Highlights

• Capital of The Gambia, the smallest country on mainland Africa
• Set on St Mary's Island at the mouth of the Gambia River
• Arch 22, the National Museum, Albert Market and MacCarthy Square
• Well-preserved colonial centre founded as Bathurst in 1816

History

Banjul owes its existence to the era of European expansion along the West African coast. The lower Gambia River had long been a corridor of trade, drawing Portuguese, Dutch, French and British traders who competed for influence at its mouth. In 1816 the British established a settlement on a low, sandy island at the river's entrance and named it Bathurst, after the British colonial secretary of the time. The new post was intended to help suppress the Atlantic slave trade, which Britain had recently abolished, by giving the Royal Navy a base from which to patrol the river and the coast.

From this modest beginning the town grew as the administrative and commercial centre of the small British colony and protectorate that came to be known as The Gambia. Its borders followed the river itself, a thin ribbon of British-controlled territory reaching inland and almost completely encircled by the much larger French possessions that became Senegal. This unusual shape, more than any other feature, defines The Gambia to this day.

Through the 19th and early 20th centuries Bathurst served as a port for the export of groundnuts, which became the colony's economic mainstay, and as the seat of colonial government. The town's grid of streets, its public square, its churches and its commercial buildings took on the character of a small tropical colonial capital. The Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965, and a few years later became a republic.

In 1973, several years after independence, the city was renamed Banjul, a name drawn from local language and tradition, replacing the colonial Bathurst. Despite its modest size, Banjul has remained the seat of the presidency, the National Assembly, the courts and the central institutions of the state. Over the decades much of the country's population growth and economic energy has shifted to the mainland suburbs of Serekunda and the Kombo districts, but Banjul retains its status as the historic and official capital.

The city has witnessed the major turning points of Gambian national life, from the early decades of independence through later political change. Its compact streets, monuments and institutions continue to embody the identity of the nation, even as the wider urban area around it has expanded far beyond the original island town.

Geography & Climate

Banjul occupies St Mary's Island, also called Banjul Island, a low and sandy island separated from the mainland by creeks and wetlands at the point where the broad Gambia River meets the Atlantic Ocean. Because the island is flat and barely above sea level, the city is bordered by mangroves, mudflats and tidal channels, and it is connected to the mainland and the rest of the country by causeway and bridge. The surrounding estuary is wide, and ferries and boats have long linked the capital with the river's far bank and the interior.

The Gambia as a whole is a narrow country following the course of its river, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal, with only a short Atlantic frontage. This gives Banjul its strategic position guarding the river mouth. The climate is tropical, with a long, hot dry season and a shorter, intense rainy season. From roughly November to May the weather is dry, sunny and pleasant, cooled at times by Atlantic breezes. From June to October the rains arrive, bringing heavy downpours, high humidity and lush green growth. Temperatures stay warm throughout the year, and the coastal location keeps the worst extremes in check.

Economy

As the capital and chief port, Banjul is central to the Gambian economy despite its small population. The Port of Banjul handles most of the country's seaborne trade, including the import of goods and the export of commodities, and it serves as a transit point for some regional cargo. Government administration is another pillar of the city's economy, with ministries, the National Assembly, the courts and public agencies concentrated on the island.

The wider Gambian economy leans heavily on agriculture, re-export trade and tourism. Groundnuts have historically been the leading cash crop and export, and the country's beach resorts along the Atlantic coast draw large numbers of European visitors, especially during the northern winter. Although most of the tourist hotels lie in the coastal Kombo area rather than in Banjul itself, the capital benefits from the broader flow of visitors and from its role as the administrative and commercial nucleus.

Much of the country's commercial life now takes place in the sprawling mainland conurbation of Serekunda and the Kombo districts, which together form the largest urban area in The Gambia. Banjul remains the official capital and a key hub for trade and government, but the surrounding suburbs have become the centre of population and everyday commerce.

Districts & Layout

Banjul is small and easily walkable, laid out on a colonial grid of streets on its island site. Its layout reflects its 19th-century origins:

• The old colonial centre — the historic core around the main commercial streets, with weathered colonial-era buildings, offices, churches and shops.
• MacCarthy Square — the central open space and ceremonial ground, used for national celebrations and public events, fringed by some of the city's notable buildings.
• Albert Market area — the bustling commercial quarter built around the city's main market, crowded with stalls, traders and goods.
• The waterfront and port — the working harbour and ferry terminal that link Banjul to the river's north bank and to seaborne trade.
• Arch 22 gateway — the monumental arch marking the entrance to the city from the mainland causeway.

Because the island is compact, these areas blend into one another, and visitors can cross the central districts on foot in a short time. Beyond the bridge and causeway lie the mainland suburbs that hold most of the country's population.

Top Attractions & Landmarks

Banjul offers a concentrated set of landmarks that tell the story of the city and the nation:

• Arch 22 — a tall, distinctive ceremonial arch that towers over the entrance to the city, commemorating a key moment in modern Gambian history and offering views from its upper level.
• The National Museum of The Gambia — the country's principal museum, with exhibits on Gambian history, ethnography and culture.
• Albert Market — the colourful and crowded central market, a sensory hub of textiles, crafts, produce, spices and everyday goods.
• MacCarthy Square — the central square used for national ceremonies and gatherings, surrounded by historic structures.
• The old colonial centre — the streets of weathered colonial buildings, churches and the cathedral that recall the city's origins as Bathurst.
• The waterfront — the port and ferry area where the wide Gambia River meets the sea, with boats crossing to the far bank.

Getting Around

Banjul International Airport, at Yundum inland from the city near the Kombo area, is The Gambia's main gateway. It handles international flights and is a familiar arrival point for European holidaymakers heading to the country's Atlantic beach resorts, as well as for regional connections within West Africa. Taxis and minibuses link the airport with Banjul and the coastal suburbs.

Within the city, Banjul's compact size means much can be covered on foot. For longer trips, shared taxis and minibuses are the everyday means of transport, connecting the island to Serekunda and the Kombo districts via the causeway and bridge. Ferries from the Banjul waterfront cross the river mouth to the north bank, a journey long used by travellers heading further afield. Traffic can be busy on the single land link to the mainland, so allowing extra time for crossings is wise.

Culture & Cuisine

Banjul reflects the cultural mix of The Gambia, where Mandinka, Wolof, Fula and other communities live together and where music, drumming and storytelling have deep roots. The country is famous for its griot tradition of hereditary musicians and oral historians, and Gambian music and dance feature prominently in celebrations. English is the official language, a legacy of British rule, while local languages are widely spoken in daily life.

Gambian cuisine is built around rice, fish and groundnuts. Domoda, a rich groundnut stew served over rice, and benachin, a one-pot dish of rice cooked with fish or meat and vegetables, are national favourites. Fresh fish from the river and sea features heavily, often grilled or stewed with chilli and local spices. Street food, fresh tropical fruit and strong local tea round out the everyday food culture of the capital and its markets.

Best Time to Visit & Travel Tips

The best time to visit Banjul is the dry season from roughly November to May, when the weather is sunny, rainfall is minimal and conditions are ideal for sightseeing and visiting the nearby beaches. This period coincides with the peak tourist season, when many European visitors arrive to escape the northern winter. The wet season from June to October brings heavy rains, high humidity and more mosquitoes, though the landscape turns green and lush.

Visitors should take normal tropical precautions, including protection against mosquitoes and attention to safe food and water. Lightweight clothing suits the warm climate year-round, and modest dress is appreciated in markets and at religious sites. Because Banjul is small, it is easily combined with trips to the coastal resorts, river excursions and wildlife reserves, making it a convenient base for exploring the lower Gambia.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Banjul the capital of The Gambia?

Yes. Banjul is the capital of The Gambia. It sits on St Mary's Island, also called Banjul Island, at the mouth of the Gambia River where it meets the Atlantic. Banjul is a small city in population terms, and the nearby Serekunda and Kombo conurbation forms the country's largest urban area.

What is Banjul known for?

Banjul is known for its colonial-era centre founded by the British in 1816 as Bathurst, the towering Arch 22 at the city's entrance, the National Museum of The Gambia, the lively Albert Market, MacCarthy Square, and its scenic location at the mouth of the Gambia River.

Why is The Gambia so small and narrow?

The Gambia is the smallest country on mainland Africa. It forms a narrow strip following the lower Gambia River, almost entirely surrounded by Senegal apart from a short Atlantic coastline. Its borders reflect the river-based reach of British control during the colonial era, hemmed in by the surrounding French-controlled territory.

What is the best time to visit Banjul?

The best time to visit is the dry season from roughly November to May, when the weather is sunny and rainfall is minimal. The wet season from June to October brings heavy rains, high humidity and more mosquitoes.

What airport serves Banjul?

Banjul is served by Banjul International Airport at Yundum, inland from the city near the Kombo urban area. It is The Gambia's main gateway and a popular arrival point for European holidaymakers heading to the coastal resorts.

Last updated: June 2026.

Explore More

• The Gambia country guide
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