Map courtesy of the CIA World Factbook, 2002

Quick Facts:
The Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom February 18th, 1965.
The current president, Yahya A. J. J. Jammeh, has been in power since a military coup July 22nd, 1994. A presidential election is to occur in 2006.
The population stands at about 1,455,842 people, where many live in poverty. Approximately 90% are of the Muslim Faith; there is also a small Christian population in the Gambia.
The main sources of national income are the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism; beverages; agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking; and clothing production.
The currency is the Dalasi, however its value has been decreasing rapidly in the last year.
Click here for more information about The Gambia.

Transportation:

Taxis exist in various forms throughout the country from one end to the other and vary in price depending on the distance one is travelling. Transportation is relatively reliable, however in the rainy season, many roads can become muddy and washed out as the trans-Gambian highway is mostly unpaved.

Note that green taxis are usually for tourists and will likely cost more than the yellow taxis. The vans, or bush taxi's as many have named them, are the cheapest form of transportation and run very often during the day. A 'town trip' means you are hiring the taxi for yourself only, as opposed to some taxis that do daily routes for a set price of usually four dalasis in Kombos area and will usually wait until they are full. If you are hiring a taxi, remember to negotiate the price before embarking. The Gambia has one international airport south of Banjul with flights connecting to the United Kingdom, the United States, and several other cities in West Africa. (Left: Interns taking a break at the Sanyang beach)

Travelling in the region:
In the urban Western region of the Gambia, one can visit the Arch at the entrance to the city of Banjul. For about 30 dalasis, you can walk around the top. The Abuko Nature Reserve is also easy to get to by taxi. The markets in Banjul, Bakau, Serrekunda, and Brikama are also worth visiting for souvenirs. The rainy season tends to see fewer tourists, thus one can often bargain for somewhat lower prices. Highly recommended by students and interns alike is Leybato in Fajara: a great place to eat, relax, and swim. Take Pipeline road straight to the water.
Travelling upcountry is a must for anyone who has the time to do so. It will not cost you a bundle if you stay within Gambian borders. Transport to Basse Santa Su in the far Eastern region of the Gambia has been said to be possible in one day, however most prefer to do it in two days. Many villages have specific market days when transport will be much easier to get. Bring a book, taxis leave when they are full. Each town is unique and you are sure to find something or someone interesting in every location as Gambians are known for their friendly and laidback attitudes. Don't forget bug spray and a mosquito net.
It is worth reading the newest Lonely Planet Guide to the Gambia/Senegal region or the Brandt Guide to Gambia for detailed information on places to stay, eat, and visit. The information in these books has been invaluable to many travellers, however expect prices to be slightly higher than those printed in the books. Another book has been printed that may be more difficult to find titled Historical Sites of the Gambia. It can be purchased for 100 Dalasis at the Wasu Stone Circles site which is UNESCO funded and has an interesting interpretive center. Also worth visiting is the historic sites in Jang-Jang Bureh (formerly Georgetown) and James Island, just a short pirogue trip from Albreda.

Web sites of interest about the Gambia:
St. Mary's College in Maryland, USA has sent several groups of students to the Gambia led by Bill Roberts; their experiences are documented here.

Languages:
While many Gambians know English, especially on the Western coast, one is most likely to hear Mandinka or Wolof being spoken in daily life. The Serahuli, Fula and sometimes Jola languages can be heard occasionally in upcountry Gambia. Many Gambians are able to speak several of these tribal languages. For anyone travelling to the Gambia, it will help you in many situations to know a few key phrases in the local languages.
Click here to learn some basic words that are sure to help!

An interns' health in the Gambia
Many official documents, including the detailed CIDA intern document, exist to help you while in the Gambia. Official medical literature exists extensively on the web and is widely available in Canada, the US, and Europe. All this information is very important. The following are some health-related observations made by several students and interns who have resided in the Gambia. This information is not official, but may prove helpful. Speaking to previous interns can also be of help before arriving in the Gambia; WARD can provide you with their email addresses. Many people have had good and bad experiences with the health system at various locations. Knowing what to expect will put you one step ahead.

1.	Know the symptoms of common illnesses, especially malaria. Depending on the drug you are on, it is a good idea to carry extra pills of your anti-malarial to cover a treatment dose. Malarone has not been found to be available in the Gambia, however Mefloquine and Doxycycline are. Many Eurpeans are on Paludrine. It is important to catch malaria early on in the stages of the disease; blood tests will not show a positive parasitic infection until it is full-blown in your liver. If you think you have malaria, take the drugs. If you can get to a doctor, do it. Malaria tests are usually done with a prick of the finger, not with a syringe. Be aware of how tests and treatment are being administered; this is easier said than done when malaria has you feeling weak and sick.
2.	The Medical Research Centre (MRC) in Bakau is said to be a good place, however go early, perhaps between 8am and 11am, especially for lab tests. Don't go to MRC in the middle of the night. Don't go to the Bakau Clinic right beside MRC.
3.	The Royal Victoria Hospital (RVH) in Banjul is open all night, however it may be nurses rather than doctors who will be available to speak to. Malaria tests are free at RVH.
4.	There are labs and clinics that cost more than the usual places, however. Tourists tend to frequent these clinics and the service is usually pretty good and pretty fast. If you doubt a lab test, go to another one. Same goes with medical staff. There's a lab in Westfield, on Kairaba by the big Mosque, in Kololi, etc. There's clinics in Senegambia, Serrekunda, beside the police station on Kairaba, etc. Ask around.
5.	Bringing medical supplies from home is recommended, just keep everything labelled for customs inspectors. It is pretty much guaranteed that you will have blisters and diarreah. Pain medication as well as something for colds/flu is good to have. A small digital thermometer is a great investment. Antibiotics are available here but can be brought with you. Bandages, anti-fungal cream, and Polysporin will help too. Many people bring drops to purify water as well, especially when travelling any distance from the urban areas. Local water in the Western Region seems to be okay and many have gradually switched to it. Most cosmetic products such as soaps, toothpaste, and shampoos are readily available, albeit at Canadian prices.
6.	While many in Canada tend to ignore symptoms of colds and flu's and let one's body fight off whatever it is dealing with, one needs to be much more aware of one's body in tropical countries. Flu symptoms are the main precursor to many diseases. Vaccinations are expensive, get them all (Yellow fever, meningitis, hepatitis, tetanus, etc).