Gambia
By Kelly Sieman, Josh Hammer, Genny Boucher
History, Government, Culture
- The Woluf, Malinke, and Fulani were the first settlers
- Portuguese were the first European settlers around the Gambian river in 1455
- Slavery was there main force of labor because it was cheap, later abolished in 1807
- Dictatorship Government
- Yahya Jammeh is current dictator, serving his third term.
- Speak three-four languages
- Being in the middle of Senegal, there are different ethnic groups with in the country
- Islam is the countries main religion, with few christian, some secondary local customs
How have Developed nations tried to help?
Foreign nations have poured more than $500 billion in to Africa, Gambia included, however instead of helping these countries, they have become dependent on this aid. It has also lowered their standard of living.
Standard of living
- The life expectancy in Gambia is 58.82 years of age
- In Gambia, the infant mortality rate is 49 deaths out of every 1000
- Females- 237/1000
- Males- 295/1000
- Their literacy rate for citizens older than 15 is 51.1%
- The real GDP per capita is 1,567.97 (2011)
- Their HDI is .441
Location and Climate
- Smallest country on the mainland of Africa at about 11,000 sq km
- Surround the Gambian river
- The river is flanked by flooded plains and low hills
- Its neighboring countries are Senegal, as well as Guinea-Bissau to the south
- They have a tropical climate, consisting of 2 seasons- warm springs and pleasant winters.
Potential for the country!
Though Gambia is a third world country, it has potential to pull itself up just as anyone else. The country itself has many exports that can entice several buyers. Some of these exports include nuts, fish, quartz sand, and minerals such as Zircon. The government continues to monitor research findings on the possibility for more mineral deposits, especially those with a higher market value.
Economic strategies and implements
The successful strategy for developing countries is to exploit their late-comer advantage by building up industries that are growing dynamically in more advanced countries with similar resources to theirs. In terms of land and capital, this will work because they have their main exports in nuts, fish and quartz sand (which comes from the Gambian river, as well as other minerals).
- The government would have to implement this strategy and show full support in what they're selling, and towards the market for the product.
- They will have to build up their exports over time in order to create incentive for foreign investers.
Strengths and weaknesses of Gambia
Strengths:
- Agriculture
- Nuts
- Fishing
- Mineral deposits
- Corrupt Dictatorship
- Fear installed in citizens
- No clean drinking water, poverty, economic struggles