THE GAMBIA 



INTRODUCTORY REMARKS. Geographical Position. 

 The Gambia Colony and Protectorate consists of a 

 narrow tract of country following the winding course 

 of the river from which it takes its name, for a distance 

 of about 250 miles, and extending approximately four 

 miles from the river on both banks. 



The whole country lies between 12 10' and 13 15' 

 north latitude and 13 50' and 16 40' west longitude. 

 It is the most northerly of the British West African 

 possessions. 



Area and Population. The extent of territory is said 

 to be 3,619 square miles, much of which consists of 

 low-lying land intersected by creeks and rivers, which 

 under tidal influence are often densely afforested with 

 mangroves. 



According to the census of 1911 the Colony and Pro- 

 tectorate had populations of 7,700 and 138,401 respec- 

 tively, totalling 146,101. The total of 90,404 given in the 

 previous census is now admitted to have been below the 

 actual amount. A large migratory farming community 

 exists, coming annually from the adjoining countries, for 

 the purpose of raising groundnut crops. This in 1911 

 numbered 3,367. Many of these immigrants are reported 

 to have remained and established themselves permanently 

 under the British flag. 



Tribes. The principal tribes inhabiting the Gambia 

 are the Mandingoes, Foulahs, Joloffs, and Jolahs. The 

 first-named are the most numerous, and are, generally 

 speaking, Mohammedans, although there are many 

 " Sonninkis " or spirit drinkers among them. The 

 Foulahs are identical with the Fulanis of the Gold Coast 

 and Northern Nigeria, and are frequently fair-skinned 



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