Gambia - Republic

The Gambia became a republic within the British Commonwealth in 1970, after a referendum confirmed this. The country's first president was Sir Dawda Jawara, who had previously served as Prime Minister. President Jawara was re-elected five times, and under his leadership Gambia enjoyed relative political stability. In the early 1980s, a failed coup attempt rocked the country. The rebellion was crushed with Senegalese military assistance. As a result, in 1982, Gambia and Senegal formed the Senegal-Gambian Confederation, which aimed to integrate the two countries. The confederation dissolved in 1989. The 1990s saw political instability again in Gambia. In 1994, a military coup led by Yahya Jammeh overthrew President Jawara. Jammeh then declared himself president and ruled authoritarianally. His rule was marked by human rights abuses and the repression of political opposition. Presidential elections were held in 2016, which were won by Adama Barrow. Jammeh initially refused to concede defeat, leading to a political crisis. Eventually, under regional pressure and the threat of military intervention, Jammeh fled the country, and Barrow was able to assume the presidency in January 2017. Under Barrow's presidency, Gambia began to rebuild democratic institutions and respect for human rights. Many political prisoners were released, and a judicial commission was launched to investigate abuses committed under the Jammeh regime. Economically, Gambia is heavily dependent on agriculture and tourism. The country struggles with poverty and a lack of infrastructure. The Barrow government is making efforts to diversify the economy and attract foreign investment.

The coinage of the Republic of Gambia has undergone significant changes since 1970. Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965. In 1966, the Gambia Currency Board introduced its own coins, which were pegged to the British pound sterling. The first coins were in denominations of 1, 3 and 6 pence, and 1, 2 and 4 shillings. The coins featured the effigy of Queen Elizabeth II on the obverse. An 8 shilling coin was also issued in 1970, featuring a hippopotamus. In 1971, Gambia decimalized its currency. The Gambian pound was replaced by the dalasi (GMD) at a rate of 1 dalasi = 100 butut. In the same year, the assets and liabilities of the Gambia Currency Board were taken over by the Central Bank of The Gambia. The new coins were minted by the Royal Mint (United Kingdom). The first dalasi coins were in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25 and 50 butut, and 1 dalasi. Newer denominations and coin designs appeared from the late 1970s and 1980s. The coins often depicted Gambian fauna and culture. The material of the coins has also changed over time, from bronze and cupro-nickel to copper-plated steel. Gambia has issued exclusively gold commemorative coins since 1995. These coins commemorate various anniversaries and themes. The denominations of Gambian coins in circulation have likely changed since the 1970s.