Why Gambia has one of the strangest borders in the world

When you glance at a map of West Africa, one border stands out as unusually narrow and oddly shaped — The Gambia. It’s often referred to as having one of the weirdest borders in the world, and for good reason: Gambia is a long, thin sliver of land that stretches inland for about 300 miles, hugging the Gambia River, and is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal on all sides except for a small western coast.

But why is Gambia shaped this way? The answer lies in colonial history, rivalry, and the strategic importance of rivers.

Gambia’s shape dates back to the Scramble for Africa in the late 19th century, during which European powers divided the continent with little regard for ethnic or geographic boundaries.

According to Oxford Research Encyclopedias:

• The United Kingdom established control over the Gambia River, a key trade route, particularly for the slave trade and later for groundnut exports.
• France, meanwhile, controlled the surrounding territory, which would become Senegal.

To avoid conflict, both colonial powers agreed that Britain would claim control over the Gambia River and a strip of land extending 10 km north and south of the river, while the rest remained French. This agreement, formalised in the Anglo-French Convention of 1889, led to Gambia's present-day odd shape.

Gambia is almost like a country within a country. It is surrounded on three sides by Senegal and relies heavily on good diplomatic relations with its neighbour for trade and travel. This arrangement creates both logistical challenges and unique cultural exchange:

• The two countries share linguistic and cultural similarities, particularly due to their shared history and ethnic groups like the Mandinka and Wolof.
• Despite this, Gambia and Senegal have had strained political relations, even briefly closing borders in the past due to disagreements over trade routes and tariffs.

The role of the Gambia River

The Gambia River is the lifeline of the country which shapes its geography, economy, and even identity. It provides essential access for agriculture, fishing, and transportation. Much of the nation’s activity centers along the riverbanks, which explains why the country’s territory mirrors the river’s path so precisely.

Despite its unusual shape, Gambia is relatively easy to visit and is a growing tourist destination, especially for European travellers. The small coastal region around Banjul, the capital, and Brikama offers beautiful beaches, wildlife, and cultural experiences — all within a few hours' drive across the country’s narrow width.