THE REPUBLIC OF THE GAMBIA’S COMBINED REPORT ON THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON HUMAN & PEOPLES’ RIGHTS & INITIAL REPORT ON THE PROTOCOL TO THE AFRICAN CHARTER ON THE RIGHTS OF WOMEN IN AFRICA II. GENERAL INFORMATION a. GEOGRAPHY The Republic of The Gambia lies on the western coast of tropical Africa, occupying an area of 11,295 sq km (land: 10,000 sq km and water: 1,295 sq km), making it the smallest country in mainland Africa. It is a semi-enclave in Senegal. From north to south, The Gambia extends to a maximum of 48km, though the coastline, with its bays and promontories, is 80km in length. Moving inland from west to east, the country roughly follows the route of the River Gambia inland for 480km. b. POPULATION The island capital city of Banjul has a population of about 31,301 excluding its suburbs (2013 Population and Housing census), but is exceeded in size by both Brikama 699,704 (2013 Population and Housing Census) and Kanifing (382,096 inhabitants (2013 Population and Housing Census). The country is divided into seven administrative areas consisting of five regions, the City of Banjul and Kanifing Municipality. The five regions are the West Coast Region, Lower River Region, Central River Region, Upper River Region and the North Bank Region. The population of The Gambia stands at 1,882,450 according to The Gambia Bureau of Statistics 2013 Population and Housing Census. c. LANGUAGES English is the official national language of The Gambia. However, a wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia namely, Mandinka, Wollof, Fula, Jola, Sarahule, Serere, Manjago and Creole (krio), each preserving its own language and traditions. The Mandinka people form the largest group, followed by the Fula, Wolof, Jola and Serahule. d. RELIGION Muslims constitute 95% of the population. Christians and traditionalist account for the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and there is a high degree of religious tolerance. e. ECONOMY After 22 years of autocratic rule, the new Government has inherited a dire economic and social situation and faces a daunting task of rebuilding the economy. Despite the efforts to fight poverty over the years, 18