THE GAMBIA

Compiled from the November 2005 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

Geography

Area:

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

Cities:

Capital—Banjul (pop. 34,828 excluding suburbs (2003 census provisional).

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 (2003 census):

1.36 million. Annual growth rate (2001 - 2003): 2.77%.

Ethnic groups (1993 census):

Mandinka 39.5%, Fula 18.8%, Wolof 14.6%, Jola 10.6%, Serahule 8.9%, Serere 7.8%, Krio/Aku Marabout 1.8%, Manjago 0.8%, Bambara 0.7%, other Gambians 1.2%, no declaration 0.3%. Non-Gambians 12.9% of the population.

Religion:

Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, animists 0.08%.

Language:

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)—91/1,000. 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), and the Gambia Party for Democracy and Progress.

Economy

GDP (2002):

$360 million.

Annual growth rate:

(2002) 3%.

Per capita income (2002):

$330.

Natural resources:

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

Agriculture (29% 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 Serahule. Approximately 3,500 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including Europeans and families of Lebanese origin.

Muslims constitute more than 95% 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 63% of Gambians live in rural villages (1993 census), although more and more young people come to the capital in search of work and education. Provisional figures from the 2003 census show that the gap between the urban and rural populations is narrowing as more areas are declared urban. 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 within 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'etat, 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, particularly after the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) boycotted the legislative elections.

GOVERNMENT

The 1970 constitution, which divided the government into independent executive, legislative, 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 and the much larger Kanifing Municipality have elected town and municipal councils. 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: 11/23/2005

Head of State: Yahya JAMMEH
Vice President: Isatou NJIE-SAIDY
Sec. of State for Agriculture: Yankuba TOURAY
Sec. of State for Communications, Information, & Technology: Neneh MACDOUALL-GAYE
Sec. of State for Education: Fatou FAYE
Sec. of State for Finance & Economic Affairs: Mousa BALA-GAYE
Sec. of State for Fisheries, Natural Resources, & Environment: Edward SINGHATEH
Sec. of State for Foreign Affairs: Lamin Kaba BAJO
Sec. of State for Health & Social Welfare: Tamsir MBOWE
Sec. of State for Interior & Religious Affairs: Baboucarr JATTA, Col.
Sec. of State for Local Govt. & Lands: Ismaila SAMBOU
Sec. of State for Tourism: Susan WAFFA OGOO
Sec. of State for Trade, Industry, & Employment: Alieu NGUM
Sec. of State for Youth, Sports, & Culture: Samba FAAL
Sec. of State for Works & Infrastructural Development: Bala GARBAJAHUMPA
Attorney General & Sec. of State for Justice & National Assembly Affairs: Tijan HYDARA
Chief of Defense Staff: Assan SARR, Lt. Col.
Ambassador to the US: Dodou Bammy JAGNE
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Crispin GREY-JOHNSON

The Gambia maintains an embassy at 1156 15th Street, NW, Suite 905, Washington, DC 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 peace-keeping 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. In 2004, The Gambia contributed a 196-man contingent to the U.N. Peacekeeping Mission in Darfur, Sudan. Responsibilities for internal security and law enforcement rest with the Gambian police under the Inspector General of Police and the Secretary of State for the 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 Jawaraera 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, particularly after the main opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) boycotted the legislative elections.

ECONOMY

The Gambia has a liberal, market-based 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 29% of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 75% of the labor force. Within agriculture, peanut production accounts for 6.9% of GDP, other crops 8.3%, livestock 5.3%, fishing 1.8%, and forestry 0.5%. Industry accounts for 12% of GDP and forestry 0.5%. Manufacturing accounts for 5.5% 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 civil wars in Liberia and Sierra Leone and contributed troops to the community's ceasefire 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 counter-terrorism, 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) Address: Kairaba Avenue, Fajara; APO/FPO: 2070 BanjulPl, Dulles VA 20189-2070; Phone: 220439-2856; Fax: 220 439-2475; Work-week: Monday-Thursday 0800-1700, Friday 0800-1200

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

July 21, 2005

Country Description:

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

Entry/Exit Requirements:

A passport, visa, and evidence of yellow fever vaccination are required. 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; or 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. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Safety and Security:

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.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Crime:

Petty street crime is a problem in The Gambia. Travelers should be careful of pickpockets in crowded market areas and on ferries. Packages or luggage should never be left unattended, especially in taxis. U.S. citizens in The Gambia should be careful not to leave valuables or identity documents unsecured in hotel rooms or cars. Travelers should also be cautious of individuals who persistently offer unsolicited help. Visitors and resident U.S. citizens have reported residential and automobile burglaries. 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.

Business fraud, long associated with other parts of West Africa, is on the rise in The Gambia. Con artists lure foreigners into what may appear to be a legitimate business transaction only for the purpose of obtaining bank account information, credit card numbers, and personal data. They then use this information to defraud victims or obtain funds in their name. U.S. citizens should be very suspicious and skeptical of 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. The best way to avoid becoming a victim of fraud is common sense – if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. You should carefully check out any unsolicited business proposal originating in The Gambia before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel. For additional information, please see the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams, available at the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

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.

Information for Victims of Crime:

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 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.

Medical Facilities and Health Information:

Medical facilities in The Gambia are very limited, some treatments are unavailable, and emergency services can be unpredictable and unreliable. Travelers should carry their own supplies of prescription drugs and preventive medicines. See the "Special Circumstances" section below for further information on prescription drugs. Because malaria is a serious risk to travelers to The Gambia, please note carefully the following paragraph.

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) 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 (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

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 whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

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.

Travel in The Gambia is difficult because of poor 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 prevent 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.

Water transportation in the region can be unpredictable and risky. Ferries rarely keep to their posted schedules. 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 over-loaded 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.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and The Gambia, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed The Gambia's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.

Service provided by several western African regional air carriers is reportedly 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.

Special Circumstances:

In addition to being subject to all of The Gambia's laws affecting U.S. citizens, Americans who are also Gambian citizens under their law may be subject, while in The Gambia, to certain aspects of Gambian law. Those who might be affected should inquire at a Gambian Embassy or Consulate regarding their status. In some instances, dual nationality may hamper U.S. Government efforts to provide protection abroad.

The Gambia has strict laws on the import and export of skin-bleaching creams and some medications. Visitors who arrive 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, on occasion, arrested foreigners carrying unlabeled pills. For a complete list of prohibited items, please contact the nearest Gambian embassy or consulate.

Travelers should not photograph airports or military installations.

Gambian currency, the dalasi, is freely convertible but is not widely available outside the country. The Gambia is a cash economy and travelers should carry sufficient currency to cover the expenses of a planned visit. Visitors can exchange currency at banks or exchange bureaus; credit cards are accepted only at major hotels and grocery stores and a few up-scale restaurants. Personal checks from U.S. citizens are accepted only at exchange bureaus and only from Americans who are resident in The Gambia. There are a few ATMs in the country and they often malfunction. Due to credit card and bank fraud in western Africa, travelers are advised not to use credit cards, personal checks, and ATMs. Money transfers are widely available at Western Union branch offices in The Gambia. Changing money unofficially is prohibited and individuals who do so may face prosecution.

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 offences. Persons violating The Gambia's laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in The Gambia are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues:

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://www.travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location:

Americans living or traveling in The Gambia are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within The Gambia. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. 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, The Gambia. Twenty-four hour telephone numbers are (220) 439-2856, 439-2858 and 439-1971; the fax is (220) 439-2475; and the website is http://www.usembassybanjul.gm.