The Gambia explained to kids

The Gambia, officially the Republic of The Gambia, is a country in West Africa that is entirely surrounded by Senegal, with an area of 11,295 square kilometers (4,361 sq mi). It is the smallest country on mainland Africa. Banjul is the Gambian capital, and the largest cities are Serekunda and Brikama. The Gambia shares historical roots with many other West African nations in the slave trade, which was the key factor in the placing and keeping of a colony on the Gambia River, first by the Portuguese and later by the British. During the 18th century, the British established the Gambia Colony and the Gambia River became a major trading route for slaves and gold. On 18 February 1965, The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom. The Gambia is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with a tolerant culture. About a third of the population lives below the international poverty line of US$1.90 a day. The economy is dominated by farming, fishing, and tourism. The Gambia's climate is tropical and generally humid, with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. June to November is the rainy season, with August and September seeing the heaviest rainfall. The dry season starts in December and ends in May, with February and March being the hottest months. The Gambia is a member of the Commonwealth of Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).