Gambia
Republic of the Gambia
Current Population (Live)
Annual Growth Rate: +2.48%
Situated in Western Africa, Gambia has a population of approximately 2.42 million—a modestly sized nation in population terms. The country extends across 10,689 km², translating to a density of 227 people per km². Its capital is Banjul, and English is the official language, while the dalasi serves as the national currency.
Population
2,422,712
Area
10,689 km²
Density
227/km²
World Rank
#144
Population Trend (1960-2050)
Historical data from 1960 to present with projections to 2050.
Annual Growth Rate by Period
Population growth has effectively stalled at 0% annually, suggesting the country is approaching or has reached a demographic plateau. A birth rate of 30.4 per thousand far outpaces the death rate of 6.3 per thousand, driving strong natural increase. A youthful age structure is evident: 40.3% of the population is under 15, while only 3.1% is over 65.
General Information
- Capital
- Banjul
- Region
- Africa
- Subregion
- Western Africa
- Continent
- Africa
- Languages
- English
- Currencies
- dalasi (D)
- Calling Code
- +220
- Top-Level Domain
- .gm
- Landlocked
- No
- UN Member
- Yes
- Timezones
- UTC+00:00
Population Details
- Total Population
- 2,422,712
- Land Area
- 10,689 km²
- Population Density
- 227 per km²
- Annual Growth Rate
- +2.48%
- Annual Growth
- +60,083 people
- Daily Growth
- +165 people
- World Population Share
- 0.03%
- Coordinates
- 13.47°, -16.57°
Global Population Share
Demographics & Economy
A GDP per capita of just $871 classifies Gambia as a low-income economy, well below the global average of $12.5k. Unemployment sits at 6.5%, roughly in line with the global average of 5.8%. The Gini index of 38.8 indicates a moderate level of income inequality.
Life Expectancy
65.9 years
GDP per Capita
$871
Birth Rate
30.4 per 1,000
Death Rate
6.3 per 1,000
Urban Population
64.3%
Fertility Rate
4.01 births/woman
Infant Mortality
33.8 per 1,000
Unemployment
6.5%
Literacy Rate
51.6%
Internet Users
45.9%
Under 15
40.3%
Over 65
3.1%
Health Spending
2.9% GDP
Gini Index
38.8
Age Distribution
0-14 years
975K
15-64 years
1.4M
65+ years
75K
Urbanization
About 64.3% of the population is urban, indicating a society in the midst of a rural-to-urban transition. Banjul serves as the administrative heart of the country and concentrates much of its commercial and civic life. Net emigration of 2984.0 per thousand is thinning rural areas in particular, accelerating the concentration of population in cities.
1.6M
64.3%
864,908
35.7%
Health & Education Indicators
Average life expectancy of 65.9 years is roughly in line with the global benchmark of 72.8. Infant mortality stands at 33.8 per thousand live births, somewhat lower than the global average. Literacy stands at 51.6%, well below the global average of 86.7%, highlighting gaps in educational access.
Life Expectancy
World avg: 72.8
Fertility Rate
World avg: 2.3
Infant Mortality
World avg: 27.5
Literacy Rate
World avg: 86.7
Internet Users
World avg: 63
Major Cities in Gambia
Gambia has 1 cities with a population over 100,000. Click on markers to see details.
Population Projections (2026-2050)
Near-zero growth suggests that Gambia is entering a period of demographic stability—or, depending on policy responses, the early stages of decline. As a United Nations member state, Gambia participates in global discussions on sustainable development that will shape its demographic future.
| Year | Projected Population |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2,422,712 |
| 2030 | 2,659,402 |
| 2035 | 2,959,101 |
| 2040 | 3,261,761 |
| 2045 | 3,566,414 |
| 2050 | 3,872,490 |
Population History (1960-2026)
Year-by-year population data, growth rates, and trends for Gambia.
Largest Cities in Gambia
Explore the biggest cities and urban centers in Gambia by population.
Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the population of Gambia?
The population of Gambia is approximately 2.4 million as of 2026, making it #144 in the world by population.
What is the capital of Gambia?
The capital of Gambia is Banjul.
What languages are spoken in Gambia?
The main languages spoken in Gambia are English.
How big is Gambia?
Gambia covers an area of 10,689 km² with a population density of 227 people per km².
Is Gambia growing or shrinking?
Gambia is growing at a rate of 2.48% per year, adding approximately 60,083 people annually.
What is the life expectancy in Gambia?
The average life expectancy in Gambia is 65.9 years.
What is the GDP per capita of Gambia?
The GDP per capita of Gambia is $871.