Demographics of the Gambia

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A wide variety of ethnic groups live in The Gambia, each preserving its own language and traditions with minimal intertribal friction. The Mandinka are the largest ethnic group with 40% of the population, followed by the Fula, the Wolof, the Jola, and the Serahuli. The Aku also live here although only constituting a small community. Approximately 25,000 non-Africans live in The Gambia, including about 20,000 Europeans and 2,500 people of Lebanese origin.

Muslims constitute more than 92% of the population. Christians of various denominations account for most of the remainder. Gambians officially observe the holidays of both religions and practice religious tolerance.

More than 80% of Gambians live in rural villages, although more and more young people come to the capital in search of work and education. While urban migration, development projects, and modernization are bringing more Gambians into contact with Western habits and values, the traditional emphasis on the extended family, as well as indigenous forms of dress and celebration, remain integral parts of everyday life.

Population: 1,367,124 (July 2000 est.)

Age structure:
0-14 years: 45% (male 311,293; female 308,570)
15-64 years: 52% (male 352,765; female 358,258)
65 years and over: 3% (male 19,099; female 17,139) (2000 est.)

Population growth rate: 3.2% (2000 est.)

Birth rate: 42.28 births/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Death rate: 13.21 deaths/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Net migration rate: 2.97 migrant(s)/1,000 population (2000 est.)

Sex ratio:
at birth: 1.03 male(s)/female
under 15 years: 1.01 male(s)/female
15-64 years: 0.98 male(s)/female
65 years and over: 1.11 male(s)/female
total population: 1 male(s)/female (2000 est.)

Infant mortality rate: 79.29 deaths/1,000 live births (2000 est.)

Life expectancy at birth:
total population: 53.2 years
male: 51.29 years
female: 55.16 years (2000 est.)

Total fertility rate: 5.76 children born/woman (2000 est.)

Nationality:
noun: Gambian(s)
adjective: Gambian

Ethnic groups: African 98.5% (Mandinka 42%, Fula 18%, Wolof 16%, Jola 10%, Serahuli 9%, other 4%), non-African 1.5%

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

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

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