- Social economic situation: The Gambia is a very poor country. The (youth-) unemployment is very high. A big part of the young population wants to leave to Europe to get better lives.
- Culture: The official language is English. People are friendly and relaxed. If you have an appointment, don’t be surprised that he/she is late. On the contrary they do expect that we will be in time.
- Religion: 90% Islamic, 8% Christian, there are also some old African rituals intertwined in these religions.
- Climatic condition: Hot and humid in the rainy season, 30 degrees Celsius.
- Health: You can only drink water if it is from a sealed bottle. Also, you have to be careful with what you eat, because it might be that it is prepared with polluted water.
Basically: Boil it, cook it, peel it or leave it!
Safety and Security in the Gambia
These are the accidents with biggest risks of happening: theft, illness, corruption, and traffic accidents. Thieves that come into your house or pickpockets. It’s very likely that somebody become ill, due to eating polluted food or drinks. Also there some social and political norms which we have considered.