COUNTRY INFORMATION

Relations between Gambia and Germany

Since 1995, Gambia receives regarding a decision of the Budget Committee of the summer of 1994 among other countries, no more bilateral aid. An exception was the remainder of the Gambian-German Forestry Project, in early 2006 will finally expire. In 2002, further EUR 150,000 has been pledged for a family planning project ..

The emphasis of development policy cooperation in the EU framework, which is making the statement is also reflected in the political relationship in which the Federal Republic for Euro-Gambian dialogue committed - even in the most sensitive questions of respect for human rights, such as freedom of the press and the consolidation of democratic and constitutional institutions.

Economic Fundamentals

Estimated due to the high population growth (2.84% in 2006) and the influx of refugees from Sierra Leone, which is Senegal (Casamance), economic growth remains too low to significantly improve the living conditions of the population.

Until January 2005 Gambia was approved by the World Bank a total of 31 IDA credits in the amount of total 272.7 million USD. Outstanding is the Gambia's participation in the co-ordinated by the International Monetary Fund debt relief initiative for highly indebted poor countries (HIPCs), whose degree (completion point) after major problems in the cooperation with the International Monetary Fund earlier than is expected for 2006. Its success will depend on the particular associated reform measures. A new national poverty reduction program was approved in mid-2002 from international financial organizations. ) Because of the difficult circumstances (especially fiscal mismanagement has much of the potential donors had its funding commitments, but temporarily suspended.

Foreign Policy

In terms of multilateral standing membership in the Commonwealth and the relatively large commitment of The Gambia under the African Union (formerly Organization of African Unity) in the foreground.

Relations with Senegal, which existed briefly in the 80 years of a confederation, are politically and economically a dominant factor, but not always free of interference .. Most important bilateral issues are the efforts to resolve the Casamance - the conflict in the Senegal and the improvement of transport infrastructure on major transit routes for Senegal by Gambia. In the past, There were several obstacles in border traffic. Reciprocal state visits and the revival of a bilateral commission of the two governments on bilateral relations after a period of cooling, again largely normal. The plans to build a bridge across the Gambia River and slowly take more concrete forms.

At international level, President Jammeh has learned after his democratic election in 2001, a significant appreciation. Thus, the U.S. has lifted its sanctions imposed after the 1994 coup in Gambia and its AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act ") - recorded trade initiative. A critical dialogue the EU and its member states on issues of good governance and respect for human rights.

Gambia is committed to a relatively strong within the United Nations, where the late 90s as a non-permanent member of the Security Council member. Gambia also participates regularly in United Nations peace missions in Africa: Guinea-Bissau Civil War in 1998/99 it could play an important intermediary position. Gambian police and soldiers are part of the international organizations in Darfur. The transfer took place with German assistance.

Jammeh came to power since 1994 have continued to be a major reorientation of the establishment of diplomatic relations with Taiwan and the marked shift to the Arabian Gulf littoral states to this day. After years of close association with Libya, there was - even in the framework of enhanced cooperation with the U.S. - indicative of a weakening of these bilateral relations.

State-building

Current political situation

Domestically, President Jammeh with him for successfully completing the presidential and parliamentary elections has further strengthened his power position.

After splitting the alliance NAAD the Gambian opposition is once again divided. Although there was already formally established a joint program for the elections in 2006 (President)) and 2007 (parliament, on a common presidential candidate, but no agreement could be reached.

Human Rights

Culture and education

Language of instruction in schools is English and French in secondary schools is in Islamic schools also offer Arabic as a foreign language. Only international school in Gambia, the Ecole Française de Banjul.

The only institution, the teachers for primary and secondary sector develops, which is already existing since 1956, Gambia College. Every year, 150 students for the three-year vocational training are included. Secondary school teachers need a university degree, which so far can not be completed in the Gambia.

The further development of the 1998 founded the "University of The Gambia" remains difficult.By adopting the bill in March 1999 a rudimentary teaching in the fall of 1999 was recorded in collaboration with the government-funded "Gambia College, which has next to the teacher and nurse also has an agricultural engineering education. Are more vocational training institutions to adopt a hotel management school and a" Management Training Institute "for administrative professionals. The set up in 1995 with Canadian assistance, "Gambia Technical Training Institute is training another 260 students per year.

The broad and commercially viable development of cultural activities are contrary to the typical problems for a developing country. A commitment is usually possible only with financial help from outside. An exception to the music sector and the activities represent the arts and crafts, which are primarily focused on tourism.

As a member of the Commonwealth, the cultural interests of the country are also targeted especially to Britain and the USA. Islam has gained in public life since Jammeh took power in importance.

History

Entry requirements for German nationals

German will need to travel to Gambia a valid passport. The German children's ID card is recognized, a photograph is independent of the age of the child required. The entry of a child in the passport of one parent is sufficient for entry. The admission document must be valid for at least 6 months. 
A visa is issued upon arrival and is valid for 21-28 days. Be made at stay of 28 days must be an application for extension of stay (paying) in the Gambian Immigration Department.

Entry requirements for German nationals may change without notice, without the Foreign Office will be notified in advance.

On exit from Gambia to Senegal with a passenger should be noted that the import of cars that are older than 5 years, is banned in Senegal since 23.07.2003. A transit stop with more than 5 years old cars is also not possible. This transit ban would apply for transitional, are given to better possibilities for the actual re-export the old cars. The temporary importation of a newer car in Senegal is possible. These will be issued on arrival at the border a so-called "Passavant", valid for 8 days. This document may, at the Inspection régionale de Douane (in the regional towns and Dakar) be extended for another 15 days. The formerly called Carnet de Passage is no longer valid because of the Touring Club of Senegal are no longer guaranteed.

Medical notes

The health of the Foreign Office advises all travelers also a vaccination against tetanus, diphtheria, polio and hepatitis A, with long-term stay of three months against Hepatitis B. In particular exposure (stay in the country, hunting, jogging, etc.) can also provides protection against rabies, and typhoid fever, and possibly also against meningococcal meningitis be useful. In a personal consultation with a narcotic and travel medicine physician experienced these issues can be decided.

Malaria

HIV / AIDS

Prophylaxis 
By hygienic eating and drinking (only freshly cooked, not reheated food lukewarm) and consistent protection against mosquitoes can be avoided most of intestinal infections and other tropical infectious diseases. One should not swim in fresh water (risk of schistosomiasis; crocodiles?).

Medical care

General Information

Before any planned side trip to the southern part of the Republic of Senegal (Casamance please) note the travel and safety information to Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.

The money market is unlimited. The local currency, Dalasi, is not convertible outside the Gambia.Cash and traveler's checks can be exchanged (1 euro = about 35 Dalasi) in banks and bureaux de change. It is not recommended by the exchange on the black market, as such, is now heavily pursued by police and punished accordingly. The import of foreign currency is perfectly possible for a maximum of 300,000, - Dalasi may be exported. Violations of this restriction will be punished. Banks are open Monday through Friday mornings from Banjul, Banjul outside in the afternoon. Euro checks are not cashed. Credit cards are only accepted in major hotels.

Is drawn to the crime trends in the Greater Serrekunda and Banjul. Visitors should refrain from the wearing of visible valuables (watches, rings, chains, etc.) and the carrying of bags and original documents. Recommended are chest or abdomen bag straps to keep money safe. Lone unguarded beaches should be avoided. In the event of an attack no resistance should be made.

Basically, it is recommended to exercise when traveling in unfamiliar environment after dark and / or extra care alone, and not drive at night through the countryside, as there is increased risk of accidents.

German Embassy representatives in Dakar, Senegal