Thursday, September 18, 2008

An Introduction to The Gambia

An Introduction to The Gambia

The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is located in West Africa, and is surrounded by Senegal in the north, east, and south, and on the west it rests on the Atlantic coast. Often called “Africa for beginners,” The Gambia is an easy and friendly country to explore and it is well known as a birdwatcher’s paradise, with over 560 different species already recorded.

Palm trees

Although it is mainland Africa’s smallest nation, The Gambia is scenically varied, with long stretches of sandy beaches, lush tropical forests, river-side mangroves, unspoiled wetlands, and large areas of wooded savannah. The River Gambia, one of West Africa’s great waterways, largely defines Gambia’s landscape, stretching the full length of the country and beyond to the east, and emptying out at the coast to the west.

Map of The Gambia

Facts and Figures
Location – West Africa.
Size – 11,295 sq km (4,361 sq miles).
Climate – Tropical; hot rainy season (June to November); cooler dry season (November to June). Average temperatures of 32°C during the day and 24°C during the night. Upcountry (away from the coastal breeze) temperatures can reach 45°C or more.
Government – Republic, with President Dr. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh.
Population – 1,688,359 (2007).
Capital – Banjul.
Economy – Major earners are agriculture, trade, and tourism.
GDP – US$3.25 billion (2006).
Gross National Income per capita – US$300 (2007).
Life expectancy – 53 years for men, 56 years for women (2005).
Language – Official language is English. Local languages include Mandinka, Wolof, Jola, Fula, and others.
Religion – 90% Muslim, 10% Christian, and some traditional religions.
Currency – Gambian Dalasi (GMD, D), (100 Bututs per Dalasi).
International telephone code – (+220)
Internet – .gm
Time – GMTElectric plug
Electricity – 220-240 volts, UK-style plug with two flat blades and one flat grounding blade.
Weights and measures – Metric and imperial, as in the UK.
Public holidays – 1 Jan, 18 Feb, Good Friday, Easter Monday, 1 May, 22 Jul, 15 Aug, 25 Dec. (see link for more information).
Flag – Three horizontal stripes: red, blue, and green from top to bottom, each colour separated by a narrow white stripe.
National anthemFor The Gambia our Homeland.
National motto – ‘Progress, Peace, and Prosperity.’
The press – The Daily Observer, The Independent, The Point, Foraaya, and others.
Television – Gambia Television, Premium TV Network (via satellite).
Radio – Radio Gambia, Radio 1 FM, West Coast Radio, City Limits Radio, and others.
GSM mobile networks – Africell, Comium, Gamcel.

DESTINATION GAMBIA


DESTINATION GAMBIA

On this page:
A Brief History
Economy
People and Culture
Language
Wildlife

Guide to Gambia


A Brief History
There is evidence of human settlements in The Gambia dating back as far as 500 AD, while stone tools and pottery pieces dating back to 2000BC have been found in the West African region, indicating even earlier settlements. Much of The Gambia’s cultural heritage can be traced to the great African trading kingdoms that flourished along the middle Niger River basin during the time of Europe’s Middle Ages.

Pottery beads

While the Serahule rulers travelled and traded in the area during the 10th century, the Ghana Empire (5th-12th centuries AD) and the Mandinka kingdom of Mali (13th-15th centuries AD) were of particular importance in The Gambia’s early history. In fact, the Mandinkas came to dominate the region during the expansion of the Mali Empire in the 13th century. All these kingdoms were renowned for the splendour and wealth that resulted from their trans-Saharan trading activities with the Berbers and Muslim Arabs of North Africa. Political upheaval and encroaching drought brought other ethnic groups into the area including Wolof and Fulani pastoralists.

The exchange of gold, ivory, and slaves from the western woodlands and southern rainforests, for salt, dates, and metalwork from the north was a dominant force in West Africa during this time. Trade, political conquest, and the expansion of the Sahara desert were further factors causing a southern and western migration of different ethnic groups from the Niger River basin into The Gambia and surrounding region.

Wooden carving from Ghana

By the 16th century, Portuguese slave traders and gold seekers had established themselves along the West African coast and river mouths, drastically changing the character of the trans-Saharan trade. The French and English who competed for political and commercial dominance in the region during the 17th and 18th centuries soon followed the Portuguese.

In 1808, slave trading was abolished throughout the British Empire, and the British tried unsuccessfully to end the slave trade in The Gambia. They established the military post of Bathurst (now Banjul) in 1816. In the ensuing years, Banjul was at times under the jurisdiction of the British Governor General in Sierra Leone.

In 1889, The Gambia became a crown colony, and the following year France and Britain drew the boundaries between Senegal (by then a French colony) and The Gambia. The Gambia received its own executive and legislative councils in 1901 and gradually progressed toward self-government. A 1906 ordinance abolished slavery.

Following general elections in 1962, full internal self-governance was granted in the following year. The Gambia achieved independence on February 18, 1965 as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth, and in 1970 The Gambia became a fully independent republic with former Prime Minister Dawda Jawara becoming the nation's first president.

Until a military coup in July 1994, led by the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC, now the APRC - Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction), The Gambia was led by President Jawara who had been in office for nearly 30 years. Lieutenant Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, chairman of the AFPRC, now became head of state. A new military government was formed, and Jammeh announced that he would remain in power at least until 1998. President Jammeh, who was re-elected with 53% of the vote, took the oath of the office again on December 21, 2001 and in the most recent September 2006 election.

Interesting...
Legend has it that Gambia’s borders were determined by measuring the extent of territory that could be defended by cannon-fire from a gunboat sailing up the river, thus The Gambia’s long, thin, and crooked shape.


Economy
The Gambia has a liberal, market-based economy and is characterized by traditional subsistence agriculture. This small nation is confronted with issues such as a high population density, very limited land space, few readily extractable resources, high illiteracy, and a single crop economy: groundnuts (peanuts), accounting for more than 80% of total exports.

Various grains and dried sorrell flowers

Millets, sorghum, and rice are the staple food crops, however, because emphasis on groundnut cultivation has diverted production from staple crops, most foods must be imported. Livestock farming is also a contributor to the GDP (gross domestic product) at 4.4% seen by the herds of cattle, sheep, and goats that roam wherever they can. Fishing accounts for 1.8% of the GDP.

Assorted local fish

Re-export trade, an important factor to Gambia's economy (though it has been in decline over the last decade or so), is built up around the ocean port in Banjul, with low import duties and minimal administrative procedures. The main export partners to The Gambia are India, the UK, Indonesia, Senegal, and Belgium. Import commodities include foodstuffs, fuel, machinery, and transport equipment, with China, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, Brazil, the US, the UK, and the Netherlands for the main import partners to The Gambia.

To overcome the obstacles to self-sufficient and economic growth, the Government of The Gambia is pursuing policies to diversify the economy through the development of rice and maize (corn) for domestic consumption and cotton and sesame as additional export crops.

The government is also encouraging the further development of its fishing and tourist industries, tourism being the major industry in The Gambia, contributing at least 12% to the GDP. In addition, new hospitals and schools, and the improvement of essential infrastructure such as roads and utilities are continuing to add to the positive growth of economic activity in The Gambia.

Even a short drive down Kairaba avenue (a main business strip in the Kombos area) can show how new shops are constantly cropping up, while there is also a great increase in home construction in the suburban areas. Bilateral assistance continues to be given by countries such as the US, the UK, Germany, Sweden, Taiwan, and Kuwait, and the future is looking bright for The Gambia.


People and Culture
A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia, each preserving its own language and traditions with minimal intertribal friction. The Mandinka are the largest ethnic group with 42% of the population, followed by the Fula (18%), the Wolof (16%), the Jola (10%), and the Serahule (9%). The Sere, Aku, and Manjago also live in The Gambia but in smaller numbers. Approximately 30,000 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including about 20,000 Europeans and over 5,000 people of Lebanese origin.

Gambian women in traditional dress

Recent immigrants to The Gambia include those of Senegal, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and the Mauritanians who tend to run many shops in Banjul and throughout The Gambia. Muslims constitute more than 90% of the population while Christians of various denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance.

More than 70% of Gambians live in rural villages, although more and more young people come to the capital in search of work and education. While urban migration, development projects, and modernization are bringing more Gambians into contact with Western habits and values, the traditional emphasis on the extended family, as well as indigenous forms of dress and celebration remain integral parts of everyday life.

The Lebanese Community
There is a very large community of Lebanese in The Gambia, many of which have been in West Africa for generations. The Lebanese are known in the world for their entrepreneurial spirit (as are the people from India of which many also reside in The Gambia) and therefore they run many of the local businesses, including shops, restaurants, hotels, and service providers. However, though the Lebanese are aiding the local economy and creating employment for many Gambians, unfortunately friction between the two does at times exist.

Variations in culture
In The Gambia…
- Dogs and cats are not kept as pets.
- It’s often cats, not dogs, that beg for food at the table of a restaurant.
- Cigarettes are less then US$1 per pack, yet rice, being a staple food, is expensive, not to mention mostly imported.
- The thighs are the most erotic part of a women’s body, not the breasts.
- Friday is ‘dress your best’ day rather than ‘casual’ day due to it being the Muslim holy day.
- The left hand and some water is used instead of toilet paper.
- Most Gambians live close to the Atlantic ocean or near the River Gambia, yet few have learned to swim.
- When at the end of a conversation on the phone, simply hanging up is sufficient, meaning "ok, talk to you later, bye."
- Answering anything in the negative is considered impolite as is direct eye contact to someone of higher importance.
- "He" and "she" are used interchangeably when referring to either males or females.
- Hissing "psssst" is a normal way of attracting a stranger's attention, also to waiters in a restaurant.
- It’s perfectly normal for Gambians to yell “toubab” to every tourist they see. “Toubab” meaning white person.
- Goats are absolutely everywhere, yet goat is never on the menu…or is it?
- Local oranges and bananas are ripe when they are green, as are grapefruits.
- Burping after a meal is a positive and welcome sign that the food was good.
- Finishing off your plate means you are still hungry and not yet satisfied.
- A bottle of beer costs the same if not less then the same size bottle of water at a restaurant, about US$1.20
- Breakfast (often the second one) is at 11am, lunch is at 3pm, and dinner is as late as 9 or 10pm.
- If a man wears no shirt, he is deemed crazy, even in 45°C weather.
- Everyone loves Celine Dion.
- Spam, in about a hundred different varieties, is available all over the country and is very, very popular.
- Many Gambian men have the first name Lamin as this is traditionally a name given to the first born son in various Gambian tribe families.
- Many Gambian women have the first name Fatou as this is traditionally a name given to the first born daughter in various Gambian tribe families.

Some superstitions and taboos
- Owls are seen as a sign of death (not many owls are left in The Gambia because of this superstition).
- Anything done on a Saturday will be repeated in the future so many Gambians avoid visiting the sick on this day.
- It is considered bad luck to buy or sell soap at night.
- If a pig crosses your path and you don't mention it to anyone, you will have good luck.
- Watching a Gambian eat is considered impolite and sometimes therefore the onlooker is invited to eat with them.

On 'borrowing'
Gambians like to ask others for things such as money and items to 'borrow', though what is actually meant is to take it and keep it without paying it back or giving the item back. Accusing a Gambian of stealing however is seen as extremely serious and rude so be careful and make sure you are certain of who the thief is and that no miscommunications occurred.


Language
English
is the official language of The Gambia and most people around the coast and the tourist areas can speak it to some degree. However, the further upcountry you go, the fewer people you will find who can speak English. Learning a few sentences in some of the local languages (Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, etc.) will certainly be a good idea if one plans on visiting The Gambia, and Gambians will appreciate the effort taken. Gambians themselves certainly have an aptitude for languages as most know at least 3 or more.

Wolof is spoken mostly in the Kombos (coastal) areas whereas Mandinka is spoken more widely throughout the country. Jola is mostly spoken in the southern coastal parts of The Gambia as is French (Senegal's official language is French and therefore the closer the proximity to the Senegalese border, the more likely you will find people speaking French more than English).

Numerous spelling varieties exist for village names, people, and objects. English spelling for that matter is not consistent either and many spelling "varieties" can be seen on billboards, signs, newspapers, and even in locally published books. Words are also commonly repeated in conversation, for example, when asked "how are you", the answer is often "fine, fine", either in English or in a local language.

Universal Greeting
This universal greeting is in Arabic because most of the population in The Gambia are Muslims.This greeting is heard everywhere as an initial greeting, when walking into a shop, or even when hopping into a taxi.

The greeting is: Salaam malekum (‘peace be with you’), to which the response is: Malekum salaam (‘peace returns to you’).

Shaking hands (and even holding hands for a while, including men with men) is also a part of the greeting process. Women are not expected to shake hands when greeting people (notably in the rural villages, with other women, and with Muslim men), though many men will offer their hand. When greeting a group of people or someone from a distance, raising clasped hands will take the place of a handshake. If the hands are not clean or are somehow occupied, grasping the forearm of that person is also suitable when greeting.

Basic Mandinka words and phrases (spelt phonetically
Yes Haa
No Hani
Good morning Esama
How are you?


Kori tanante?
(response: Tanante, meaning 'I am fine')
How is your family?


Sumoole?
(response: Ebeje, meaning 'they are fine')
How is your work?


Do kwo be nadi?
(common response: Domanding, domanding, meaning 'slowly, slowly')
Thank you Abaraka
Thank you very much Abaraka bake
Good Abetiata
What is your name? Etondi?
How much (money) is it? Jelu le mu?
White person Toubab
Black person Mofingo
Go away! Acha!

Basic Wolof words and phrases (spelt phonetically)

Yes Wow
No Deh-det
Good morning / How's the morning? Naka subasi / Naka subasi?
(response: Jamarek, meaning 'fine')
How are you?


Nanga def?
(response: Jamarek, also meaning 'I am fine / I have peace only')
How's it going? (less formal)


Nakam?
(response: Mangfi rek, meaning 'I am fine / I am here only')
How is your family?


Naka wa kerr?
(response: Jamarek, also meaning 'they are fine / they have peace only')
How is your work?


Naka ligey bi?
(response: Jamarek, meaning 'fine', or tutti, tutti, meaning 'small, small')
Thank you Jerejef
Good Baahna
What is your name? Naka nga tudda?
How much (money) is it? Nyaata la?
White person Toubab
Black person Nit ku nyuul

Fula greeting

How are you?


Nambata?
(response: Jamtan, meaning ‘I am fine’)

Jola greeting

How are you?


Kassumai?
(response: Kassumai kep, meaning ‘I am fine’)

Serer greeting

How are you?


Nafio?
(response: Memehen, meaning ‘I am fine’)
Many language books are available in The Gambia, including at Timbooktoo (book store in Fajara), some of the grocery stores, and at some of the hotels. Also, the guidebooks mentioned in the recommended reading section have good local language sections.


Wildlife
Most, if not all the large mammals no longer roam throughout the West African region, however, three species of monkey – Callithrix (or Green vervet), Patas, and the Western Red colobus – not to mention the Guinea baboons, are in abundance. The Gambian hippopotamus population remains well hidden upriver, though occasionally you may see a pair of large eyes peeking out of the water, hopefully from a safe distance! Bushbucks and duikers (small members of the antelope family) can sometimes be spotted in the depths of the forests, while leopards, hyenas, and the aardvark remain shy and in very few, if any numbers. The warthog (known locally as the 'bushpig') are common but are over-hunted by farmers and sportsmen alike.

Red colobus monkey

The Gambia’s birdlife however, is amazingly diverse, and the 560+ bird species have relatively few predators, allowing the birds to thrive in high numbers. In addition, The Gambia is one of the first stops for many migratory birds. Species such as the Red-billed hornbill, Purple glossy starling, and the Grey plantain-eater are common throughout the country. The Intermediate egret, the Western reef heron, and the Marabou stork can easily be seen in many of the flooded rice fields, marshes, and creeks. And the Hooded vulture, various kingfisher varieties, and Senegalese parrots are seen in more places than you would expect.

Red-billed hornbill

Bird-watching tips
> Bring a pair of binoculars. A small, compact one can surely be purchased at a reasonable price at an outdoor supply store.
> Head out early. Most birds are active during the cooler hours of the day, notably in the early mornings.
> Try not to wear anything bright. Stick to khaki-coloured clothing and wear a hat.
> Download and print a species checklist on www.africanbirdclub.org

Crocodiles are seen in the River Gambia and creeks, particularly during the winter months when they can be observed basking in the sun on the river banks. Lizards are seen everywhere, especially the brightly coloured Rock agamas, as are frogs, though the latter come out mostly at night and during the rainy season. Larger lizards, including the Nile monitor which can grow up to two meters, are often spotted near the edges of the beach and hotel grounds.

Rock agama

Chameleons and geckos are in large numbers but are seen less often. Tortoises are still around and The Gambia has around 40 snake species, most of them being elusive and harmless. However, the Puff adder, the Spitting cobra, and the Green mambas, and some other species are dangerously venomous, though will only strike if threatened.

Puff adders

Spiders, scorpions, and various other invertebrates are less often encountered, though beautiful butterflies are numerous, with over 100 species, mostly seen during the rainy season.

Out in the sea, marine turtles, the Atlantic hump-backed dolphin, and the slightly larger Bottlenose dolphin can sometimes be spotted, and the West African manatee (sea cow), rarely seen, inhabits the coastal mangrove creeks. Tropical fish including barracuda, tigerfish, tarpon, catfish, blowfish, African red snapper, and bonga, plus small sharks and rays are numerous in Gambian ocean waters.

Termites
Throughout the country termite mounds can be seen in the fields, bush, and even alongside the roads. Characterized by large, 2 meter high or more sand coloured structures, the termite mounds resemble something like a sand castle, towers and all. Colonies of termites build these mini-kingdoms by binding soil with half-digested cellulose, the by-product of their diet of wood and straw.

Termite mound

Monitor lizards often lay their eggs inside the mounds as it acts as an incubator with perfectly controlled temperatures. In addition, the fine clay from the mounds makes good local water jars, keeping the water cool even during the hottest of days. If ever you find yourself lost in the bush of West Africa, the termite mound clay can be rubbed on the skin to act as a mosquito repellent and the location of the mounds likely indicate that there is a high water table, so start digging!

Plants
The Gambia lies within the Sahel, the semi-desert or savannah region that forms a broad band across Africa between the Sahara desert to the north and the forested countries of the south. Therefore the vegetation in the region consists mainly of low scrubs and well-dispersed trees such as the massive baobab, prickly acacia, and the impressive kapok, known as the silk-cotton tree. The palm is also a very common tree seen throughout the country, species include the date palm and the coconut palm.

Baobab

PHOTOS GAMBIA,MALI,SENEGAL

Here are various photos of The Gambia and some of Senegal and Mali. Additional photos can be viewed throughout the guide to gambia page.

Mud printsRiver Gambia boat

Bumster in SanyangBushbuck

AttayaBarracuda

African CowsJungle

Door in BanjulDogon

Callithrix (Green vervet) monkeyGoat in Kau-ur

Bongo FishFrog and iron

RustMangroves

PiroguesMonitor lizard

Touba SkullSenegal beach

Shop in SerrekundaSt. Louis orphans

GAMBIA LOCAL NAMES ANE THEIR MEANING


Aba
M man's name (Mandinka)
Abbas m man's name (Mandinka)
Abdou m man's name (Mandinka)
Abi f short form of Abibatu, Abisatou, Abiyatou
Abdoulie m short form of Abdoulie
Abdou m short form of Abdoulie
Abu m man's name short form of Abuubakar (Mandinka)
Abudu M man's name (Mandinka)
Abuubakar M man's name (Mandinka)
Adama m/F Adam (Mandinka)
Adel f lady's name (Mandinka)
Addo m nickname for Adama
Aisa f girl's name
Aja f title for female pilgrim, short form of Ajaratu
Ajamboon f lady's name (Mandinka)
Ajaratu F title for female pilgrim (Mandinka)
Alabatou f to worship (Mandinka)
Alabatulaa F worshipper (Mandinka)
Alamouta M to rely on God (Mandinka)
Alansana m man's name (Mandinka)
Alanso f lady's name meaning God bless me (Mandinka)
Alieu M man's name
Alifaa m respected person; guardian (Mandinka)
Alimatu f lady's name (Mandinka)
Amadou m one of Muhammad's names; popular boy's name
Amara m man's name (Mandinka)
Antii f lady's name (Mandinka)
Antu m man's name (Mandinka)
Antouman m man's name (Mandinka)
Araamata f lady's name (Mandinka)
Arjana
heaven (Wolof)
Arn
a first name and a surname
Avisa F
Awa f Eve, name of a lady (Mandinka)
Baaku M to glorify oneself (Wolof)
Baayo
orphan, surname (Wolof)
Babou m Baabu and Buubakar stand for Abuubakar
Badara m man's name (Mandinka)
Baddibu
name of a division of Gambia
Bah
a surname
Bailo M
Bakary m
Bakau
a main city in Gambia
Balajo a surname
Baldeh a surname
Baluta m man's name (Mandinka)
Bamba m man's name (Mandinka)
Bambada
a hat (Mandinka)
Banda a surname
Bandeh a surname
Bango m man's name (Mandinka)
Banja a surname (Mandinka); name of a city in Gambia
Banjul
capital city of Gambia; rope mat
Banora a surname (Mandinka)
Bansang
a main city of Gambia
Baraka
blessed; serious (Mandinka)
Barakoo
blessing (Mandinka)
Barrow surname
Basse
a main city of Gambia
Basiiru m man's name (Mandinka)
Baturoo m waiting (Mandinka)
Baxa
sky-blue colour (Wolof)
Binki F aunt (Mandinka)
Binta f lady's name (Mandinka)
Bintou f lady's name (Mandinka)
Bintu F lady's name (Mandinka)
Biran m man's name (Mandinka)
Birom m man's name (Mandinka)
Bolong m man's name (Mandinka)
Booto M man's name (Mandinka)
Booy m man's name, also a surname (Mandinka)
Bora m beard
Boto m
Brikama
a main city of Gambia
Buba m
Bukki M wolf (Wolof)
Buloo
to be blue (Wolof)
Bunama m
Bunjaa M
Bunta M boy (Wolof)
Buraama m man's name (Mandinka)
Buwaa m witch; man's name (Mandinka)
Caamen M brother (Wolof)
Cafaritoo
lunatic (Mandinka)
Caku
parrot (Wolof)
Coro M boyfriend, lover (Wolof)
Daba person's name (Mandinka)
Dalasi
native name of Gambia; name of currency
Damba surname (Mandinka)
Dankoo
curse (Mandinka)
Danoo M hunter (Mandinka)
Dara
dog (Wolof)
Daraja
famous; prestige; dignity (Wolof)
Deebal M giant (Wolof)
Demba m man's name (Mandinka)
Demboo m man's name (Mandinka)
Dex
river (Wolof)
Dinkee M son (Mandinka)
Dodou m
Donde
surname (Mandinka)
Dookee M younger brother (Mandinka)
Dukku
bribe (Wolof)
Dunxa
feather (Wolof)
Duta m
Duudu M
Duwa m man's name (Mandinka)
Ebrahima m Abraham
Ebrima m translation of Abraham
Eefar
pagan
Eesaa m man's name, translation of Jesus (Mandinka)
Ekka M male cow, bull (Wolof)
Ensa m translation of Jesus
Faabba m man's name (Mandinka)
Fabrice M popular name
Fafa m form of address
Faja
dawn (Wolof)
Fajkat
healer
Fakebba m father's elder brother
Fande
surname (Wolof)
Fanding m
Fanta f
Fara m man's name (Mandinka)
Faraba m man's name (Mandinka)
Farafenni
a main city in Gambia
Fatou F
Fatoumatta f
Filije m/ f leave it there
Foday m eloquent Quranic scholar
Fulladu
name of a division of Gambia
Gunjur
a main city in Gambia
Guruhi M Evil God. Meteors are his sign.
Habib m
Hadang f
Haddy f
Hasimou m
Hassan m man's name (Mandinka)
Hawa f Eve
Idi m short form of Idirissa
Idirissa m name of a prophet
Ilman m
Isaka m Isaac
Isatou F long form of Ayisa (Isa)
Ismaela m Ismael
Jaasi M cutlass, sword (Wolof)
Jabou f
Jabu F lady's name (Mandinka)
Jainaba f
Jalang m name of a famous wrestler from The Gambia
Jamang m
Jambaar M warrior (Wolof)
Janjanbureh
name of a division of Gambia
Jankeh f
Janko m
Janxa F girl, virgin, young unmarried woman
Jarra
name of a division of Gambia
Jasseh M popular boys name
Jatoo m lion (Mandinka)
Jatou f
jawara M peace loving
Jawaroo M warrior (Mandinka)
Jaxat
squirrel
Jebel m
Jibou m
Jibril m Gabriel
Jibrin m Gabriel
Jikindi
promise (Mandinka)
Jikita
hope (Mandinka)
Jokadu
name of a division of Gambia
Jojo f
Joko F
Joma f
Jombo m man's name (Mandinka)
Joñi f
Jonkong m
Jooboo
parrot (Mandinka)
Joojoo M judge (Mandinka)
Juma m person's name (Mandinka)
Jumu m man's name (Mandinka)
Jung m
Junkung m
Kafkat M a joker
Kandita
hot, warm (Mandinka)
Kanifing
name of a division of Gambia
Kantalaa M guard; shepherd (Mandinka)
Kantora
name of a division of Gambia
Karafa m person's name (Mandinka)
Karamba m great teacher
Karamo m teacher, trainer, tutor
Kasama
a surname (Mandinka)
Kasi wrong act; to cry (Mandinka)
Kati f lady's name (Mandinka)
Kausu m
Kawsu M popular boy's name
Kebba m old man, adult, old person
Keemoo M man's name (Mandinka)
Kekoto m second lunar month
Kekuta m
Kemo m
Kiang
name of a division of Gambia
Kinti f
Koba f kitchen; person's name
Kobba F kitchen; person's name
Kombo
name of a division of Gambia
Konkoo
mountain (Mandinka)
Koparoo
penny (Mandinka)
Kori
hope (Mandinka)
Kumba f
Kumpa
secret (Wolof)
Kunda f place, area
Kunta m surname and first name
Kurukemeh f a hundred kola nuts
Kuta f lady's name
Kutu f
Kutubo m sermon
Lalo m
Lafi m
Lallo M
Lama m
Lamin m a main city of Gambia
Landing m
Lensa M
Lingaire F a princess in the 4th century (Wolof)
Liyo
honey (Mandinka)
Lonnaa
learned person (Mandinka)
Madi m
Maka
Mecca (Mandinka)
Makang m
Makuto f
Malamin m
Malick m
Mama M/f grandparent (Mandinka)
Mamadi m
Mamakee M grandfather (Mandinka)
Mamanding f
Maram f
Marang f
Mariama f translation of Mary
Mboose f
Mita
Modou M
Mohammed m
Momodou m
Muña m
Musa m translation of Moses
Musu f wife, female
Musukebba f senior wife, elderly woman
Nema
name of a town in Gambia
Nfansu m
Niamina
name of a division of Gambia
Niani
name of a division of Gambia
Nianija
name of a division of Gambia
Niumi
name of a division of Gambia
Nyambi M popular name
Nyima f
Nyonkoling f person's name
Ousman m
Penda F
Pisto M popular boy's name
Saikou m popular boy's name

Sajo

m/F
Saloum
name of a division of Gambia
Samba m a surname and first name
Sami
name of a division of Gambia
Samo
Sandu
name of a division of Gambia
Sanji f
Sara F popular girl's name
Satong
Serrekunda
a main city in Gambia
Sherif m
Sibo f Rhun palm tree; nick name for Mary
Sisawo m surname
Soma
a main city of Gambia
Sosseh a surname (Wolof)
Sukuta
a main city in Gambia
Sulayman m
Suluwo
wolf (Mandinka)
Sunjoo
breast (Mandinka)
Sunkarr f
Suntu
Suntukung m/F rubbish dump
Tabala
drum, Muslim holy drum
Tamba m grey plum, grey bread tree
Tankaloo
sweets, candy (Mandinka)
Tano F
Toma
person's name, name sake, remainder
Tomaring f
Tombong m
Totoo
frog (Mandinka)
Tubab M/F the friendly name for white foreigners
Tumani M the name of a peanut picker in the river area
Tuutoo
drunk person (Mandinka)
Wandi m
Wandy M
Wasa
Wassa

Wuli
name of a division of Gambia
Yama f
Yamma F
Yaya m
Yorro M