THE GAMBIA

Compiled from the November 2003 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of The Gambia

PROFILE
PEOPLE AND HISTORY
GOVERNMENT
DEFENSE
POLITICAL CONDITIONS
ECONOMY
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-GAMBIAN RELATIONS
TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 11,300 sq. km. (4,361 sq. mi.); about the size of Maryland.

Cities: Capital—Banjul (est. pop. 50,000, excluding suburbs).

Terrain: Flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by low hills.

Climate: Tropical; hot rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May).

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Gambian(s).

Population: (2001 est.) 1.4 million.

Annual growth rate: (1975-2001) 3.4%.

Ethnic groups: Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%, non-Gambian 1%.

Religions: Muslim 92.2%, Christian 4.2%, and animist 2.6%.

Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Jola, other indigenous languages.

Education: Years compulsory—none. Attendance—69% primary, 35% secondary. Adult literacy—37.8%.

Health: Life expectancy—54.1 yrs. Infant mortality rate (2001)—91/1,00 0. Access to safe drinking water—urban 80%, rural 53%.

Work force: (400,000) Agriculture—70%; industry, commerce, services—24%; government—6%.

Government

Type: Civilian.

Independence: February 18, 1965.

Constitution: January 16, 1997.

Branches: National Assembly; Executive; Judiciary.

Subdivisions: Capital and five divisions.

Political parties: Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC), United Democratic Party (UDP), National Reconciliation Party (NRP), National Convention Party (NCP), Peoples Democratic Organization for Independence and Socialism (PDOIS), National Democratic Action Movement (NDAM).

Economy

GDP: (2001) $400 million.

Annual growth rate: (2001) 4.6%.

Per capita income: (2001) $291.

Natural resources: Seismic studies indicate the possible presence of oil and gas offshore.

Agriculture: (23% of GDP) Products—peanuts, rice, millet, sorghum, fish, palm kernels, vegetables, livestock, forestry.

Industry: (12% of GDP) Types—peanut products, construction, telecommunications, brewing, soft drinks, agricultural machinery assembly, woodworking, metal working, clothing.

Trade: (2000 est.) Exports—$12.03 million, including re-exports, groundnut and groundnut products (37%), fish and fish products (7%), fruits and vegetables (26%). Major markets—U.K., other EU countries, and Senegal. Imports—$139.3 million, including textiles, ready-made foodstuffs, machinery, transportation equipment. 98% for domestic consumption, 2% for re-export. Major suppliers—U.K.; other EU countries; China, Japan, and other Asian countries; West African neighbors. Official Development Assistance (ODA) received from all sources (2001) $50.9 million.

U.S. economic aid received: (FY 2001) $6.2 million in food aid and assistance to democracy and human rights programs.

PEOPLE AND HISTORY

A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia with a minimum of intertribal friction, each preserving its own language and traditions. The Mandinka tribe is the largest, followed by the Fula, Wolof, Jola, and Serahuli. Approximately 2,500 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including Europeans and families of Lebanese origin.

Muslims constitute more than 92% of the population. Christians of different denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance.

More than 80% of Gambians live in rural villages, although more and more young people come to the capital in search of work and education. While urban migration, development projects, and modernization are bringing more Gambians into contact with Western habits and values, the traditional emphasis on the extended family, as well as indigenous forms of dress and celebration, remain integral parts of everyday life.

The Gambia was once part of the Empire of Ghana and the Kingdom of the Songhais. The first written accounts of the region come from records of Arab traders in the 9th and 10th centuries A.D. Arab traders established the trans-Saharan trade route for slaves, gold, and ivory. In the 15th century, the Portuguese took over this trade using maritime routes. At that time, The Gambia was part of the Kingdom of Mali.

In 1588, the claimant to the Portuguese throne, Antonio, Prior of Crato, sold exclusive trade rights on The Gambia River to English merchants; this grant was confirmed by letters patent from Queen Elizabeth I. In 1618, King James I granted a charter to a British company for trade with The Gambia and the Gold Coast (now Ghana).

During the late 17th century and throughout the 18th, England and France struggled continuously for political and commercial supremacy in the regions of the Senegal and Gambia Rivers. The 1783 Treaty of Versailles gave Great Britain possession of The Gambia, but the French retained a tiny enclave at Albreda on the north bank of the river, which was ceded to the United Kingdom in 1857.

As many as 3 million slaves may have been taken from the region during the three centuries that the transatlantic slave trade operated. It is not known how many slaves were taken by Arab traders prior to and simultaneous with the transatlantic slave trade. Most of those taken were sold to Europeans by other Africans; some were prisoners of intertribal wars; some were sold because of unpaid debts, while others were kidnapped. Slaves were initially sent to Europe to work as servants until the market for labor expanded in the West Indies and North America in the 18th century. In 1807, slave trading was abolished throughout the British Empire, and the British tried unsuccessfully to end the slave traffic in The Gambia. They established the military post of Bathurst (now Banjul) in 1816. In the ensuing years, Banjul was at times under the jurisdiction of the British governor general in Sierra Leone. In 1888, The Gambia became a separate colonial entity.

An 1889 agreement with France established the present boundaries, and The Gambia became a British Crown Colony, divided for administrative purposes into the colony (city of Banjul and the surrounding area) and the protectorate (remainder of the territory). The Gambia received its own executive and legislative councils in 1901 and gradually progressed toward self-government. A 1906 ordinance abolished slavery.

During World War II, Gambian troops fought with the Allies in Burma. Banjul served as an air stop for the U.S. Army Air Corps and a port of call for Allied naval convoys. U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt stopped overnight in Banjul en route to and from the Casablanca Conference in 1943, marking the first visit to the African Continent by an American president while in office.

After World War II, the pace of constitutional reform quickened. Following general elections in 1962, full internal self-government was granted in 1963. The Gambia achieved independence on February 18, 1965, as a constitutional monarchy with in the British Commonwealth. Shortly thereafter, the government proposed conversion from a monarchy to a republic with an elected president replacing the British monarch as chief of state. The proposal failed to receive the two-thirds majority required to amend the constitution, but the results won widespread attention abroad as testimony to The Gambia's observance of secret balloting, honest elections, and civil rights and liberties. On April 24, 1970, The Gambia became a republic following a referendum.

Until a military coup in July 1994, The Gambia was led by President Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara, who was reelected five times. The relative stability of the Jawara era was first broken by a violent, unsuccessful coup attempt in 1981. The coup was led by Kukoi Samba Sanyang, who, on two occasions, had unsuccessfully sought election to parliament. After a week of violence which left several hundred dead, President Jawara, in London when the attack began, appealed to Senegal for help. Senegalese troops defeated the rebel force.

In the aftermath of the attempted coup, Senegal and The Gambia signed the 1982 Treaty of Confederation. The result, the Senegambia Confederation, aimed eventually to combine the armed forces of the two nations and to unify economies and currencies. The Gambia withdrew from the confederation in 1989.

In July 1994, the Armed Forces Provisional Ruling Council (AFPRC) seized power in a military coup d'état, deposing the government of Sir Dawda Jawara. Lieutenant Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh, chairman of the AFPRC, became head of state..

The AFPRC announced a transition plan for return to democratic civilian government. The Provisional Independent Electoral Commission (PIEC) was established in 1996 to conduct national elections. The transition process included the compilation of a new electoral register, adoption of a new constitution by referendum in August 1996, and presidential and legislative elections in September 1996 and January 1997, respectively. Foreign observers did not deem these elections free and fair. Retired Col. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh was sworn into office as President of the Republic of The Gambia in November 1996. The PIEC was transformed to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) in 1997 and became responsible for registration of voters and conduct of elections and referenda. In late 2001 and early 2002, The Gambia completed a full cycle of presidential, legislative, and local elections, which foreign observers deemed free, fair, and transparent, albeit with some shortcomings. President Yahya Jammeh, who was re-elected, took the oath of office again on December 21, 2001. The APRC maintained its strong majority in the National Assembly.

GOVERNMENT

The 1970 constitution, which divided the government into independent executive, leg islative, and judicial branches, was suspended after the 1994 military coup. As part of the transition process, the AFPRC established the Constitution Review Commission (CRC) through decree in March 1995. In accordance with the timetable for the transition to a democratically elected government, the commission drafted a new constitution for The Gambia, which approved by referendum in August 1996. The constitution provides for a strong presidential government, a unicameral legislature, an independent judiciary, and the protection of human rights.

Local government in The Gambia varies. The capital city, Banjul, has an elected town council. Five rural divisions exist, each with a council containing a majority of elected members. Each council has its own treasury and is responsible for local government services. Tribal chiefs retain traditional powers authorized by customary law in some instances.

Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 12/4/03

Head of State: Jammeh, Yahya

Vice President: Njie-Saidy, Isatou

Sec. of State for Agriculture:

Sec. of State for Communications, Information, & Technology: Touray, Yankouba

Sec. of State for Education: Ndong-Jatta, Anne-Therese

Sec. of State for Finance & Economic Affairs: Bala-Gaye, Musa Gibril

Sec. of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources, & Environment: Waffa-Ogoo, Susan

Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs: Jagne, Baboucarr Blaise

Sec. of State for Health & Social Welfare: Gassama, Yankuba

Sec. of State for Interior & Religious Affairs: Ceesay, Sulayman

Sec. of State for Local Govt. & Lands: Jarju, Malafi

Sec. of State for Tourism: Sallah, Mamadou

Sec. of State for Trade, Industry, & Employment: Singhateh, Edward

Sec. of State for Youth, Sports, & Culture: Faal, Samba

Sec. of State for Works and Infrastructural Development: Garba-Jahumpa, Bala

Attorney General and Sec. of State for Justice & National Assembly Affairs: Hydara, Sheikh Tijan

Chief of Defense Staff: Jatta, Bubacar Ambassador to the US:

Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Grey-Johnson, Crispin

The Gambia maintains an embassy at 1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 905, Washington, D.C. 20005. Tel. (202) 785-1399. Its UN mission is located at 820 2nd Avenue, Suite 900-C, New York, NY 10017. Tel. (212) 949-6640.

DEFENSE

The Gambian national army numbers about 1,900. The army consists of infantry battalions, the national guard, and the navy, all under the authority of the Department of State for Defense (a ministerial portfolio held by President Jammeh). Prior to the 1994 coup, the Gambian army received technical assistance and training from the United States, United Kingdom, Peoples Republic of China, Nigeria, and Turkey. With the withdrawal of most of this aid, the army has received renewed assistance from Turkey and new assistance from Libya and others. The Gambia allowed its military training arrangement with Libya to expire in 2002.

Members of the Gambian military participated in ECOMOG, the West African force deployed during the Liberian civil war beginning in 1990. Gambian forces have subsequently participated in several other peacekeeping operations, including, inter alia, Bosnia, Kosovo, DROC, Sierra Leone, Eritrea, and East Timor. The Gambia contributed 150 troops to Liberia in 2003 as part of the ECOMIL contingent. Responsibilities for internal security and law enforcement rest with the Gambian police under the Inspector General of Police and the Minister of Interior.

POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Before the coup d'état in July 1994, The Gambia was one of the oldest existing multi-party democracies in Africa. It had conducted freely contested elections every 5 years since independence. After the military coup, politicians from deposed President Jawara's People's Progressive Party (PPP) and other senior government officials were banned from participating in politics until July 2001.

The People's Progressive Party (PPP), headed by former president Jawara, had dominated Gambian politics for nearly 30 years. After spearheading the movement toward complete independence from Britain, the PPP was voted into power and was never seriously challenged by any opposition party. The last elections under the PPP regime were held in April 1992.

Following the coup in July 1994, a presidential election took place in September 1996, in which retired Col. Yahya A.J.J. Jammeh won 56% of the vote. The legislative elections held in January 1997 were dominated by the APRC, which captured 33 out of 45 seats. In July 2001, the ban on Jawara-era political parties and politicians was lifted. Four registered opposition parties participated in the October 18, 2001, presidential election, which the incumbent, President Yahya Jammeh, won with almost 53% of the votes. The APRC maintained its strong majority in the National Assembly in legislative elections held in January 2002.

ECONOMY

The Gambia has a liberal, marketbased economy characterized by traditional subsistence agriculture, a historic reliance on groundnuts (peanuts) for export earnings, a re-export trade built up around its ocean port, low import duties, minimal administrative procedures, a fluctuating exchange rate with no exchange controls, and a significant tourism industry.

Agriculture accounts for 23% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 75% of the labor force. Within agriculture, peanut production accounts for 5.3% of GDP, other crops 8.3%, livestock 4.4%, fishing 1.8%, and forestry 0.5%. Industry accounts for 12% of GDP and forestry 0.5%. Manufacturing accounts for 6% of GDP. The limited amount of manufacturing is primarily agriculturally based (e.g., peanut processing, bakeries, a brewery, and a tannery). Other manufacturing activities include soap, soft drinks, and clothing. Services account for 19% of GDP.

The U.K. and other EU countries constitute The Gambia's major domestic export markets, accounting for 86% in total; followed by Asia at 14%; and the African subregion, including Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Ghana at 8%. The U.K. and the other EU countries—namely, Germany, France, Netherlands, and Belgium—were the major source of imports accounting for 60% of the total share of imports followed by Asia at 23%, and Cote d'Ivoire and other African countries at 17%. The Gambia reports 11% of its exports going to and 14.6% of its imports coming from the United States.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

The Gambia followed a formal policy of nonalignment throughout most of former President Jawara's tenure. It maintained close relations with the United Kingdom, Senegal, and other African countries. The July 1994 coup strained The Gambia's relationship with Western powers, particularly the United States, which suspended most non-humanitarian assistance in accordance with Section 508 of the Foreign Assistance Act. Since 1995, President Jammeh has established diplomatic relations with several additional countries, including Libya, Taiwan, and Cuba.

The Gambia plays an active role in international affairs, especially West African and Islamic affairs, although its representation abroad is limited. As a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), The Gambia has played an active role in that organization's efforts to resolve the Liberian civil war and contributed troops to the community's cease-fire monitoring group (ECOMOG) in 1990 and (ECOMIL) in 2003. It also has sought to mediate disputes in nearby Guinea-Bissau and the neighboring Casamance region of Senegal.

U.S.-GAMBIAN RELATIONS

U.S. policy seeks to build improved relations with The Gambia on the basis of historical ties, mutual respect, democratic rule, human rights, and adherence to UN resolutions on counterterrorism, conflict diamonds, and other forms of trafficking. Following The Gambia's successful presidential and legislative elections in October 2001 and January 2002, respectively, the U.S. Government determined that a democratically elected government had assumed office and thus lifted the sanctions it had imposed against The Gambia in accordance with Section 508 of the Foreign Assistance Act as a result of the 1994 coup. U.S. assistance supports democracy, human rights, girls' education, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition, the Peace Corps maintains a large program with about 100 volunteers engaged in the environment, public health, and education sectors, mainly at the village level.

Relations with the U.S. have improved significantly given the restoration of democratically elected government in 2001-2002, greater respect for human rights, and steadfast support of the War on Terrorism. The Gambia became eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) on January 1, 2003.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Banjul (E), Fajara, Kairaba Ave., P.M.B. 19, Banjul, Tel (220) 392-856, 392-858, 391-970, 391-971, Fax 392-475.

Last Modified: Tuesday, October 07, 2003

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet
January 30, 2004

Country Description: The Gambia is a developing country in western Africa. The capital is Banjul. The official language is English. Facilities for tourism in the Banjul area are good. However, outside the capital, tourist facilities are limited in availability and quality.

Entry Requirements: A passport and visa are required, as is evidence of yellow fever vaccination. Travelers are urged to obtain the latest information on customs and entry requirements from the Embassy of The Gambia, 1156 15th Street, N.W., Suite 905, Washington, D.C. 20005, tel. (202) 785-1399 and 1359; from the Permanent Mission of The Gambia to the U.N. at 820 Second Avenue, Suite 900-C, New York, N.Y. 10071, tel. (212) 949-6640; at the Gambia Tourism Authority's official website, www.gambiatourism.info/entry.asp; or the Government of The Gambia's website at www.gambia.com. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Safety and Security: The Gambia's most recent elections were deemed free and fair by international observers, but the presidential campaign period was marked by high tension and one fatal shooting. U.S. citizens should therefore avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations and maintain security awareness at all times.

Travelers driving a vehicle in The Gambia should stop at all roadblocks or road checkpoints and proceed only when instructed by security personnel. Drivers should not reverse direction to avoid a road checkpoint or make any movements that may be viewed as suspicious or provocative by security personnel. Drivers should not proceed through a road checkpoint when signaled to stop.

Crime: Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets in the crowded market areas and on ferries. Packages or luggage should never be left unattended, especially in taxis. Travelers should also be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have reported residential and automobile burglaries. All U.S. citizens in The Gambia should be careful not to leave valuables or identity documents unsecured in hotel rooms or cars. Although violent crime and armed robbery are not prevalent in The Gambia, long-term residents should consider hiring a security guard for their home to prevent burglary and theft.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S.

Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Commercial, Financial, and Identity Fraud: "Confidence" scams long seen in other parts of western Africa are now on the rise in The Gambia. Con artists lure foreigners into business transactions for the purpose of obtaining their bank routing information, credit card number, or other personal data. They then use that information to impersonate the victims or obtain funds in their name.

U.S. citizens should treat with suspicion any unsolicited offers to participate in lucrative business opportunities, especially if they require financial data, money transfers, large up-front investments, or promises of confidentiality.

There are known cases of foreigners' credit card numbers being sent abroad and their accounts accessed without their knowledge. U.S. citizens have also reported their credit and ATM card numbers stolen after purchases at local stores or withdrawals from ATM machines in The Gambia.

For additional information, please consult the Department of State's publication, Advance Fee Business Scams, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical Facilities: Medical facilities are very limited, and some medical treatments are unavailable. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. Further information on prescription drugs is found in the section below on Customs Regulations.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas, including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses that you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

Because malaria is a serious risk to travelers to The Gambia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that travelers should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The CDC has determined that a traveler who is on appropriate anti-malaria prophylaxis has a greatly reduced chance of contracting malaria. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites and antimalarials, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

Other vaccines may be recommended for travel to The Gambia. Please visit the CDC's website for more information.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning The Gambia is provided for general reference only and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of public transportation: fair
Urban road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Rural road conditions/maintenance: Poor
Availability of roadside assistance: Poor

Travel in The Gambia is difficult because of road conditions, particularly during the rainy season, June through October. Although a few main roads are paved in the greater Banjul area, most are poorly maintained and poorly lit; drivers and pedestrians should exercise extreme caution to avoid accidents. Most roads outside the capital are unpaved. The U.S. Embassy urges visitors driving outside the capital to travel with a recognized travel guide. Travelers should be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help.

For additional information on road travel in the The Gambia, see The Gambia Tourism Authority's website, http://www.visitthegambia.gm/Getting_Around/getting_around.html. For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, please see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html.

Air Travel: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Gambia's civil aviation authority as Category 2 — not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Gambian air carrier operations. There is no service to the U.S. by Gambian-registered carriers, but air carriers from countries meeting international safety standards are allowed to conduct direct flights from The Gambia to the U.S.

For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at tel. 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.cfm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2 countries for official business except for flights originating from or terminating in the U.S. Local exceptions may apply. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

Currently, the only air carrier offering direct flights from The Gambia to the U.S. is Ghana Airways. Service provided by a number of western African regional air carriers, including Ghana Airways, is reported to be unreliable. The airlines are known to alter scheduled stops, cancel or postpone flights on short notice, and regularly overbook flights. Newer regional airlines occasionally book seats on flights before they have the aircraft to fly them. Travelers may experience unexpected delays even after checking in, and should be prepared to handle alternate ticketing and/or increased food and lodging expenses. Contact the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia for more information before booking on an unknown airline.

Water Travel: U.S. citizens are advised that water transportation in western Africa can be unpredictable and may involve safety risks. Ferries rarely keep to their stated schedule. They are often overcrowded and rarely carry life preservers for all passengers. In particular, the wooden dugout "pirogues" that cross the Gambia River often leave shore overloaded and occasionally sink in the middle of the river. U.S. citizens who must travel to the north bank of the Gambia River are advised to use the Banjul-Barra or Yelitenda-Farafenni ferries, which are slower but safer than the privately operated "pirogues."

Customs Regulations: The Gambia has strict laws on the import/export of skin-bleaching creams and some medications. Visitors arriving with substances containing hydroquinone, hydrocortisone, betamethasone, flucinonide, clobestatol or clobestatone are subject to fines up to $2,000 and/or three years imprisonment. Airport police and customs officials routinely inspect incoming and outgoing luggage. Travelers in possession of prescription drugs should carry proof of their prescriptions, such as labeled containers. Police have been known to arrest foreigners carrying unlabeled pills. For a complete list of prohibited items, please contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States, and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Gambian law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in The Gambia are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Photography Restrictions: Travelers should not photograph airports or military installations.

Currency: The Gambian currency, the dalasi, is freely convertible but is not available outside the country. The Gambia is a cash economy, and it is usually necessary to carry sufficient currency to cover the expenses of a planned visit. Visitors can exchange currency at banks or exchange bureaus. Credit cards are only accepted at major hotels and grocery stores and few up-scale restaurants. Personal checks are accepted from U.S. citizens resident in The Gambia only at exchange bureaus. There are only a few ATM machines in the country and they often malfunction. Due to credit card and bank fraud in western Africa, the Embassy discourages the use of credit cards, personal checks, and ATMs. Money transfers are widely available at Western Union branch offices in The Gambia. Changing money in the streets is highly prohibited. Individuals changing money outside of official exchange bureaus may face prosecution.

U.S. Government Economic Sanctions Against Libya: U.S. law prohibits U.S. citizens from conducting commerce with Libyan-owned businesses. The Corinthia Group of hotels, which owns a number of hotels in several countries, including the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel in The Gambia, has been determined by the U.S. Government to be a Specially Designated National of Libya. U.S. citizens are alerted that they should treat any of the Corinthia Group hotels as properties owned and/or controlled by the Government of Libya. This action against the Corinthia Group was published in the Federal Register on August 5, 1991. Financial transactions with the Corinthia Atlantic Hotel and other Corinthia Group hotels, including payment for lodging, drinks, and meals, are prohibited by U.S. law. U.S. persons, organizations, or businesses violating this prohibition may be subject to criminal penalties (up to 10 years in prison, $500,000 in corporate and $250,000 in individual fines) and civil penalties (up to $11,000 per violation) under U.S. law.

For further information, please contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), Office of Compliance, tel. 1-800-540-6322 or 202-622-2490; website http://www.treas.gov/ofac/; or via OFAC's Info-by-Fax service at (202) 622-0077.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues.html or tel. (202) 736-7000.

Embassy Location and Registration: U.S. citizens living in or visiting The Gambia are encouraged to register at the U.S. Embassy in The Gambia upon arrival and to obtain updated information on travel and security in The Gambia. The U.S. Embassy is located on Kairaba Avenue in Fajara, a suburb of the capital city of Banjul. The mailing address is P.M.B. no. 19, Banjul, Gambia. The telephone numbers are (220) 392856, 392858 or 391971, fax (220) 392475.