Colors and the Meaning of the Gambia Flag
Gambia flag consists of five different horizontal stripes. Horizontal stripes consist of red-white-blue-white-green colors with 6: 1: 4: 1: 6 ratio respectively.
The red color on the flag symbolizes the hope of the sun and the rays of this sun, about the future of the Gambia. The blue color in the middle of the flag represents the Gambia River that passes through the country, while the green color expresses the country’s natural riches. The white color, which separates these three colors from thin strips, symbolically represents peace and unity.
History of the Gambia Flag
The Gambia, which gained its independence in 1965, was one of the British colonial countries before that date. When the British first conquered James Island in 1661, they landed in the Gambia. In time, the British built castles in the area and completely took control of the region. The Gambia region became a guardian under the authority of Sierra Leone in the 1820s and emerged in 1888 as a separate crown colony within the British colonial empire. With this date, Gambia started using the first flag.
The first flag used in 1888 was the British blue ensign. On the upper left side of the flag on the dark blue floor was Union Jack, and at the bottom right side was the coat of arms of the African Colonies. The emblem consisted of an elephant on the geography of Africa. This flag continued to be used until 1995 when the Gambia gained independence.
The Gambia took its own management in 1963. The British blue ensign continued to be used until 1965 when full independence was ensured. It is one of the few African flags that does not use the colors of the country’s leading political party because the new independent flag design has no political basis. The flag was first launched on February 18, 1965, when the Gambia was an independent country.
In 1982, Gambia established a confederation with Senegal. This confederation lasted for seven years before it collapsed in 1989. However, this close unity did not change the national symbols and during this time Gambia continued to use its own flag.
Neighboring Countries of Gambia
The Gambia is located in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean coast. It is completely surrounded by Senegal.
Main Characteristics of Gambia
Gambia is the smallest country in the African continent. Many ethnic groups live in the country. Among these groups, Mandinka, which constitutes 40% of the country’s population, is the majority in the population. The capital Banjul is an island on the shore of the Atlantic Ocean. It is also the most developed city in terms of tourism. The official language of the country is English. Many local languages are also spoken. Currency is gambian dalasi (GMD).
Tropical climate prevails. From June to November it is hot and rainy, from November to May it is cool and dry. In the Gambia cuisine, seafood is used predominantly. You can also choose the restaurants with international cuisine in the country.
| Country | Gambia |
| Code | GM (GMB) |
| Calling Code | 220 |
| Capital City | Banjul |
| Currency | gambian dalasi (GMD) |
| Emoji Symbol | 🇬🇲 |
| Highest Point | Red Rock (53 m) |
| Internet TLD | .gm |
| Population(2017) | 2,100,568 |
| Total Area | 11,295 km2 |