The Gambia gained its
independence from the UK in 1965. Geographically surrounded by Senegal,
it formed a short-lived federation of Senegambia between 1982 and 1989.
In 1991 the two nations signed a friendship and cooperation treaty, but
tensions have flared up intermittently since then.
English
is the official language; Mandinka, Wolof, and Fula are also spoken.