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Gambia

  Coastal   Beaches  

The Gambia, officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, is the smallest country within mainland Africa and is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, except for its western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. It is situated on the west coast of Africa and is less than 50 kilometers wide at its widest point, but it stretches approximately 320 kilometers into the interior of the continent, following the path of the Gambia River from which the country takes its name. The Gambia gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. Banjul is its capital, but the largest cities are Serekunda and Brikama. The country's geography is characterized by the river and its surrounding floodplains, which are crucial for agriculture, particularly for rice and peanut cultivation. The climate is generally tropical with a hot and rainy season from June to November and a cooler, dry season from November to May. The Gambia is known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Abundant wildlife can be found in its Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve, including monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas, and rare birds. The nation has a rich cultural heritage, with multiple ethnic groups living together, each with its own language and traditions. Tourism is a significant part of the economy, with visitors drawn to its beaches, wildlife, and historical sites such as Kunta Kinteh Island, which was a center for the Atlantic slave trade. The Gambia's economy also relies on agriculture, remittances from abroad, and a growing re-export trade. Despite its small size, The Gambia has played a more prominent role in regional politics, particularly during the long rule of former President Yahya Jammeh, who was ousted in 2017 after 22 years in power. The country has since been working to establish a more democratic and transparent government. The Gambia's population is predominantly Muslim, and this plays a significant role in the social and cultural life of the country. English is the official language, reflecting its colonial history, but several indigenous languages are also widely spoken, including Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in The Gambia is generally low compared to many other countries, which can be attributed to affordable local food and services.

Weather

Gambia experiences a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons. The dry season runs from November to May, characterized by hot and dry harmattan winds from the Sahara Desert. The rainy season spans from June to October, bringing humid and wet conditions, with occasional heavy downpours and thunderstorms. Temperatures are generally high throughout the year, with slight variations between seasons.

Educational System Gambia

The educational system in Gambia is structured similarly to the British model, as Gambia is a former British colony. Education is compulsory for children between the ages of 7 and 12. The system is divided into four key stages: Lower Basic (Grade 1 to 6), Upper Basic (Grade 7 to 9), Senior Secondary (Grade 10 to 12), and Tertiary (universities and colleges). Children typically start school at the age of 7 and graduate from Senior Secondary School by the age of 18. The language of instruction is English. The quality of education varies, with urban schools generally better resourced than rural ones. The government has been working to improve educational standards, but challenges remain, including classroom overcrowding and a shortage of materials. There are also private schools that offer different curricula, including international options for expatriate families. After completing Grade 9, students sit for the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which determines their eligibility to proceed to Senior Secondary School. At the end of Grade 12, students take the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) to qualify for university admission.

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Visa & Residency

Obtaining a residency visa in Gambia involves several steps and the process can be considered average in terms of difficulty. The most common types of visas that expats apply for are the General Work Visa and the Business Visa. To apply for a General Work Visa, the applicant must have a job offer from a Gambian company. The company must demonstrate that the position cannot be filled by a local employee. The applicant will need to provide various documents, including a valid passport, a letter of employment, a police clearance certificate from their country of residence, and medical clearance. For a Business Visa, which is suitable for business owners and investors, the applicant must provide evidence of their business activities or investment in Gambia, such as company registration documents and financial statements. Additional requirements may include a business plan, proof of investment funds, and a tax clearance certificate. The application process typically involves submitting the required documents to the Gambian embassy or consulate in the applicant's home country or, in some cases, directly to the immigration authorities in Gambia. The processing time can vary, but it generally takes several weeks to a few months to receive a decision on the visa application. Digital nomads often use the Tourist Visa to stay in Gambia, which allows them to live in the country for up to 90 days. This visa is relatively easy to obtain and can be applied for upon arrival at the airport or at a Gambian diplomatic mission abroad. It is important to note that while the Tourist Visa is convenient for short stays, it does not permit the holder to engage in any form of employment or business activities within the country. Overall, while the process of obtaining a residency visa in Gambia is not overly complicated, it does require careful preparation of the necessary documentation and an understanding of the specific visa requirements. Expats are advised to begin the application process well in advance of their intended move date to allow sufficient time for processing and any potential complications.

Living in Gambia

Healthcare in Gambia

The healthcare system in Gambia is a mix of public and private facilities. The public healthcare system is under-resourced and faces challenges such as a shortage of skilled healthcare professionals, inadequate infrastructure, and limited access to medications. Public healthcare is provided at no direct cost to patients, but the quality of care can be variable. Private healthcare in Gambia offers higher quality services with more skilled practitioners and better facilities, but it is more expensive and less accessible to the average citizen. Expats and digital nomads can access public healthcare, but many opt for private healthcare to ensure higher standards of care. It is advisable for expats and digital nomads to have comprehensive health insurance to cover private healthcare costs.

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