Total fertility rate: 6.06 children born/woman (1996 est.)

Nationality: noun: Gambian(s) adjective: Gambian

Ethnic divisions: African 99% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%,
Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-Gambian 1%

Religions: Muslim 90%, Christian 9%, indigenous beliefs 1%

Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, other
indigenous vernaculars

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 38.6%
male: 52.8%
female: 24.9%

Government —————

Name of country: conventional long form: Republic of The Gambia conventional short form: The Gambia

Data code: GA

Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule note:: nominally a republic, The Gambia has had a military government since 22 July 1994; the military authority has promised to return control to a democratically-elected government in July 1996