Mandinka traders brought Islam in the 13th century and were the main influence until the 18th century. The 1700s and 1800s saw colonial rivalry between Britain and France.

• 1888 British possession.
• 1959 Dawda Jawara founds PPP.
• 1965 Independence from Britain.
• 1970 Republic; Jawara president.
• 1982–1989 Federation with Senegal.
• 1994 Jawara ousted in army coup.
• 1996 Yahya Jammeh wins presidential election.
• 2000 Military coup foiled.
• 2001 $2 million antipoverty program launched by government.
• 2002 Jammeh's party sweeps parliamentary elections.

From "The Financial Times World Desk Reference" © Dorling Kindersley 2004