Gambia
Over the last several decades, The Gambia, along with much of West Africa has been experiencing severe drought that has limited food supplies. During the summer of 2009, however, West Africa experienced some of the worst floods in years. The borders of this small African nation follow the meandering Gambia River and its tributaries. Many farms have been destroyed and livestock carried away by floodwaters as the Gambia River is prone to rise and break through tributaries. The floodwaters have also contaminated clean water supplies, increasing the need for development projects.
News From Gambia
Indian Ocean Tsunami
During the Month of Ramadan, 2009, the West African nation of Gambia experienced some of the heaviest rainfall in two years. Flash floods roared through villages and towns when rivers overflowed in Basse, Janjanbureh and Mansakonko. Zakat Foundation extended its Ramadan food program to victims of the Gambia floods, providing hot Iftar-dinners, food packages and clean water to hundreds of… continue reading »
Emergency Relief
Seasonal Programs
This is the fallback content for users who cannot see the Google Map.
Vital Stats
| Population: | 1,800,000 |
| Infant Mortality Rate: | 67 deaths / 1000 births |
| Life Expectancy: | 55 years |
| Major Diseases: | Very high risk bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever, malaria, schistosomiasis, meningococcal meningitis, rabies |
| Religions: |
Muslim - 98% Christian - 2% |
| Literacy Rate: | 40 % |
| Unemployment Rate: | no data available |
| Poverty Rate: | no data available |
| Natural Hazards: | Drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years), floods |