Why is Gambia called The Gambia?

Why is Gambia called The Gambia?

Etymology. The name “Gambia” is derived from the Mandinka term Kambra/Kambaa, meaning Gambia River (or possibly from the sacred Serer Gamba, a special type of calabash beaten when a Serer elder dies). Upon independence in 1965, the country used the name the Gambia.

Why is The Gambia river important?

The most important function of the Gambia River in modern times is its use as a waterway for transporting cargo, people, and mail across various distances. Ferry services operate along the course of the river, allowing north-south river crossings connecting the northern and southern parts of the nation of The Gambia.

Where is the river Gambia?

western Africa
The Gambia River runs for approximately 1,130 km in western Africa from Guinea, through Senegal to The Gambia. The basin contains a range of habitats (including estuaries, marshes, swamps and mudflats), and harbours a high level of floral and faunal biodiversity.

Are there crocodiles in the river Gambia?

The River Gambia is known to have crocodiles, which are common along the length of the river and in tributaries, and hippos which reside upriver in the central regions. You should avoid swimming anywhere along the river, as well as various streams as you could encounter one of these animals.

Who discovered the Gambia river?

The European discovery of the Gambia began in the 15th century, with the push toward exploration by the Portuguese Prince Henry the Navigator. In 1446, Portuguese captain Nuno Tristao made contact with the inhabitants of Cape Vert, and made a treaty of commerce and friendship with them.

Which river is the main river in western Africa *?

The Niger River, with a total length of about 4100 km, is the third-longest river in Africa, after the Nile and the Congo/Zaire Rivers, and the longest and largest river in West Africa.

Where did the river Gambia come from?

The Gambia River (formerly known as the River Gambra) is a major river in West Africa, running 1,120 kilometres (700 mi) from the Fouta Djallon plateau in north Guinea westward through Senegal and The Gambia to the Atlantic Ocean at the city of Banjul.

Are there wild lions in Gambia?

There does not appear to be a population of lions in the Gambia, though there are wild cats and, occasionally, leopards.

Is there sharks in Gambia?

Top Tips: The Gambia estuary sharks are mainly requiem sharks i.e. Lemon, Dusky, Sandbar, Sand Tiger, Bull Head & Nurse with Black Tips being the only prominent surface feeder. Sharks can be fished from the anchor as well as on the drift.