More information about The Gambia is available on The Gambia page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-GAMBIA RELATIONS
During World War II, Gambian troops fought with the Allies in Burma. The Gambia's capital city served as an air stop for the U.S. Army Air Corps and a port of call for Allied naval convoys. The Gambia became independent from the United Kingdom in 1965. The country has been headed by the same president since he took power in a 1994 military coup d'etat. Presidential elections have been held every 5 years since 1996.
U.S. policy seeks to build improved relations with The Gambia on the basis of historical ties; mutual respect; democratic rule; human rights; and adherence to United Nations resolutions on counterterrorism, conflict diamonds, and other forms of trafficking.
U.S. Assistance to The Gambia
U.S. assistance supports democracy, human rights, girls' education, and the fight against HIV/AIDS. In addition, the Peace Corps maintains a large program with about 100 volunteers engaged in the environment, public health, and education sectors, mainly at the village level. The United States also provides military assistance to The Gambia.
Bilateral Economic Relations
The Gambia is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. A number of U.S. citizens have set up small businesses in The Gambia and several U.S. brand companies such as Western Union, MoneyGram, UPS, Sheraton, Motorola, and Coca Cola are represented there.
The Gambia's Membership in International Organizations
The Gambia plays an active role in international affairs, especially West African and Islamic affairs. The Gambia and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to The Gambia is Edward M. Alford; other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
The Gambia maintains an embassy in the United States at 2233 Wisconsin Avenue, NW, Suite 240, Washington, DC 20007; tel. (202) 785-1399.
More information about The Gambia is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State The Gambia Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook The Gambia Page
USAID West Africa Page | USAID West Africa Mission Page
History of U.S. Relations With The Gambia
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Travel and Business Information
