Gambia

Located in West Africa, the Gambia is the smallest country in continental Africa and is bordered by Senegal, except for the western Atlantic coast. The country lies on both sides of the lower Gambia River, which runs across the center of the Gambia and flows into the Atlantic Ocean. The land is plain and dominated by the river, which can be navigated along the entire length of the country. The country's particular shape and size are the product of territorial compromises made in the 19th century between Britain, which controlled the lower Gambia, and France, which dominated the neighboring colony of Senegal. In the 20th century, periodic negotiations to unite the Gambia and Senegal led to the brief life of the Senegambia Confederation. The Gambia has savannah vegetation in the highlands, various inland wetlands in the low-lying areas, and mangrove swamps along the swampy lower reaches of the Gambia River. There are few wild animals in the region and those that survive are vulnerable to human and livestock pressure. The middle and upper reaches of the river are home to warthogs, monkeys, baboons, antelopes, pygmy hippos and crocodiles. There are also more than 500 species of birds living throughout the country. You can find birds and wildlife in Bijilo Forest Park by the Atlantic coast, Abuko Nature Reserve upstream from Banjul, Kiang West National Park inland and River Gambia National Park near Kuntaur, also known as Baboon Island National Park.