Geographical location :
A narrow country in West Africa, nearly enveloped by Senegal, with a short Atlantic coastline to the west. The Gambia River runs through its length.
(i.e. 2,759,987)
nominal, current US$
Note. Official recent data are limited or not publicly updated; World Bank’s latest series does not list a reliable value ~ USD 0.00
Why we consider Gambia a “failed state” candidate
The Gambia faces structural fragility marked by weak institutions, reliance on foreign aid and remittances, and limited economic diversification. After decades of autocratic rule under former president Yahya Jammeh, the transition to democratic governance in 2017 has been uneasy and incomplete. Analysts note that many state functions and public services remain under-resourced and inadequately devolved to local levels.
The economy remains highly vulnerable: remittances contribute a large share of GDP, and tourism is a major pillar — making it sensitive to external shocks (pandemics, climate). Public sector capacity is weak, and corruption and elite capture are persistent bottlenecks.
In human development metrics, The Gambia lags behind regional peers: HDI remains moderate, public health and education systems are underfunded, and basic infrastructure (water, sanitation) shows large gaps. These combined factors support its inclusion in the category of states at risk of failure or fragility.
