I would like to write about Banjul, the capital city of the Gambia. At first I would like briefly describe the state and then I’m going to characterize the capital.
The Gambia is the republic within the Commonwealth of Nations, situated on the western coast of Africa, isolated on the north, east, and south by Senegal and on the west by Atlantic Ocean. The state has an area around 11 300 sq km. The Gambia has a subtropical climate. The temperatures are around 16ºC in winter but around 43ºC in summer. The population of the state is about 1 500 000. The primary education is free but not compulsory, so there are 25% of the people illiterate. In this state there are living many nations. We can find here Mandinka, Fula, Jola, Serahuli,… The official language is English. The people are mainly Muslims or Christians. The state currency is Dalasi. The people are separated into the three groups. The inclusion of the people depends on the status in the society. They can be at the top in the traditional noble and warrior families, then in group of farmers, traders or in the lowest caste where are only slaves.
And what about the history? The first settlement comes from 6th century. In 13th century many ethnic groups entered the Gambia. They later formed small kingdoms and brought Islam. In 1455 Portuguese explorers entered the region and established the trading stations along the river. Then in 1820 Britain declared the Gambia a protectorate and ruled it from Sierra Leone. In 1886 the state became a crown colony. Since 1965 the Gambia is independent but since 1994 it have had the military government. The president’s name is Yahya AJJ Jammeh. The Islamic calendar is a little bit different. Therefore they celebrate for example Ras as-Sana (New Year) 11 days earlier. Then they observe Tabaksi, Eid al-Moulid – the celebration of the Mohammed’s birthday, than comes Ramadan – time of the fasting. In late June they celebrate the International Roots Festival – it is a celebration of the getting Americans and Europeans of African descent back in touch with Africa. Next they have many public holidays: New Year’s Day, Independence Day, Good Friday and Easter Monday and indeed Christmas.
And now something about the capital. The city was founded by the British in 1816 on the island, which was bought from Tumami Bojang, King of the Kombos for a sum of about US$45. The British paid in cash, rum, tobacco and guns.