Living Abroad

Embrace the World: Your Passport to Adventure and Growth!

Home » Living in Gambia

Living in Gambia

Encircled by Senegal, the tiny West African nation of Gambia offers expats an accessible and affordable introduction to Africa. With tropical weather, vibrant culture, and uncrowded wildlife reserves, The Gambia presents a welcoming base to explore the region. This guide covers everything you need to know about living in Gambia.

Why Move to Gambia?

Gambia provides newcomers several compelling reasons to consider living there:

  • Affordable cost of living, especially housing, utilities and locally sourced foods compared to Western costs.
  • English speaking former British colony surrounded by Francophone nations, making assimilation easier.
  • Laidback lifestyle and friendly people providing a peaceful introduction to Africa. Known as the “Smiling Coast.”
  • Tropical weather with warm, sunny days year round and cooler evenings. Pleasant climate.
  • Fascinating culture blending African traditions and Islamic influences. Opportunities for cultural immersion.
  • Striking landscapes from Atlantic beaches to protected forests to the meandering Gambia River.
  • Wildlife including elephants, hippos, crocodiles and diverse bird species. Easily accessible without crowds.
  • Gateway to larger West Africa. Easy overland travel to Senegal, Mali, Ghana and beyond.
  • Political stability since independence and openness to newcomers and business.

Living in Gambia: Pros and Cons

While Gambia offers much to enjoy, some challenges exist:

Pros :

  1. Lower cost of living
  2. English speaking population
  3. Laidback lifestyle and friendly people
  4. Tropical climate year round
  5. Fascinating blend of culture
  6. Beautiful beaches, forests and river
  7. Accessible wildlife
  8. Gateway to larger West Africa
  9. Political stability

Cons :

  1. Limited healthcare services
  2. Underdeveloped infrastructure outside Banjul
  3. High unemployment rates
  4. Imported goods can be pricey
  5. Moisture and bugs take acclimation
  6. Potential for tropical diseases like malaria
  7. Slow bureaucratic processes
  8. Reliance on cash economy
  9. Limitations on civil liberties

Gambia provides an easy African experience but development obstacles persist. Focus is on basics and simplicity of life.

The Cost of Living in Gambia

Gambia is one of Africa’s most affordable countries, with costs like:

Housing

  • Rent around $200-$500/month for modern apartments in Banjul based on size and neighborhood.
  • Buy nice homes for $60,000+.

Food

  • Local produce is very cheap at markets. Imported goods cost more.
  • Groceries about $200-$300/month for two people.
  • Street meals just a few dollars.

Transportation

  • Shared taxis start around D15-D50 ($0.30-$1) for trips within cities.
  • Fuel is reasonable at D55 ($1.10) per liter.
  • Used cars under $10k.

Utilities

  • Electricity, water, internet, etc average $150-$200/month total.
  • Supply can be intermittent outside cities.

Healthcare

  • Public care is very basic and cheap.
  • Private clinics cost around D500 ($10) per visit.
  • Medicines are affordable.

Education

  • Public schools are free but limited.
  • Private schools average around D20,000-$40,000 ($400-$800) annually.

Activities

  • Entertainment like meals out, concerts or nature tours generally cost under $10 per person.

Taxes

  • Corporate tax is 31% on profits.
  • Income taxes rate from 0% to 35%.
  • Sales tax on goods is 15%.

Quality of Life in Gambia

Quality of life is moderate in The Gambia but provides a relaxed lifestyle:

  1. Affordability – Low costs, especially for local goods and services, allows disposable income to stretch further. But amenities are basic.
  2. Healthcare – Public healthcare is limited but improving. Private clinics offer decent urgent care. Access is a challenge outside cities. Preventative medicine is uncommon.
  3. Infrastructure – Major investments in roads and construction underway but still developing. Power and internet supply can be unreliable.
  4. Environment – Lack of mass development helps preserve nature and wildlife. Though climate change presents water supply risks.
  5. Safety & Security – Low violent crime makes Gambia relatively safe, but petty theft exists. Police enforcement continues to progress professionally.
  6. Leisure & Culture – Slower pace of life with ample family and social time built into the day. Vibrant culture and community spirit. But high youth unemployment persists.

A Beginner’s Guide to Gambian Culture

Gambian culture reflects diverse roots and influences:

  • Main ethnic groups are Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, Jola, with other minorities. Islam is the dominant religion.
  • English is the official language but local languages like Wolof and Mandinka remain popular, especially in villages. Knowing a few Gambian words goes a long way.
  • Greetings are important. Shake hands gently and take time for pleasantries before getting to the point.
  • Attire is modest for both men and women, covering knees, shoulders and more. But remains colorful, airy and expressive.
  • Cuisine features staples like rice, fish, cassava, stews and tropical produce. Jollof rice and domoda stew are popular dishes.
  • Music and dance are integral to Gambian culture. Kora lute songs and sabar drumming provide the beat for celebratory dance.
  • Oral traditions like proverbs, folktales and poetry are passed down generations to provide lessons.
  • Family and community form the cornerstone of society. Several generations may reside together under one roof.

Best Places to Live in Gambia

Popular places for expats include:

  1. Banjul – The capital on St Mary’s Island offers the most amenities and job prospects as the economic center.
  2. Kotu – A neighborhood of Greater Banjul known for its beaches, tourist facilities and expat community opportunities.
  3. Bakau – Another coastal suburb of Banjul with a lively café and bar scene.
  4. Serekunda – Major urban area 10km from Banjul and the country’s largest population center. Bustling and affordable.
  5. Bijilo – A quieter upscale village near Banjul with international school options. Popular with families.
  6. Brufut – A growing residential area known for its boutique hotels, gardens and proximity to nature.

No matter if you prefer city life or a simple village, The Gambia can surely provide an accessible and welcoming introduction to living in Africa.

Emily Johnson

One thought on “Living in Gambia

  1. I’m particularly impressed by the article’s structure. The use of concise subheadings and well-organized sections makes it a breeze to follow the author’s train of thought. Each point flows logically into the next, creating a coherent and compelling narrative.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


The reCAPTCHA verification period has expired. Please reload the page.

Back to top