2013 Edition

Background

The Gambia gained its independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal, it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989. In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but tensions have flared up intermittently since then. Yahya JAMMEH led a military coup in 1994 that overthrew the president and banned political activity. A new constitution and presidential elections in 1996, followed by parliamentary balloting in 1997, completed a nominal return to civilian rule. JAMMEH has been elected president in all subsequent elections including most recently in late 2011.

Area

11,295 sq km 10,000 sq km 1,295 sq km

total

11,295 sq km

water

1,295 sq km

Area - comparative

slightly less than twice the size of Delaware

Climate

tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)

Coastline

80 km

Elevation extremes

Atlantic Ocean 0 m unnamed elevation 53 m

highest point

unnamed elevation 53 m

lowest point

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Environment - current issues

deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent

Environment - international agreements

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling none of the selected agreements

party to

Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling

signed, but not ratified

none of the selected agreements

Freshwater withdrawal (domestic/industrial/agricultural)

0.09 cu km/yr (41%/21%/39%) 65.77 cu m/yr (2005)

per capita

65.77 cu m/yr (2005)

total

0.09 cu km/yr (41%/21%/39%)

Geographic coordinates

13 28 N, 16 34 W

Geography - note

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

Irrigated land

50 sq km (2011)

Land boundaries

740 km Senegal 740 km

border countries

Senegal 740 km

total

740 km

Land use

39.82% 0.44% 59.73% (2011)

arable land

39.82%

other

59.73% (2011)

permanent crops

0.44%

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal

Map references

Africa

Maritime claims

12 nm 18 nm 200 nm extent not specified

contiguous zone

18 nm

continental shelf

extent not specified

exclusive fishing zone

200 nm

territorial sea

12 nm

Natural hazards

drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Natural resources

fish, clay, silica sand, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon

Terrain

flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills

Total renewable water resources

8 cu km (2011)

Age structure

39.2% (male 369,966/female 367,285) 21.1% (male 196,194/female 201,206) 32.5% (male 299,837/female 312,864) 4% (male 36,330/female 38,464) 3.2% (male 28,722/female 32,183) (2013 est.)

0-14 years

39.2% (male 369,966/female 367,285)

15-24 years

21.1% (male 196,194/female 201,206)

25-54 years

32.5% (male 299,837/female 312,864)

55-64 years

4% (male 36,330/female 38,464)

65 years and over

3.2% (male 28,722/female 32,183) (2013 est.)

Birth rate

32.59 births/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Child labor - children ages 5-14

103,389 25 % (2006 est.)

percentage

25 % (2006 est.)

total number

103,389

Children under the age of 5 years underweight

15.8% (2006)

Contraceptive prevalence rate

13.3% (2010)

Death rate

7.38 deaths/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Dependency ratios

93.5 % 88.9 % 4.6 % 21.6 (2013)

elderly dependency ratio

4.6 %

potential support ratio

21.6 (2013)

total dependency ratio

93.5 %

youth dependency ratio

88.9 %

Drinking water source

urban: 92% of population rural: 85% of population total: 89% of population urban: 8% of population rural: 15% of population total: 11% of population (2010 est.)

rural

15% of population

total

11% of population (2010 est.)

urban

8% of population

Education expenditures

3.9% of GDP (2011)

Ethnic groups

African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1% (2003 census)

Health expenditures

4.4% of GDP (2011)

HIV/AIDS - adult prevalence rate

2% (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - deaths

fewer than 1,000 (2009 est.)

HIV/AIDS - people living with HIV/AIDS

18,000 (2009 est.)

Hospital bed density

1.1 beds/1,000 population (2011)

Infant mortality rate

67.63 deaths/1,000 live births 73.15 deaths/1,000 live births 61.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

female

61.94 deaths/1,000 live births (2013 est.)

total

67.63 deaths/1,000 live births

Languages

English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other indigenous vernaculars

Life expectancy at birth

64.09 years 61.78 years 66.47 years (2013 est.)

female

66.47 years (2013 est.)

total population

64.09 years

Literacy

age 15 and over can read and write 51.1% 60.9% 41.9% (2011 est.)

definition

age 15 and over can read and write

female

41.9% (2011 est.)

male

60.9%

total population

51.1%

Major infectious diseases

very high bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever malaria and dengue fever schistosomiasis meningococcal meningitis rabies (2013)

animal contact disease

rabies (2013)

degree of risk

very high

food or waterborne diseases

bacterial and protozoal diarrhea, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever

respiratory disease

meningococcal meningitis

vectorborne diseases

malaria and dengue fever

water contact disease

schistosomiasis

Major urban areas - population

BANJUL (capital) 436,000 (2009)

Maternal mortality rate

360 deaths/100,000 live births (2010)

Median age

19.9 years 19.6 years 20.2 years (2013 est.)

female

20.2 years (2013 est.)

male

19.6 years

total

19.9 years

Nationality

Gambian(s) Gambian

adjective

Gambian

noun

Gambian(s)

Net migration rate

-2.34 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2013 est.)

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

7.9% (2008)

Physicians density

0.11 physicians/1,000 population (2008)

Population

1,883,051 (July 2013 est.)

Population growth rate

2.29% (2013 est.)

Religions

Muslim 90%, Christian 8%, indigenous beliefs 2%

Sanitation facility access

urban: 70% of population rural: 65% of population total: 68% of population urban: 30% of population rural: 35% of population total: 32% of population (2010 est.)

rural

35% of population

total

32% of population (2010 est.)

urban

30% of population

School life expectancy (primary to tertiary education)

8.6 years (2008)

total

8.6 years (2008)

Sex ratio

1.03 male(s)/female 1.01 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female 0.96 male(s)/female 0.95 male(s)/female 0.9 male(s)/female 0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

0-14 years

1.01 male(s)/female

15-24 years

0.98 male(s)/female

25-54 years

0.96 male(s)/female

55-64 years

0.95 male(s)/female

65 years and over

0.9 male(s)/female

at birth

1.03 male(s)/female

total population

0.98 male(s)/female (2013 est.)

Total fertility rate

3.98 children born/woman (2013 est.)

Urbanization

57.3% of total population (2011) 3.63% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

rate of urbanization

3.63% annual rate of change (2010-15 est.)

urban population

57.3% of total population (2011)

Administrative divisions

5 divisions and 1 city*; Banjul*, Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western

Capital

Banjul 13 27 N, 16 34 W UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

geographic coordinates

13 27 N, 16 34 W

name

Banjul

time difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Constitution

previous 1970; latest adopted 8 April 1996, approved by referendum 8 August 1996, effective 16 January 1997; amended several times, last in 2009 (2009)

Country name

Republic of The Gambia The Gambia

conventional long form

Republic of The Gambia

conventional short form

The Gambia

Diplomatic representation from the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Richard T. YONEOKA Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul [220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170 [220] 439-2475

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Richard T. YONEOKA

embassy

Kairaba Avenue, Fajara, Banjul

FAX

[220] 439-2475

mailing address

P. M. B. No. 19, Banjul

telephone

[220] 439-2856, 437-6169, 437-6170

Diplomatic representation in the US

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Baboucarr JARROW (since 25 June 2013) Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007 [1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425 [1] (202) 342-0240

chancery

Suite 240, Georgetown Plaza, 2233 Wisconsin Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20007

chief of mission

Ambassador (vacant); Charge d'Affaires Baboucarr JARROW (since 25 June 2013)

FAX

[1] (202) 342-0240

telephone

[1] (202) 785-1379, 1399, 1425

Executive branch

President Yahya JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government President Yahya JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997) Cabinet appointed by the president president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 24 November 2011 (next to be held in 2016) Yahya JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya JAMMEH 71.5%, Ousainou DARBOE 17.4%, Hamat BAH 11.1%

cabinet

Cabinet appointed by the president

chief of state

President Yahya JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); note - from 1994 to 1996 he was chairman of the junta; Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997); note - the president is both the chief of state and head of government

election results

Yahya JAMMEH reelected president; percent of vote - Yahya JAMMEH 71.5%, Ousainou DARBOE 17.4%, Hamat BAH 11.1%

elections

president elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held on 24 November 2011 (next to be held in 2016)

head of government

President Yahya JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996); Vice President Isatou NJIE-SAIDY (since 20 March 1997)

Flag description

three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green; red stands for the sun and the savannah, blue represents the Gambia River, and green symbolizes forests and agriculture; the white stripes denote unity and peace

Government type

republic

Independence

18 February 1965 (from the UK)

International law organization participation

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

International organization participation

ACP, AfDB, AU, C, ECOWAS, FAO, G-77, IBRD, ICAO, ICRM, IDA, IDB, IFAD, IFC, IFRCS, ILO, IMF, IMO, Interpol, IOC, IOM, IPU, ISO (correspondent), ITSO, ITU, ITUC (NGOs), MIGA, NAM, OIC, OPCW, UN, UNAMID, UNCTAD, UNESCO, UNIDO, UNMIL, UNOCI, UNWTO, UPU, WCO, WFTU (NGOs), WHO, WIPO, WMO, WTO

Judicial branch

Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 other justices); note - court sessions held with 5 justices justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement age Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts

highest court(s)

Supreme Court of The Gambia (consists of the chief justice and 6 other justices); note - court sessions held with 5 justices

judge selection and term of office

justices appointed by the president after consultation with the Judicial Service Commission, a 6-member independent body of high-level judicial officials, a presidential appointee, and a National Assembly appointee; justices appointed for life or until mandatory retirement age

subordinate courts

Court of Appeal; High Court; Special Criminal Court; Khadis or Muslim courts; district tribunals; magistrates courts

Legal system

mixed legal system of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law

Legislative branch

unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; members to serve five-year terms) last held on 29 March 2012 (next to be held in 2017) percent of vote by party - APRC 51.8%, independents 38.8%, NRP 9.4%; seats by party - APRC 43, independents 4, NRP 1 except for the NRP, all opposition parties boycotted the 29 March 2012 legislative elections

election results

percent of vote by party - APRC 51.8%, independents 38.8%, NRP 9.4%; seats by party - APRC 43, independents 4, NRP 1

elections

last held on 29 March 2012 (next to be held in 2017)

National anthem

"For The Gambia, Our Homeland" Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE adopted 1965; the music is an adaptation of the traditional Mandinka song "Foday Kaba Dumbuya"

lyrics/music

Virginia Julie HOWE/adapted by Jeremy Frederick HOWE

name

"For The Gambia, Our Homeland"

National holiday

Independence Day, 18 February (1965)

National symbol(s)

lion

Political parties and leaders

Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction or APRC [Yahya JAMMEH] (the ruling party) Gambia People's Democratic Party or GPDP [Henry GOMEZ] National Alliance for Democracy and Development or NADD [Halifa SALLAH] National Convention Party or NCP [Sheriff DIBBA] National Reconciliation Party or NRP [Hamat BAH] People's Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism or PDOIS [Halifa SALLAH] United Democratic Party or UDP [Ousainou DARBOE]

Political pressure groups and leaders

National Environment Agency or NEA West African Peace Building Network-Gambian Chapter or WANEB-GAMBIA Youth Employment Network Gambia or YENGambia special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

other

special needs group advocates; teachers and principals

Suffrage

18 years of age; universal

Agriculture - products

rice, millet, sorghum, peanuts, corn, sesame, cassava (manioc), palm kernels; cattle, sheep, goats

Budget

$230.7 million $271.2 million (2012 est.)

expenditures

$271.2 million (2012 est.)

revenues

$230.7 million

Budget surplus (+) or deficit (-)

-4.5% of GDP (2012 est.)

Central bank discount rate

9% (31 December 2009) 11% (31 December 2008)

Commercial bank prime lending rate

28% (31 December 2012 est.) 28% (31 December 2011 est.)

Current account balance

$-152.5 million (2012 est.) $-112.5 million (2011 est.)

Debt - external

$481.5 million (31 December 2012 est.) $466.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Distribution of family income - Gini index

50.2 (1998)

Economy - overview

The Gambia has sparse natural resource deposits and a limited agricultural base, and relies in part on remittances from workers overseas and tourist receipts. About three-quarters of the population depends on the agricultural sector for its livelihood and the sector provides for about one-quarter of GDP. The agricultural sector has untapped potential - less than half of arable land is cultivated. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa, boosted by government and private sector investments in eco-tourism and upscale facilities. In 2012, however, sluggish tourism led to a decline in GDP. Tourism brings in about one-fifth of GDP. Agriculture also took a hit in 2012 due to unfavorable weather patterns. The Gambia's re-export trade accounts for almost 80% of goods exports. Unemployment and underemployment rates remain high. Economic progress depends on sustained bilateral and multilateral aid, on responsible government economic management, and on continued technical assistance from multilateral and bilateral donors. International donors and lenders continue to be concerned about the quality of fiscal management and The Gambia's debt burden.

Exchange rates

dalasis (GMD) per US dollar - 32.08 (2012 est.) 29.46 (2011 est.) 28.01 (2010 est.) 26.64 (2009) 22.75 (2008)

Exports

$111.8 million (2012 est.) $113.4 million (2011 est.)

Exports - commodities

peanut products, fish, cotton lint, palm kernels

Exports - partners

China 57.1%, India 18.6%, France 4.6%, UK 4% (2012)

Fiscal year

calendar year

GDP - composition, by end use

88.3% 10.9% 18.9% 0% 28.5% -46.7% (2012 est.)

exports of goods and services

28.5%

government consumption

10.9%

household consumption

88.3%

imports of goods and services

-46.7%

investment in fixed capital

18.9%

investment in inventories

0%

GDP - composition, by sector of origin

19.1% 13.1% 67.8% (2012 est.)

agriculture

19.1%

industry

13.1%

services

67.8% (2012 est.)

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$1,900 (2012 est.) $1,800 (2011 est.) $2,000 (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

GDP - real growth rate

5.3% (2012 est.) -4.3% (2011 est.) 6.5% (2010 est.)

GDP (official exchange rate)

$895.7 million (2012 est.)

GDP (purchasing power parity)

$3.409 billion (2012 est.) $3.239 billion (2011 est.) $3.383 billion (2010 est.) data are in 2012 US dollars

Gross national saving

17.5% of GDP (2012 est.) 23.6% of GDP (2011 est.) 23.5% of GDP (2010 est.)

Household income or consumption by percentage share

2% 36.9% (2003)

highest 10%

36.9% (2003)

lowest 10%

2%

Imports

$365.8 million (2012 est.) $337.5 million (2011 est.)

Imports - commodities

foodstuffs, manufactures, fuel, machinery and transport equipment

Imports - partners

China 27.6%, Senegal 8.5%, Brazil 8.1%, UK 6.4%, India 6.1%, Indonesia 4.1% (2012)

Industrial production growth rate

2.4% (2012 est.)

Industries

processing peanuts, fish, and hides; tourism, beverages, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metalworking, clothing

Inflation rate (consumer prices)

4.6% (2012 est.) 4.8% (2011 est.)

Labor force

777,100 (2007)

Labor force - by occupation

75% 19% 6% (1996)

agriculture

75%

industry

19%

services

6% (1996)

Market value of publicly traded shares

$NA

Population below poverty line

48.4% (2010 est.)

Reserves of foreign exchange and gold

$236.2 million (31 December 2012 est.) $223.2 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of broad money

$512.2 million (31 December 2012 est.) $487.9 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of domestic credit

$386.2 million (31 December 2012 est.) $380.3 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Stock of narrow money

$217.9 million (31 December 2012 est.) $220.5 million (31 December 2011 est.)

Taxes and other revenues

25.8% of GDP (2012 est.)

Unemployment rate

NA%

Carbon dioxide emissions from consumption of energy

425,600 Mt (2011 est.)

Crude oil - exports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - imports

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Crude oil - production

0 bbl/day (2012 est.)

Crude oil - proved reserves

0 bbl (1 January 2013 es)

Electricity - consumption

213.9 million kWh (2010 est.)

Electricity - exports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - from fossil fuels

100% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from hydroelectric plants

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from nuclear fuels

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - from other renewable sources

0% of total installed capacity (2010 est.)

Electricity - imports

0 kWh (2012 est.)

Electricity - installed generating capacity

62,000 kW (2010 est.)

Electricity - production

230 million kWh (2010 est.)

Natural gas - consumption

0 cu m (2010 est.)

Natural gas - exports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - imports

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - production

0 cu m (2011 est.)

Natural gas - proved reserves

0 cu m (1 January 2013 es)

Refined petroleum products - consumption

3,181 bbl/day (2011 est.)

Refined petroleum products - exports

41.62 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - imports

3,434 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Refined petroleum products - production

0 bbl/day (2010 est.)

Broadcast media

state-owned, single-channel TV service; state-owned radio station and 4 privately owned radio stations; transmissions of multiple international broadcasters are available, some via shortwave radio; cable and satellite TV subscription services are obtainable in some parts of the country (2007)

Internet country code

.gm

Internet hosts

656 (2012)

Internet users

130,100 (2009)

Telephone system

adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007 combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, is roughly 80 per 100 persons country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2011)

domestic

combined fixed-line and mobile-cellular teledensity, aided by multiple mobile-cellular providers, is roughly 80 per 100 persons

general assessment

adequate microwave radio relay and open-wire network; state-owned Gambia Telecommunications partially privatized in 2007

international

country code - 220; microwave radio relay links to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau; a landing station for the Africa Coast to Europe (ACE) undersea fiber-optic cable is scheduled for completion in 2011; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean) (2011)

Telephones - main lines in use

64,200 (2012)

Telephones - mobile cellular

1.526 million (2012)

Airports

1 (2013)

Airports - with paved runways

1 (2013)

over 3,047 m

1 (2013)

total

1

Merchant marine

passenger/cargo 3, petroleum tanker 1 (2010)

total

4

Ports and terminals

Banjul

major seaport(s)

Banjul

Roadways

3,740 km 711 km 3,029 km (2011)

total

3,740 km

unpaved

3,029 km (2011)

Waterways

390 km (on River Gambia; small ocean-going vessels can reach 190 km) (2010)

Manpower available for military service

423,306 438,641 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

438,641 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

423,306

Manpower fit for military service

315,176 347,017 (2010 est.)

females age 16-49

347,017 (2010 est.)

males age 16-49

315,176

Manpower reaching militarily significant age annually

20,508 20,853 (2010 est.)

female

20,853 (2010 est.)

male

20,508

Military branches

Office of the Chief of Defense Staff: Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN), Republican National Guard (RNG) (2010)

Office of the Chief of Defense Staff

Gambian National Army (GNA), Gambian Navy (GN), Republican National Guard (RNG) (2010)

Military expenditures

0.7% of GDP (2011)

Military service age and obligation

18 years of age for male and female voluntary military service; no conscription; service obligation 6 months (2012)

Disputes - international

attempts to stem refugees, cross-border raids, arms smuggling, and other illegal activities by separatists from southern Senegal's Casamance region, as well as from conflicts in other west African states

Refugees and internally displaced persons

9,042 (Senegal) (2012)

refugees (country of origin)

9,042 (Senegal) (2012)

Trafficking in persons

The Gambia is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Gambian women, children, and, to a lesser extent, boys are exploited for prostitution and domestic servitude; women, girls, and boys from West African countries are trafficked to the Gambia for sexual exploitation, particularly catering to European tourists seeking sex with children; some Gambian trafficking victims have been identified in neighboring West African countries and the UK; boys in some Koranic schools are forced into street vending or begging Tier 2 Watch List - The Gambia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has sustained its modest anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, opening some investigations but failing to initiate any prosecutions or to formally identify any victims; a government program was launched providing resources and financial support to 12 Koranic schools on the condition that their students are not forced to beg (2013)

current situation

The Gambia is a source, transit, and destination country for women and children subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking; Gambian women, children, and, to a lesser extent, boys are exploited for prostitution and domestic servitude; women, girls, and boys from West African countries are trafficked to the Gambia for sexual exploitation, particularly catering to European tourists seeking sex with children; some Gambian trafficking victims have been identified in neighboring West African countries and the UK; boys in some Koranic schools are forced into street vending or begging

tier rating

Tier 2 Watch List - The Gambia does not fully comply with the minimum standards for the elimination of trafficking; however, it is making significant efforts to do so; the government has sustained its modest anti-trafficking law enforcement efforts, opening some investigations but failing to initiate any prosecutions or to formally identify any victims; a government program was launched providing resources and financial support to 12 Koranic schools on the condition that their students are not forced to beg (2013)