Pronunciation: [ɡˈambiə] (IPA) 
The country in West Africa, Gambia, is spelled with a silent "b." The correct IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ˈɡæmbiə/. The first syllable is pronounced with a hard "g" sound, similar to "gamble," followed by a short "a" sound. The second syllable is pronounced with a long "e" sound and ends with a schwa sound. While the spelling may be confusing, it is important to pronounce it correctly to avoid miscommunication.
Gambia, officially known as the Republic of The Gambia, is a country located in West Africa. It is the smallest country on mainland Africa and is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, except for its coastline along the Atlantic Ocean. The country's capital and largest city is Banjul.
Geographically, The Gambia spans approximately 10,689 square kilometers (4,127 square miles) and has a population of over 2 million inhabitants. The official language is English, while the dominant ethnic group is the Mandinka, followed by the Wolof, Fula, and Jola peoples.
The Gambia's economy relies largely on agriculture, primarily cultivating peanuts, rice, millet, sorghum, and vegetables. Fishing, tourism, and remittances also contribute to the country's economic growth. Its warm climate and beautiful sandy beaches attract visitors from around the world.
Politically, The Gambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1965 and has a multiparty democratic system of government. The country, however, experienced a long period of authoritarian rule under President Yahya Jammeh, who was ousted from power in 2016. Since then, The Gambia has made efforts to strengthen its institutions, promote human rights, and foster democratic reforms.
The Gambia is known for its rich cultural heritage, traditional music, dance, storytelling, and vibrant festivals, such as the annual Roots Homecoming Festival, which celebrates Gambian culture and its diaspora.
In conclusion, The Gambia is a small West African country with a diverse population, agricultural-based economy, picturesque landscapes, and a history of democratic development.
The word "Gambia" is derived from the Mandinka language, one of the major languages spoken in the region. The Mandinka word for the Gambia River, which runs through the country, is "Kambaa". When the Portuguese arrived in the region in the 15th century, they adopted the word as "Gambia". Over time, this term was then utilized to refer to both the river and the territory surrounding it.
