Geography of The Gambia
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and SenegalGeographic coordinates: 13 28 N, 16 34 W
Map references: Africa
Area:
total:
11,300 kmē
land:
10,000 kmē
water:
1,300 kmē
Area - comparative: slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundaries:
total:
740 km
border countries:
Senegal 740 km
Coastline: 80 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
18 nautical miles
continental shelf:
not specified
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nautical miles
territorial sea:
12 nautical miles
Climate: tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia river flanked by some low hills
Elevation extremes:
lowest point:
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 53 m
Natural resources: fish
Land use:
arable land:
18%
permanent crops:
0%
permanent pastures:
9%
forests and woodland:
28%
other:
45% (1993 est.)
Irrigated land: 150 kmē (1993 est.)
Natural hazards: rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years
Environment - current issues: deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent
Environment - international agreements:
party to:
Biodiversity, Climate Change, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands
signed, but not ratified:
none of the selected agreements
Geography - note: almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa
- See also : The Gambia
