The Gambia is a small West African country, with an area of 11,295 Km2. It is surrounded by Senegal except for its coastline in the west. Although small in size, The Gambia harbors a wealth of land, coastal, marine and wetland habitats and species of national and global significance, making it an attractive tourist destination. The country has a population of 2.1 million in 2017 with a high average rate of growth of 3.2 percent per year over the last decade. Most of the population (57 percent) is concentrated around urban and peri-urban centers. Real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) per capita in 2017 was estimated at US$523 (2010 US Dollars). The Gambia became independent from Britain in February 1965.

H.E. Adama Barrow assumed his duties as President of the 3rd Republic, following victory in the December 2016 election.