Why Does The Gambia Exist? 

This is my last video for 2021. Been a year of some major ups and downs for me personally, but hopefully we can hope for things to start looking back up in 2022! As i'm on a sort of light winter break, I'll actually see you in three weeks (instead of two weeks like normal) If y'all want to chat in the meantime, remember there's always that Discord server! discord.gg/yQzfxNdR6s (Oh also r/KhAnubis is a thing. Maybe I should shout it out more)

I'm going to guess colonialism

I've heard that the weird geometry of The Gambia's borders is because they were defined as the area that was within cannon range of the british ships that sailed the river, making it very easy to defend as a colony.

I am Gambian and I love this video. Although I am not a historian, I would like to quench some of your doubts about why "the" is written before "Gambia", why the country is called "the smiling coast of Africa", and why isn't it part of Senegal since it is a very small country. (1) Why the "the" before Gambia: There is a big river that runs from Guinea (a country in West Africa) through the Gambia to the Atlantic Ocean called The River Gambra. When the British came for a purpose known, they named the country after the river; thus, the name The Gambia. This is precisely the reason, but there's more history on this. (2) Why is it called the smiling coast of Africa: If you have ever been to the Gambia, this question would be answered by your experience in the country. Gambians are welcoming and always smiling. You would see a poor Gambian with a "wealthy" smile. (3) Why isn't it with Senegal: As a Gambian, I love to call myself a Senegambian (Senegalese-Gambian) because I firmly believe we are one: our people, languages, cultures, weather and climate are the same. However, owing to the colonial idealogies that strongly indoctrinated the people made it hard for Senegal and the Gambia to become a country (NB: The relationship between the Gambia and Senegal is jovial.) In view of the video, I would like to further inform you that the Gambia isn't "just a river" (I presume you were metaphorical in that). Also, it is not Cambia but Gambra. But all in all, this video presents the Gambia beautifully. I love it and wish to see more of such. Thank you!

I asked a Senegalese person once why The Gambia exists, and he told me "I don't worry about such things."

The British weren’t the first to colonize the area, the Duchy of Courland set up a colony at the mouth of The Gambia in the 1630’s and it was pretty successful but in the 1660’s Sweden invaded and occupied the duke of Courland Jacob Kettler forcing the Couronians to sell the colony to England

Worked with a man from The Gambia. He worked very hard, was a very talented tailor on the side, and was one of the nicest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.

Am a Gambian the country may be small but its nice with peace and love, Gambia nice all we know is peace and love in my motherland ❤🇬🇲🇬🇲🙏♥️😌

Here's another Gambian girl🇬🇲 and am proud of my country... The GAMBIA the smiling coast of Africa 😍 y'all should visit

In 2000, I went backpacking solo through West Africa, and spent over two months travelling throughout Senegal, The Gambia, and the Casamance region. I later moved on to Mali and then Côte d’Ivoire. I speak fluent French, but learning some basic Wolof also helped. I remember I took a boat to get from Dakar to Banjul. It was weird to see the differences between the countries. Ethnically they are the same people, but colonialism has left its mark. The music is Senegal was heavily Latin influenced, while at the time in The Gambia, reggae was king. An interesting corner of the world to see, one often ignored by English-speakers. 🇸🇳 🇬🇲 🇲🇱 🇨🇮

When you're realized that Egypt with Nile actuality have similar situation with The Gambia if you're looking at their population density map.

So the real question isn’t “Why doesn’t Senegal own The Gambia” it’s “Why doesn’t The Gambia own Senegal’s southern territories”

i actually had a friend i met that lived in the gambia, his whole family were very positive and lovely people. i’m pretty sure they only have 1 college in the gambia and he told me he had plans of going there. it’s crazy how some of the people that have the least make the absolute most out of life, his entire village were full of great people from what i saw of them. sadly he got an infection in his leg after a biking accident and it’s been two years since i’ve heard from him now. i can only hope his family is doing well!

"Like all other badly drawn maps, it all starts with the British"

Note: I have mistaken the Congo as The Congo. ☺️ “What I find weird is how The Gambia and The Congo has "The" on their names, even though they aren't islands or something. I don't know the reason of this, but I do respect the name of these nations.” Edit: I sincerely apologize for my mistake which is: It's not *The* Congo; It's The Republic of *the* Congo. The replies stated that the only nations with the capital T on their names are The Bahamas and The Gambia. (I even write a capital T on the Philippines, which I have realized, shouldn't be writen in that way).Even though this is an apology, I thank all of the replies for gracefully correcting me. No negativity, just straight up correction. Thanks! 😄 (I won't edit my mistake though, so that people can see where I went wrong).

I am Senegalese and much love to my Gambian brothers

Me I like Gambia, it's a beautiful country with lovely blue beaches 🇬🇲💙💙 would love to visit some day

The Yurok reservation in Northern California is similar. Their reservation is along the path of the Klamath river (at least I'm pretty sure it's the Klamath)

Britain: Let's steal a river in Africa!

Went to a prep school in New Jersey 1968-69. There was a student there from Gambia (back when it’s capital was called Bathurst). His name was Baboucar Ousman Saho. He was one of the smartest and most idealistic people I’ve ever met. He went on to George Washington University and eventually became an African Studies Professor in some small college in Westchester County, NY. His original intention was to become a diplomat, which I think he eventually did. Unfortunately, I understand he died a few years ago in Banjul.

Africa wouldn’t be the same without it’s smiling coast 🇬🇲 ❤️

Excellent video. Your channel is like a combination of real life lore, half as interesting, and sauce. Keep up the great work!

Gambia is the smiling coast of Africa the people always smile😊🇬🇲🇬🇲🇬🇲

I'm south African 🇿🇦 and I've been to Dakar multiple times but after watching this video , I strongly wanna visit The Gambia 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

You have really improved upon your articulation, research and overall production value in your videos, good job, happy holidays!

0:39 i like how he sounds so offended

Where'd you pick up this etymology of "Gambia" as Portuguese "cambia"? Never heard of this before. The oldest record we have from the first European who entered the river (Alvise Cadamoso, a Venetian captain in Portuguese service, wrote his memoirs in 1507, in Italian) records it as "Gambra" and he identifies it as the name of a kingdom along the river (it was common practice for Portuguese captains and cartographers to record the names of rivers after the local kingdom or ruler - e.g. Gambra, Barbacini/Sine, Casamance, Benin, Congo, Cuama, etc.) Cadamosto's name "Gambra" remained common in maps and records thereafter (with later variants Cambra, Gaubuu, Gaumbea, until it was later finally settled on "Gambia"). The upriver "Gambra kingdom" Cadamosto was referring to was the Mandinka confederacy of "Kabu" (sometimes written as Kaabu, Gabu or Ngabu) which emerged from the collapse of the Mali empire in the 14th Century. So in Mandinka it is Ka-bu, with the root sometimes nasalized (Gam-) and suffix as -bra or -bu or -bea depending on context. Cadamosto renders it "Gam-bra", others as "Ka-bu". So, as per custom, the term Kabu/Gambra was applied from the kingdom to the river.

Ayyy my home country, thank you for producing this video. Been following you for a while and never thought I’d see The Gambia in a video.

Always had an Idea growing up Gambian but this video actually explains it a lot thank you!

Thank you for answering this question that I always had in mind since I learn to read map, feel extremely stupid to ask about but also was not eager enough to look into. You're a life saver.

Instead of asking how The Gambia could exist, I wonder why the south of Senegal didn't ever separate (or join The Gambia). Strange how they could hold the north and south together, right?

Gambia is my homeland one of the most peaceful countries in the world 🇬🇲we are proud of our selves ❤️🇬🇲

Thanks for making this!

I'm imagining a video from History Matters on the same topic

Proud to be a Gambian 🇬🇲 we are one ☝️ of the peaceful country 🥰

Im gambian and these comments are so nice! We are mostly nice people and let me explain the flag: Red= the sun White: peace (mostly for British independence) Blue: ocean Green: land Gambia is a beautiful country with a lot of history! We are considered the smiling coast of africa.

I am from the Gambia 🇬🇲, and the size of the country was much more bigger than it is today, but when the British arrived they were only interested in the river and not the size of the land...

I thought notification came from history matters when look at the title. Great vid and happy new year my friend 🥳

This was informative and funny

In 1989 I traveled through Gambia. At the time there was no bridge across the river at Basse, just a little ferry. I wanted to swim across the river so I asked the ferry guys if there were any crocodiles. They said no so I swam across and back again. The next day I returned and asked them "Are you SURE there are no crocodiles?" To which one of them replied "If there were, they would have got you yesterday."

Namaste and love from India! I hope that peace and love prevail in the world!🙏🇮🇳☮️☮️ Edit: Also, I hope that 2022 brings hope and joy to everyone's life.

Imagine naming your country from a river. 🇳🇪🇨🇩🇨🇬 : Cheers, I'll drink for that bro.

0:10 Senegal looks like retired drunk Pacman with no teeth left trying to munch on Gambia.

haha good vid. as a Gambian this is quite accurate most parts. Well done

KhAnubis: Gambia is just a river! Egypt: *nervous sweating*

Actually, Banjul is not the Gambia's largest city, that title goes to Serekunda.

Interesting information. Thanks.

Great work

I’ve been here the people are lovely and extremely friendly and the food is amazing !

I love The Gambia ❤️ I came back a few weeks ago and cannot wait to return 😊

Hi am from The Gambia 🇬🇲 great work 👍🙌

I like how the country is named "The" Gambia

As a Belgian I approve your remark about borders in the beginning, and then I thank you for answering a question I have been asking myself for years!

'some countries just don't make sense' - me as a Belgian: he's gonna say Belgium, isn't he . Jup.

Well explained sir, I am a gambian and proud of this video so far.thanks so much.

This country won me a quiz in geography, we threw beanbags onto a map and whichever was nearest to. The country won and we both just chucked it in Africa but mine was slightly more north so I won, gracias the Gambia

You could also say "Because Britain" which is probably technically true for almost every country.

Also the region of Southern Senegal Casamance has a heavy Portuguese influence and a Portuguese based creole is one of the main languages in rhe region, so that's also a reason why Casamance/Casamança tried to be independent, the cultural divide. ( they also aren't very wolof like the rest of Senegal.

Congrats on the success of this video!

I’m surprised to get a video in my recommendation about Gambia, my coworker/friend moved to the us from there 2 years ago. It’s crazy how different life is there compared to here according to him

"Senegal and The Gambia are separate countries beacuse of the American Revolutionary War" is just a smaller version of "Hentai exists beacuse Agamemnon kidnapped Helen"

Nothing makes me cry like the failure of the Senegambian Confederation

Nice timing on seeing this vid. I am following Itchy Boots and was wondering "The Gambia" but why? You've answered my question. Thanks!

Great video! So infortmative, thank you. I just came back from both countries

You simply missed the Casamance case, which is the single most important reason why Gambia is only bordered by Senegal and why Casamance independentist movement is much deeper than just economic issues. Casamance is a portuguese influenced area, culturally distinct from the rest of Senegal and that was part of Guiné-Bissau up until 1888. Neither Senegal would be Gambia's only neighbour nor would Senegal has independentist issues there if it wasn't for the fact that Casamance was historically not part of Senegal

Great bird watching in The Gambia. I loved my time there.

Interesting. Thank You

As an entirely proud patriotic Gambian (Kombo) citizen, I must admit that this video brought me much joy, especially with the view it has amassed. The Republic of The Gambia is also known as The Smiling Coast of Africa. However, I must correct @ 4:51. As of today, Banjul is not our amplest city. Our most prominent city in terms of the landmass is Serekunda.

We're one people ❤🇸🇳🇬🇲

I've been living in the country for 4 months now, and I'm on a trip to senegal right now. I will leave Gambia and go back home to India in 2 weeks. I have to say this country is beautiful, it's not that great at times because there's obviously many flaws and issues when it comes to a country that's not only underdeveloped at that certain point but is also surrounded with many other underdeveloped countries. But it's a great country for a vacation in my opinion, many hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and beaches.

Great video! love The Gambia...

I’m Gambian and I love see random people learn a bit about my country. It’s so hard trying to explain where I’m from too a non African, even some Africans don’t know what or where Gambia is. I’ve been there 3 times and I’m going again this summer. My parents are Mandinka and speak Mandinka, Wollof, and English, and we’ve always listen to both Gambian and Senegalese music. Honestly I claim Senegal a lot at this point we should just unite again

I live in Belgium and you are right 100% about Belgium

Just a country…a country with the coolest flag in the world. 🇬🇲 A flag that is also a map of said country.

Good job

We were on holiday ìn Gambia 🇬🇲 in December 2022, Sunset Beach Hotel - recommended!

The Gambia river got its first and only bridge in 2019..

the fact that you mentioned both gambia and senegal (my home country) was enough for me to watch it

Hugs from Brazil to Gambia! ❤️🇧🇷

Went to the Gambia on holiday 20 years ago. Absolutely love that country and the people

America: "I am your father." The Gambia: "I don't even know who you are."

Been to The Gambia for business a few times and it was very easy to like this country . One time I remember had to travel by car from Banjul to Bissau (Guinea/Bissau) and even though I had the visa for that country (GB) stayed at The Gambia/Senegal border because I didn’t had a visa for Senegal; even though I was just passing for a couple of hours! aww memories! 😅 A few things that caught my attention: the “special” tourism for elderly European ladies looking for some fun, its well deserved tittle of the smiling coast and finally , the customs agents , who every single time I arrived, started their conversation about soccer; then I understood why: they classified to the FIFA U-17 World Cup hosted by my country (Peru) in 2005! It was sui generis that someone abroad, especially in a continent where there is little commercial exchange with my country, know almost every area of my city! 😅 they practically knew the borough where I’m from 😂 🇬🇲 will always have a special place in my ❤️ since it was the first African country I’ve been to.

+KhAnubis overall nice video. However, I notice at 2:49 you said that the area of The Gambia wasn't united under any kingdom until Europeans arrived. This seems inaccurate as the Mali Empire ruled this area in the 1300s and by the time the Portuguese arrive there were several kingdoms that remained from the fall of the Wagadu and Mali Empires, one of which (Kombo) you mention later. Other Kingdoms that ruled the area included Niumi (Barrah) and Badibu.

Only at the start of the video and the belgium roast already has me convinced this is the best video ever

First time I heard of The Gambia was when I watch Alex Haley's Root mini series featuring the characters of Kunta Kinte. In the series, he mentioned "Kambi Bolongo"

The Gambia is one of th most chill afrikan country i've seen. I have *never* seen any argument there. Evryone is in peace and I love it. Gambian Justice ✊ 🇬🇲

It's great to learn something new and something not so new about my country...Love from The Gambia.

Well great video lol

Lived there as a peace corps volunteer. Great people, beautiful beaches

Gambia is a small country but it's a very peaceful country 🇬🇲🇬🇲 it's the smiling coast of west Africa

How has your channel never been recommended to me before today? Like all I watch are documentaries, historical stuff and geography vids.

I love these video as I'm a Gambian.

I visited The Gambia once. Very nice people. I highly recommend kachikally park

For Whatever reason it exists, it is among the best countries in the world. It was the only country to drag Myanmar to the ICJ.

Nice video man and also very clarifying. However, it would also be interesting to look at the demographics of the two nations. For example languistical, religious and cultural similarities or differences that would probably make the unification of the Senegambian federation a succes or failure.

Very interesting

The 1980's - Senegal: Let's unite into one band. Gambia, The - What should it be called? Senegal - Senegambia confederation. The Gambia: Yes. *20 minutes later* Senegal & The Gambia: I QUIT!

The most "rational" border layout, at first sight and from afar (so apologies for my complete lack of knowledge about the reality of both countries, this is why I'm here trying to learn a bit more just for curiosity), seems first that Senegambia should be a single country, if not, then Gambia seems that should be the part from Gambia river to the south, that is current Gambia and Casamance region, or a third option would be make the Gambia river the northern border of the country Gambia (and including Casamance region within). As mentioned about Belgium, it's pretty strange their current existence, and there are also other cases that would make for a whole video about it...

I did charity work in Gambia before covid such an amazing country

@0:37 - Belgium exists purely for the sake of a single joke in Monty Python's "Prejudice" sketch.