Gambia
Africa · Western Africa
Africa's smallest mainland country, in post-dictatorship recovery, with tourism growing.
At a Glance
📈Gambia's Human Development Index
0.495
Low human development#172 of 191 countries worldwide, #37 of 54 in Africa.
Higher than 10% of countries with data. UNDP Human Development Report.
UNDP builds the index from three dimensions: a long and healthy life, being knowledgeable, and a decent standard of living. They are measured by life expectancy at birth, mean and expected years of schooling, and gross national income per capita.
Closest indicators in this dataset
World Bank, own vintages. UNDP’s own component values are not carried here, so these are related measures rather than the index inputs.
Nearest countries by HDI
Full HDI ranking, all 191 countries →Gambia
The Gambia is Africa's smallest mainland country, a narrow strip of land along the Gambia River surrounded by Senegal, with a well-established tradition of welcoming visitors. The Atlantic beaches, river birdwatching, and the warmth of Gambian hospitality make it one of West Africa's most accessible destinations. Those seeking wild adventure or complex cultural layering may find it compact and straightforward, but as a gentle introduction to the region it is excellent.
- Smallest country in continental Africa — entirely surrounded by Senegal except for its Atlantic coast.
- The Gambia River runs the length of the country — the entire nation is essentially one river valley.
Quick Facts
Capital
Banjul
Language
English
Currency
D GMD
Area
10,120 km²
Nomad Hub
GDP / Capita
$919
PPP / Capita
$4K
Inflation
11.6%
Unemployment
6.5%
GNI / Capita
$930
FDI Inflows
9.7%
Education Spend
2.8%
Price Level Index
94th pct
20-Year Trend + IMF Forecast
Income & inflation over time
HDI since 1990
0.323 → 0.495 (+0.172)Year by year →UNDP Human Development Report, 2023-24 edition. 33 annual values, none interpolated; hover any point for its year.
Twenty years here
Year by year →The world report →World Bank observations, first to last available year per indicator (roughly 2005–2024; each series has its own window).
Thinking about Gambia for real?
The matcher weighs your budget, timeline and dealbreakers against the same data on this page, then answers with the places that actually fit.
Find your match →Neighbouring Countries
💬Quick answers
What is Gambia's Human Development Index?
Gambia's Human Development Index is 0.495 (UNDP Human Development Report), ranked #172 of 191 countries.
Is Gambia safe?
Gambia scores 1.84 on the Global Peace Index (lower is more peaceful), ranked #55 of 160 countries by the Institute for Economics & Peace. That measures national-level peace, not street crime; both are covered below.
What is life expectancy in Gambia?
Life expectancy at birth in Gambia is 66.1 yrs (World Bank), ranked #165 of 195 countries.