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Get ready to celebrate Gambia Independence Day on February 18! This day marks the anniversary of Gambia's independence from British colonial rule in 1965. The small West African country is known for its vibrant culture, delicious cuisine, and beautiful landscapes. On this special day, people come together to honor their country's history and achievements, and to look towards a bright future. So let's join in the festivities and show our support for this amazing nation!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1888</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Colony</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Gambia became a British Crown colony, consolidating several British settlements and territories under one administration.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1947</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Self-Governing Colony</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Gambia was granted internal autonomy, and Pierre Sarr N'Jie became the first Gambian Premier.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1962</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Constitutional Changes</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Kingdom agreed to grant The Gambia full independence following constitutional and electoral changes in the colony.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Independence Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>On February 18th, The Gambia gained independence from the British Empire, with Dawda Jawara as its first Prime Minister.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1981</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Attempted Coup</div><div class='timeline-text'>An attempted coup to overthrow Prime Minister Jawara was thwarted with the aid of Senegalese troops.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1994</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Jawara Overthrown</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yahya Jammeh seized power in a military coup, ending Jawara's long rule.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a traditional Gambian feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family together to celebrate Gambia Independence Day with a traditional Gambian feast. Prepare dishes like domoda, yassa, and benechin and enjoy the flavors and culture of Gambia.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a cultural festival</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Many cities around the world hold festivals to celebrate Gambia Independence Day. Attend one of these events to experience Gambian music, dance, food, and more.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Decorate with Gambian flag colors</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Deck out your home or workplace in the colors of the Gambian flag – red, blue, green, and white. This is a simple yet meaningful way to show your support for Gambia’s independence.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Learn about Gambia's history</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Spend the day learning about the history of Gambia’s fight for independence. You can watch documentaries, read books, or attend a lecture to educate yourself about this important event in Gambian history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support Gambian businesses</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Show your support for Gambia by purchasing goods and services from Gambian-owned businesses. This is a great way to celebrate the country’s independence and contribute to its economy.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebration of freedom and self-governance</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Gambia Independence Day marks the day that Gambia gained independence from British colonial rule in 1965. This holiday is a reminder of the country's struggle for autonomy and its ability to govern itself as an independent nation.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes cultural pride and identity</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Independence Day celebrations often include traditional food, music, and dancing - all of which highlight the rich culture and heritage of Gambia. It allows citizens to come together and celebrate their national identity with pride.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Opportunity for reflection and progress</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this important holiday, many people take time to reflect on their country's history and how far it has come since gaining independence. It also serves as a reminder of the challenges still facing Gambia and encourages progress towards a brighter future for all citizens.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gambia is the Smallest Country on the Mainland of Africa</h3><p class='facts-content'>Gambia, which is a narrow country only about 50km at its widest point, is Africa's smallest non-island nation.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gambia Gained Independence from Britain on February 18, 1965</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Gambia was a British colony for many years and officially gained its independence on February 18, 1965. It is now a member of the Commonwealth of Nations.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Gambia River Plays a Significant Role in The Country</h3><p class='facts-content'>The Gambia River runs through the middle of the country, and it has great economic, cultural and historical significance for its people.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Country is Named After The Gambia River</h3><p class='facts-content'>The name of the country derives from the Gambia River, which flows through its center and empties into the Atlantic Ocean.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Gambia is Known for its Diverse Ecosystems</h3><p class='facts-content'>Gambia is known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River with animals like monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas and rare birds to spot.</p></div></div>
Gambia Independence Day is celebrated on February 18th every year. In 2024 Gambia Independence Day will occur on a Sunday.
2023
Feb 18
Saturday
2024
Feb 18
Sunday
2025
Feb 18
Tuesday
2026
Feb 18
Wednesday
2027
Feb 18
Thursday
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