The Republic of The Gambia
2.706 million (2022)
Banjul, with Serrekunda as its largest metropolitan area
Savannah and open woodland vegetation
The Gambia is named after the river that meanders through mangrove swamps, bamboo forests, and salt flats, to the capital Banjul, which is located along the 30 mile stretch of Atlantic coast.
From June to November, the weather is warm with a very rainy season. From December to May, the climate is dry and warm, attracting many tourists due to ideal climatic conditions.
Gambians are known for their excellent music and dancing. They are well recognized for their genuine friendliness and hospitality. A wide variety of tribes exist together, living harmoniously as each preserves its own language and traditions.
The official language is English. Other main languages spoken are Wolof, Fulani, and Mandinka.
The Gambia is one of the safest countries in West Africa.
The Gambia Public Transport Corporation offers an extensive, low-cost public transit system with bus service linking all the towns in the country. Taxis are readily available, and car rental agencies offer unlimited mileage.
Is located 23 km from Banjul (capital) at Yundum. Airlines flying to The Gambia: ASKY Airlines, Afrinat International Airlines, Air Nigeria, Arik Air, Arkefly, Brussels Airlines, Elysian Airlines, Ethiopian Airlines, Hamburg International, Mahfooz Aviation, Mauritania Airways, Monarch, Neos, Royal Air Maroc, Spanair, TACV-Cabo Verde, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomas Cook Airlines Scan, Viking Airlines and other charter flights companies
The country's biggest asset is its tourism, with tens of thousands of international visitors annually, enchanted by its beautiful beaches, flora and fauna, sunshine and pleasant climate, and the Gambian people whose hospitality and friendliness are well renowned. The Gambia has much more to offer: rich history, culture, and ethnic diversity, ecotourism, water sports and deep sea fishing, and the multiple world-class hotels.
The following banks operate in the Gambia:
• Standard Chartered Bank (Gambia) Ltd
• Trust Bank Ltd
• Bank PHB
• Arab Gambia Islamic Bank
• First International Bank
• Guaranty Trust Bank (Gambia) Ltd
• International Commercial Bank (G) Ltd
• Access Bank Gambia Limited
• Ecobank (Gambia) Ltd
• Banque Sahelo-Sahelienne pour
• Investissement et Commerce (BSIC)
• Oceanic Bank (Gambia) Limited
• Prime Bank (Gambia) Ltd.
The Gambian Dalasi is the currency in Gambia. The symbol for the currency is GMD it is divided into 100 butut. Please use the converter below to get up to date exchange rates
Students are strongly recommended to get vaccinations and boosters for:
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis B
Yellow Fever
Typhoid Fever
Tetanus
It is recommended all students carry international vaccination cards listing all vaccinations
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Malaria could be a concern in The Gambia, and therefore, students must take precautions
Most widely used malaria prophylactic medicines include: Mefloquine, Doxycycline, and Malarone
Students are strongly advised to discuss with their physician the best option for malaria prophylaxis
Advice may be obtained from the AIUWA Medical Office, upon arrival to The Gambia
Another effective prophylactic mean is the mosquito net
On a nightly basis, students are advised to cover their beds with mosquito nets
Gambian physicians are experienced in treating patients with malaria, so rest assure that access to quality anti-malarial treatment on site will not be an issue
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$20 per month
A 30 passenger bus will be the mode of transportation for AIUWA students
Service offered from Monday-Sunday: to and from classes
$15 per month 250 minutes per month within all of The Gambia Unlimited CUG (Close user group): Students are allowed unlimited minutes to other students from the same university with the same phone plans 3G network (data and text included)