Geography and Environment

Geography and Environment of The Gambia

Terrain, climate, natural resources, hazards, and environmental conditions of The Gambia.

Speed

Overview

almost an enclave of Senegal; smallest country on the continent of Africa

Terrain: flood plain of the Gambia River flanked by some low hills
Climate: Climate is subtropical with a distinct hot and rainy season from June to October, and a cooler dry season from November to May. The beginning and end of the rains are marked by high temperatures and high humidity, whereas the dry season is noted for the dusty and dry trade winds (harmattan) blowing in from the central Sahara. Temperatures range from a low of 48°F (9°C) in January to a high of 110°F (43°C) in October. Because of the cooling effect of the ocean, temperatures are lower along the coast than in the interior. Rainfall varies widely from year to year but ranges from an annual mean of 48 inches in the west to 34 inches upriver. Because of the humid climate and the salt air along the coast, metal rusts rapidly in The Gambia, and houses near the sea may be affected by the corrosive salt air. Termites abound year round in soils and woodwork. During the dry season, the harmattan winds blow in a fine dust. However, the moderate temperatures during the dry season with mostly sunny days give The Gambia one of West Africa’s more pleasant climates.
Weather Patterns: http://voap.weather.com/weather/oap/GAXX0001?template=TRVLH&par=1003114983&unit=0&key=5b85ae1d85877a1b34827fba743e2133
Highest Point: 53 — unnamed location 53 m
Lowest Point: Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Area (Comparative): slightly less than twice the size of Delaware
Border Countries: Senegal 740 km
Maritime Claims: territorial sea: 12 nm contiguous zone: 18 nm continental shelf: not specified exclusive fishing zone: 200 nm

Natural Resources: fish, titanium (rutile and ilmenite), tin, zircon, silica sand, clay, petroleum
Natural Hazards: drought (rainfall has dropped by 30% in the last 30 years)

Current Environmental Issues: deforestation; desertification; water-borne diseases prevalent
International Agreements: party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements