Historical Dictionary of The Gambia

When The Gambia achieved its independence from Great Britain on 18 February 1965 as mainland Africa’s smallest state its future seemed uncertain. It retained this status for nearly 30 years An attempted coup d’état in July 1981 was put down but ironically when other African states were returning to democratic government Gambian democracy finally succumbed to a military coup on 22 July 1994. While civilian rule was restored in 1996 full democracy was not and a number of subsequent presidential and parliamentary elections have been far from free and fair while The Gambia’s human rights record has been very poor since 1994.<BR /><BR />This fifth edition of Historical Dictionary of The Gambia contains a chronology an introduction and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has over 700 cross-referenced entries on important personalities politics economy foreign relations religion and culture. This book is an excellent access point for students researchers and anyone wanting to know more about The Gambia.