Gambia/Society

Society in Gambia

An overview of key social indicators. Select a category for detailed trends, charts, and insights.

Explore Social Domains

Demographics

Coming Soon
Population
2.7M(2023)
Population Growth
2.3%(2023)
Fertility Rate
4.01(2023)
Death Rate
6.3 per 1k(2023)
Net Migration
-3K(2024)

Public Health

Coming Soon
Life Expectancy
65.9 years(2023)
Under-5 Mortality
44.1 per 1k(2023)
Maternal Mortality
354 per 100k(2023)
Health Expenditure (as share of GDP)
3.4%(2022)

Education & Human Capital

Coming Soon
Literacy Rate
58.7%(2022)
Primary Enrollment
76.8%(2018)
Secondary Enrollment
101.4%(2021)
Tertiary Enrollment
2.7(2012)
Education Expenditure (as share of GDP)
2.7%(2023)

Living Standards & Connectivity

Coming Soon
Internet Users
45.9%(2023)
Access to Electricity
66.9%(2023)
Access to Basic Drinking Water
85.6%(2022)
Urban Population
1.7M(2023)
Rural Population
958.5K(2023)

Current Snapshot Overview

A summary of key social and demographic indicators for Gambia

  • Gambia has an estimated population of 2.7M
    2023
    The nation is experiencing rapid demographic expansion with an annual growth rate of 2.3%
    2023
    , indicative of a dynamic and youthful population structure and potential for a significant demographic dividend. The elevated fertility rate of 4.0 births per woman
    2023
    contributes to a young population, presenting both opportunities for future growth and demands on educational and health services. Net emigration of approximately 3K individuals annually (or 1.1 per 1,000 inhabitants)
    2024
    adds pressure to demographic transitions and workforce sustainability.
  • Regarding public health, Healthcare outcomes show foundational progress with a life expectancy of 65.9 years
    2023
    , yet significant disparities or developmental gaps may still exist. Concurrently, Healthcare delivery faces significant systemic challenges, as evidenced by elevated child mortality (under 5 years) (44.1 per 1,000 live births
    2023
    and maternal mortality (354 per 100,000 live births
    2023
    ) rates, suggesting areas for critical intervention and resource allocation. These outcomes are supported by limited healthcare spending, at 3.4% of GDP
    2022
    , which may constrain comprehensive health system improvements and the attainment of higher health outcomes.
  • Basic literacy development shows promise at 59%
    2022
    , but substantial and targeted investment is required to expand educational access and improve outcomes comprehensively. Complementing this, while primary education reaches 77% of children
    2018
    , secondary enrollment at 101%
    2021
    suggests significant attrition challenges that may hinder higher skill development and future economic potential. This educational framework is supported by limited educational investment, at 2.7% of GDP
    2023
    , which may constrain the scale and quality of future human capital development initiatives.
  • In terms of infrastructure and connectivity, the predominantly urban character, with 64% urban population
    2023
    , supports modern economic structures while maintaining important rural-urban linkages. Furthermore, critical infrastructure gaps are evident, with electricity access at 67%
    2023
    and internet penetration at 46%
    2023
    severely limiting economic potential, hindering social development, and impeding digital integration.

Key Development Insights

Population Dynamics

A youthful, rapidly growing population presents a "demographic dividend" opportunity if met with sufficient investment in jobs and services.

Public Health System

Addressing critical gaps in the healthcare system is essential to improve lagging indicators like life expectancy and maternal mortality.

Human Capital Formation

Improving foundational literacy and secondary school completion is a critical priority for unlocking future economic potential.

Infrastructure & Connectivity

Expanding access to basic infrastructure, particularly electricity, remains a key bottleneck for broad-based development.

More About This Country

Neighbors & Regional Peers

Note: The information on this page has been compiled from authoritative sources. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, please note that some figures may not be current or entirely precise.