19 May 2008
Visitors to the Gambia do not always expect so much cultural background from a country that is less than half the size of Belgium.
The Western African country is in fact a microcosm of Africa, home to some of the most diverse tribes originating from everywhere in northern Africa.
With no less than seven different African tribes, as well as a few non-African residents, the Gambia counts a total population of around 1,735,000 people.
Almost half of its population (42 per cent) belongs to the Mandika tribe, people who initially came from the Mali Empire towards the 13th century and soon gained control over the entire Gambia valley.
The second most important tribe in the country is the Fula tribe, representing just under 20 per cent of the population, followed by the Wolof tribe, the Jola tribe, and the Serahuli tribe with almost ten per cent of the inhabitants.
Most of the tribes have converted to Islam over the centuries, but nine per cent of the population belong to the Christian Faith, and a further one per cent, mainly from the Jola tribe, have kept their indigenous beliefs.
While English is the official language, it is also common for visitors to hear locals speak in Mandika, Wolof or Fula.
