Slavery was outlawed around 200 years ago and the colonies started to loose their economic purpose but Britian maintained its control until relatively recently.

But after 300 years' rule by the British, The Peoples Republic of The Gambia finally became independant on December 17th 1964.

The country is now in the hands of an elected government led by the Presedent. The Gambia has been relatively stable for some years now under the rule of Presedent Yahya Jammeh.

The country is poor as its natural resources (such as groundnuts) do not command a high price on the world market.

Tourism is a vital source of national revenue so just by holidaying there you are helping the nation to grow its wealth and thereby the welfare of its citizens.

But you can also help directly with projects by donating time, money or materials. Ask at GTS in the Senegambia area for help to avoid mistakes.