* * Official name: The Republic of the Gambia.

* Population: 860,000 (1990 estimate).

* Situation: West Africa.

* Timezone: GMT.

* Area: 10,402 square kilometres / 4,015 square miles.

* Borders with: Senegal.

* Coasts: Atlantic Ocean.

* Capital: Banjul.

* Major Towns: Serrekunda, Brikama, Bakau, Georgetown, Basse-Santa-Su.

* Chief Port: Banjul.

* Religion: Islam 85%, Christianity and tribal beliefs.

* Rest Day: Sunday.

* Electricity: 220 Volts AC, 50 Hz.

* Physical: The Gambia is a low, thin strip of land running along the Gambia River for about 322 kilometres / 200 miles inland. The highest point is 90 meters / 295 feet above sea-level.