Geography
Location:
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean and Senegal
Geographic coordinates:
13 28 N, 16 34 W
Map references:
Africa
Area:
total area:
11,300 sq km
land area:
10,000 sq km
comparative area:
slightly more than twice the size of Delaware
Land boundaries:
total:
740 km
border country:
Senegal 740 km
Coastline:
80 km
Maritime claims:
contiguous zone:
18 nm
continental shelf:
not specified
exclusive fishing zone:
200 nm
territorial sea:
12 nm
International disputes:
short section of boundary with Senegal is indefinite
Climate:
tropical; hot, rainy season (June to November); cooler, dry season (November to May)
Terrain:
flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
lowest point:
Atlantic Ocean 0 m
highest point:
unnamed location 53 m
Natural resources:
fish
Land use:
arable land:
16%
permanent crops:
0%
meadows and pastures:
9%
forest and woodland:
20%
other:
55%
Irrigated land:
120 sq km (1989 est.)
Environment:
current issues:
deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent
natural hazards:
rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years
international agreements:
party to - Biodiversity, Climate Change, Endangered Species, Law of the Sea, Nuclear Test Ban, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Whaling; signed, but not ratified - Desertification
Geographic note:
almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa
