Government of Gambia
Long Conventional Name
Republic of the Gambia
Short Conventional Name
The Gambia
Long Local Name
The Gambia
Short Local Name
Gambia
Government Type
Republic
Capital City
Banjul
Administrative Divisions
5 divisions and 1 city (Banjul), Central River, Lower River, North Bank, Upper River, Western Gambia.
Independence Day
Thursday, 18th February 1965
Constitutional History
Approved by national referendum 8 August 1996; effective 16 January 1997
Legal System
Based on a composite of English common law, Islamic law, and customary law; accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations
Suffrage
18 years of age; universal
Executive Branch
Chief of State
President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996)
Head of Government
President Yahya A. J. J. JAMMEH (since 18 October 1996)
Cabinet
Cabinet appointed by the president
Elections
President elected by popular vote for a five-year term (no term limits); election last held 22 September 2006 (next to be held in 2011)
Legislative Branch
Unicameral National Assembly (53 seats; 48 members elected by popular vote, 5 appointed by the president; to serve five-year terms)
Judical Branch
Supreme Court
Flag Description
Three equal horizontal bands of red (top), blue with white edges, and green
