Gambia gains independence

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

On this day in history Gambia became the 36th African nation to gain independence. The Gambia (officially the Republic of The Gambia) commonly known as Gambia, is a country in Western Africa. It is a former British Colony, which is sandwiched between the Republic of Senegal and the North Atlantic Ocean. It is the smallest nation on the African continent, and one of the few countries in West Africa that has enjoyed extended periods of political stability since its independence. Gambia officially became a republic on 24 April 1970. The name Gambia comes from the River Gambia that divides the country into two almost equal halves.

How we know this

01Wallis, F. (2000). Nuusdagboek: feite en fratse oor 1000 jaar, Kaapstad: Human & Rousseau.
02Bute, E.L. & Harmer, H.J.P. (1997). The Black Handbook, London: Cassell.

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Gambia gains independence. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012036

South African History Online (2011) 'Gambia gains independence', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012036 (Accessed: 16 October 2026).

South African History Online, Gambia gains independence [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012036, (accessed 16 October 2026).

"Gambia gains independence." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012036. Accessed 16 Oct. 2026.

South African History Online. "Gambia gains independence." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012036.