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Gambia Independence Day
February 18
Gambia Independence Day
Gambia Independence Day is celebrated on February 18 to mark the anniversary of The Gambia’s liberation from the British Empire. After centuries of colonization and exploitation, The Gambia finally gained the right to self-governance on February 18, 1965. The day also marks the end of the British colonization of West Africa and a new dawn for the subcontinent. The day is a public holiday and celebrations are observed across the nation. Marches are held in McCarthy Square in Banjul, and civil dignitaries offer their salutations in front of the President.
Gambia is a small West African country, bounded by Senegal, with a narrow Atlantic coastline. It’s known for its diverse ecosystems around the central Gambia River. Abundant wildlife in its Kiang West National Park and Bao Bolong Wetland Reserve includes monkeys, leopards, hippos, hyenas and rare birds. The capital, Banjul, and nearby Serrekunda offer access to beaches.