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Gambia
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The major U.S. interests in The Gambia are democracy, human rights and humanitarian concerns. The Gambia’s presidential and legislative elections in 2001 and 2002 were internationally recognized as free and fair, despite some shortcomings. Recognizing The Gambia’s progress in consolidating its constitutional democracy, the United States made it eligible for African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) benefits. In FY 2006, The Gambia was ... made eligible for the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA). The President of The Gambia, Yahya Jammeh, spoke out strongly in support of the war on terrorism and has instituted laws to block terrorist financing. The Gambia was among the first countries in Africa to sign an Article 98 agreement with the United States.
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The Gambia was under colonial rule from Sierra Leone until 1843, when it became a separate colony. It was once again returned to colonial rule from Sierra Leone between 1866 and 1888. In the following year, the Gambian boundaries were clearly defined, and six years later, the interior was declared a British protectorate. First, it was the coastal area of Bathurst and then came the hinterland. The British administered The Gambia by dribs and drabs, piece by piece until 1902 when they extended their hegemony over the entire land.
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Like many African states, Gambia has many serious welfare problems. The government is on record as being dedicated to change, and their particular attention is given to children's welfare. The Department of Education and the Department of Health, Social Welfare, and Women's Affairs are heavily funded. However, lack of sufficient resources hinders the full implementation of programs. For example, although free, compulsory primary education is the law of the land, there are insufficient resources to implement the program. In February 1998, the president ended fees for the first six years of schooling.
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The Gambia has no confirmed mineral or natural resource deposits and has a limited agricultural base. About 75% of the population depends on crops and livestock for its livelihood. Small-scale manufacturing activity features the processing of peanuts, fish, and hides. Reexport trade normally constitutes a major segment of economic activity, but a 1999 government-imposed preshipment inspection plan, and instability of the Gambian dalasi (currency) have drawn some of the reexport trade away from The Gambia. The Gambia's natural beauty and proximity to Europe has made it one of the larger markets for tourism in West Africa. The government's 1998 seizure of the private peanut firm Alimenta eliminated the largest purchaser of Gambian groundnuts.
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The Gambian Government have reduced tariffs on the cost of goods and services by the Gambia Ports Authority (GPA). A statement noted the move is in line with the government’s national strategy for poverty alleviation and to enhance the conduct of trade and transport making Gambia more competitive in the marine transport sector. With immediate effect tariffs will be reduced on landing, handling and passenger charges, as well as navigation fees, parking and lighting fees.
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