Gambia Independence Day 2023: Date, History, and Facts

The Gambia celebrates its Independence Day on February 18 to commemorate its emancipation from the British Empire. On February 18, 1965, after centuries of domination and exploitation, The Gambia attained its independence. This day also signifies the end of British colonisation of West Africa and the beginning of a new era for the subcontinent. The day is a national holiday, and festivities are held throughout the nation. Marches are held in Banjul’s McCarthy Square, when civil dignitaries pay their respects to the President.

HISTORY OF GAMBIA INDEPENDENCE DAY

The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and has a vibrant, multiethnic, multicultural society. The average Gambian can speak four local languages. The Gambian people are renowned for their endurance and other wonderful characteristics. Notwithstanding tremendous political turbulence and economic stability, the citizens labour cooperatively to earn a living and contribute to the nation’s prosperity.

Prince Henry the Navigator’s unexpected discovery of the Gambia in the 15th century captured the attention of Europeans. Quickly, a pact of commerce was negotiated between Portuguese travellers and Cape Verteans. Following the River Gambia, visitors located the river’s mouth and landed on The Gambia. St Andrew’s Island was renamed the island onto which the ship ascended. Since then, the land has continued to be divided among numerous inhabitants. From the French to the English, several besieged the island and extracted its resources, particularly gold. The Brits seized complete control of the region in 1889 and reigned for more than sixty years.

In 1901, independent politics flourished across the nation, and the struggle for self-governance received national prominence. The Gambia received its first legislative council and military force shortly thereafter. The council empowered the country’s youth and introduced forms of local leadership in The Gambia. On December 17, 1964, four years after the first federal elections, the newly created Gambian government and the British signed a freedom pact. 1965 saw the passage of the Gambia Independence Act of 1964, which granted The Gambia complete independence.

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5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT THE GAMBIA

80 percent of The Gambia’s population is employed in agriculture, making it the country’s principal source of gross domestic product.

The Gambia is home to varied wildlife, including more than 540 distinct bird species.

A hole is made for each candidate, and voters must toss a marble into the hole corresponding to their preferred candidate.

The 50-mile coastline of The Gambia is an integral aspect of the country’s food chain, export, and tourism industries.

The Kunte Kinte Island (previously James Island) was designated a World Heritage Site after earning recognised as a stronghold for the transatlantic slave trade in the 16th century.

GAMBIA INDEPENDENCE DAY DATES

Year	Date	Day
2023	February 18	Saturday
2024	February 18	Sunday
2025	February 18	Tuesday
2026	February 18	Wednesday
2027	February 18	Thursday