Banjul

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Banjul
Coordinates: 13°28′N 16°36′W
Country	Gambia
District	Banjul
History
Founded	1816
Population
- City (2005)	34,828
- Metro	523,589
Time zone	GMT (UTC+0)

Banjul (formerly Bathurst) is the capital city of The Gambia. The population of the city is only 34,828 people but the total urban area is many times larger with a population of 523,589 people. The city is located on St Mary's Island (or Banjul Island) where the Gambia River enters the Atlantic Ocean. The island is connected to the rest of Gambia by ferries to the north and bridges to the south. Banjul is the main urban area of The Gambia. It is the country's economic and administrative center

Peanut processing is the main industry of the country. bee's wax, palm wood, palm oil, and animal skins are also transported from its port.

Things to see in the city include the Gambian National Museum, the Albert Market, Banjul State House, Banjul Court House, two cathedrals and several major mosques. The city is served by the Banjul International Airport.

[change] History

In 1816, the British founded Banjul as a trading post. Banjul was also used to help stop the slave trade. It was first named Bathurst after Henry Bathurst. The name was changed to Banjul in 1973.

[change] Other websites

• Banjul Photos, Hotels, Maps & Links
• Gambia Site with history of Banjul
• Gambia News