Gambia is a small, skinny West African country surrounded entirely by Senegal. It has a small Atlantic coastline. Portugal and Britain have both colonized the nation, and English remains the official language. The national languages are Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Serer, and Jola. Farming, fishing, and tourism are the basis of the economy.

Islam is the most popular creed in Gambia, and striking mosques can be seen in Serekunda and other locations. Religious freedom, however, is decreed in the country’s Constitution. The Bijilo Forest Park has varied terrain and excellent wildlife like monkeys and birds packed into its small dimensions. Those interested in art shouldn’t pass up the African Living Art Centre in Serekunda, which combines galleries, workshops, and opportunities to meet local artists.

Commonly-eaten vegetables in Gambia include cabbage, tomato, carrots, and eggplant. Black-eyed peas and peanuts are popular legumes. Try jollof rice, which contains rice, tomato, nutmeg, ginger, cumin, and Scotch bonnet peppers. Nyombeh Nyebbeh, a cassava and bean dish, has chili, soup stock, and fried snapper. And who can complain about plentiful oysters in the River Gambia?