West Coast Division (Gambia) births. The poverty gap ratio was 22.4 per cent and literacy rate was 69.7 per cent as of 2003. The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and the width of the strip-like structure never exceeds . It is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, and otherwise surrounded by Senegal. The Gambia River flows throughout the country and is the principal source of water and a transport route. The banks of the river have swampy beaches, while it has alluvial soil in all other parts, which is conducive for the growth of rice. Peanuts are the major cash
Christianity in the Gambia Christianity in the Gambia Christians in the Gambia constitute approximately 8 percent (~136,400) of the country's population (1,705,000 - 2009 est.) The government did not establish a state religion, but the predominant religion is Islam, practised by approximately 90% of the country's population. Article 25 of the Constitution protects the rights of citizens to practise any religion that they choose. The Christian community, situated mostly in the west and south of the country, is predominantly Roman Catholic; there are also several Protestant groups including Anglicans, Methodists, Baptists, Seventh-day Adventists, and various small evangelical denominations. In 1963 the Gambia Christian Council