its eastern border with Senegal.
What is Gambia’s total land area comparable in size to?
At just 11,300 square kilometers, Gambia rivals the U.S. state of Connecticut as the fourth-smallest country in continental Africa.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 51 riddles shine a light on the geography, history, culture, wildlife, economy, cuisine and other fascinating aspects that make Gambia unique. Its location, size and shape lead to an identity and national character quite unlike any other African nation. Whether you’re planning a visit to Gambia or are just curious about this slender West African country, exploring these brain-teasers and their answers helps gain insight into the country behind the riddles.
