Are holidays to Gambia safe?

Travel in The Gambia is reasonably safe as long as you take sensible precautions to safeguard your personal possessions. There are a number of checkpoints operating in and around the capital Banjul. Expect your vehicle to be searched if you’re stopped by security forces.

Why is it called The Gambia?

Etymology. The name “Gambia” is derived from the Mandinka term Kambra/Kambaa, meaning Gambia River (or possibly from the sacred Serer Gamba, a special type of calabash beaten when a Serer elder dies). Upon independence in 1965, the country used the name the Gambia.

Is Gambia a good place to live?

Expats moving to The Gambia will be reassured to know that it’s among the safest countries in Africa and there is very little serious crime committed against foreigners. This doesn’t mean expats should become complacent, as there are plenty of conmen and hustlers looking to take advantage of naïve new arrivals.

Is Gambia safe for females?

Gambia is relatively safe for solo women travelers. Just use your common sense and be aware of your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing purses and do not walk alone or ride in taxis at night.

Why is The Gambia so poor?

Poverty in The Gambia is mainly caused by a lack of economic diversity. Over half of all Gambians depend on agriculture to bring money and food to the table, but harsh weather conditions leave their farming fates unpredictable. When rainfall is at it highest, the Gambia falls into a “hunger season.”

How much does it cost to buy a house in Gambia?

Expats looking to live in a city can expect to pay a range of prices for a detached home. A two-bedroom townhouse can cost about $100,000 while a five-bedroom home can cost around $350,000. Expats can buy condos and apartments for around $100,000.

Can foreigners buy land in Gambia?

Foreigners can buy a house or compound or lease a private property or a plot of Government owned land in The Gambia. Foreigners do not need need official permission to build a house, buy land or own property in Gambia. There are no restrictions on the form of legal ownership of a property by a foreigner in Gambia.