This is my last video for 2021. Been a year of some major ups and downs for me personally, but hopefully we can hope for things to start looking back up in 2022! As i'm on a sort of light winter break, I'll actually see you in three weeks (instead of two weeks like normal) If y'all want to chat in the meantime, remember there's always that Discord server! discord.gg/yQzfxNdR6s (Oh also r/KhAnubis is a thing. Maybe I should shout it out more)

I'm going to guess colonialism

I've heard that the weird geometry of The Gambia's borders is because they were defined as the area that was within cannon range of the british ships that sailed the river, making it very easy to defend as a colony.

I am Gambian and I love this video. Although I am not a historian, I would like to quench some of your doubts about why "the" is written before "Gambia", why the country is called "the smiling coast of Africa", and why isn't it part of Senegal since it is a very small country. (1) Why the "the" before Gambia: There is a big river that runs from Guinea (a country in West Africa) through the Gambia to the Atlantic Ocean called The River Gambra. When the British came for a purpose known, they named the country after the river; thus, the name The Gambia. This is precisely the reason, but there's more history on this. (2) Why is it called the smiling coast of Africa: If you have ever been to the Gambia, this question would be answered by your experience in the country. Gambians are welcoming and always smiling. You would see a poor Gambian with a "wealthy" smile. (3) Why isn't it with Senegal: As a Gambian, I love to call myself a Senegambian (Senegalese-Gambian) because I firmly believe we are one: our people, languages, cultures, weather and climate are the same. However, owing to the colonial idealogies that strongly indoctrinated the people made it hard for Senegal and the Gambia to become a country (NB: The relationship between the Gambia and Senegal is jovial.) In view of the video, I would like to further inform you that the Gambia isn't "just a river" (I presume you were metaphorical in that). Also, it is not Cambia but Gambra. But all in all, this video presents the Gambia beautifully. I love it and wish to see more of such. Thank you!

I asked a Senegalese person once why The Gambia exists, and he told me "I don't worry about such things."

The British weren’t the first to colonize the area, the Duchy of Courland set up a colony at the mouth of The Gambia in the 1630’s and it was pretty successful but in the 1660’s Sweden invaded and occupied the duke of Courland Jacob Kettler forcing the Couronians to sell the colony to England

Worked with a man from The Gambia. He worked very hard, was a very talented tailor on the side, and was one of the nicest individuals I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.

Am a Gambian the country may be small but its nice with peace and love, Gambia nice all we know is peace and love in my motherland ❤🇬🇲🇬🇲🙏♥️😌

Here's another Gambian girl🇬🇲 and am proud of my country... The GAMBIA the smiling coast of Africa 😍 y'all should visit

When you're realized that Egypt with Nile actuality have similar situation with The Gambia if you're looking at their population density map.

In 2000, I went backpacking solo through West Africa, and spent over two months travelling throughout Senegal, The Gambia, and the Casamance region. I later moved on to Mali and then Côte d’Ivoire. I speak fluent French, but learning some basic Wolof also helped. I remember I took a boat to get from Dakar to Banjul. It was weird to see the differences between the countries. Ethnically they are the same people, but colonialism has left its mark. The music is Senegal was heavily Latin influenced, while at the time in The Gambia, reggae was king. An interesting corner of the world to see, one often ignored by English-speakers. 🇸🇳 🇬🇲 🇲🇱 🇨🇮

So the real question isn’t “Why doesn’t Senegal own The Gambia” it’s “Why doesn’t The Gambia own Senegal’s southern territories”

Went to a prep school in New Jersey 1968-69. There was a student there from Gambia (back when it’s capital was called Bathurst). His name was Baboucar Ousman Saho. He was one of the smartest and most idealistic people I’ve ever met. He went on to George Washington University and eventually became an African Studies Professor in some small college in Westchester County, NY. His original intention was to become a diplomat, which I think he eventually did. Unfortunately, I understand he died a few years ago in Banjul.

"Like all other badly drawn maps, it all starts with the British"

i actually had a friend i met that lived in the gambia, his whole family were very positive and lovely people. i’m pretty sure they only have 1 college in the gambia and he told me he had plans of going there. it’s crazy how some of the people that have the least make the absolute most out of life, his entire village were full of great people from what i saw of them. sadly he got an infection in his leg after a biking accident and it’s been two years since i’ve heard from him now. i can only hope his family is doing well!

I am Senegalese and much love to my Gambian brothers

Africa wouldn’t be the same without it’s smiling coast 🇬🇲 ❤️

Note: I have mistaken the Congo as The Congo. ☺️ “What I find weird is how The Gambia and The Congo has "The" on their names, even though they aren't islands or something. I don't know the reason of this, but I do respect the name of these nations.” Edit: I sincerely apologize for my mistake which is: It's not *The* Congo; It's The Republic of *the* Congo. The replies stated that the only nations with the capital T on their names are The Bahamas and The Gambia. (I even write a capital T on the Philippines, which I have realized, shouldn't be writen in that way).Even though this is an apology, I thank all of the replies for gracefully correcting me. No negativity, just straight up correction. Thanks! 😄 (I won't edit my mistake though, so that people can see where I went wrong).

Britain: Let's steal a river in Africa!

Me I like Gambia, it's a beautiful country with lovely blue beaches 🇬🇲💙💙 would love to visit some day

Gambia is the smiling coast of Africa the people always smile😊🇬🇲🇬🇲🇬🇲

The Yurok reservation in Northern California is similar. Their reservation is along the path of the Klamath river (at least I'm pretty sure it's the Klamath)

Excellent video. Your channel is like a combination of real life lore, half as interesting, and sauce. Keep up the great work!

I'm south African 🇿🇦 and I've been to Dakar multiple times but after watching this video , I strongly wanna visit The Gambia 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿

Always had an Idea growing up Gambian but this video actually explains it a lot thank you!

Thank you for answering this question that I always had in mind since I learn to read map, feel extremely stupid to ask about but also was not eager enough to look into. You're a life saver.

You have really improved upon your articulation, research and overall production value in your videos, good job, happy holidays!

Proud to be a Gambian 🇬🇲 we are one ☝️ of the peaceful country 🥰

Ayyy my home country, thank you for producing this video. Been following you for a while and never thought I’d see The Gambia in a video.

Instead of asking how The Gambia could exist, I wonder why the south of Senegal didn't ever separate (or join The Gambia). Strange how they could hold the north and south together, right?

Gambia is my homeland one of the most peaceful countries in the world 🇬🇲we are proud of our selves ❤️🇬🇲

Where'd you pick up this etymology of "Gambia" as Portuguese "cambia"? Never heard of this before. The oldest record we have from the first European who entered the river (Alvise Cadamoso, a Venetian captain in Portuguese service, wrote his memoirs in 1507, in Italian) records it as "Gambra" and he identifies it as the name of a kingdom along the river (it was common practice for Portuguese captains and cartographers to record the names of rivers after the local kingdom or ruler - e.g. Gambra, Barbacini/Sine, Casamance, Benin, Congo, Cuama, etc.) Cadamosto's name "Gambra" remained common in maps and records thereafter (with later variants Cambra, Gaubuu, Gaumbea, until it was later finally settled on "Gambia"). The upriver "Gambra kingdom" Cadamosto was referring to was the Mandinka confederacy of "Kabu" (sometimes written as Kaabu, Gabu or Ngabu) which emerged from the collapse of the Mali empire in the 14th Century. So in Mandinka it is Ka-bu, with the root sometimes nasalized (Gam-) and suffix as -bra or -bu or -bea depending on context. Cadamosto renders it "Gam-bra", others as "Ka-bu". So, as per custom, the term Kabu/Gambra was applied from the kingdom to the river.

0:39 i like how he sounds so offended

I am from the Gambia 🇬🇲, and the size of the country was much more bigger than it is today, but when the British arrived they were only interested in the river and not the size of the land...

Interesting information. Thanks.

I like how the country is named "The" Gambia

0:10 Senegal looks like retired drunk Pacman with no teeth left trying to munch on Gambia.

Nothing makes me cry like the failure of the Senegambian Confederation

Thanks for making this!

Im gambian and these comments are so nice! We are mostly nice people and let me explain the flag: Red= the sun White: peace (mostly for British independence) Blue: ocean Green: land Gambia is a beautiful country with a lot of history! We are considered the smiling coast of africa.

I'm imagining a video from History Matters on the same topic

Imagine naming your country from a river. 🇳🇪🇨🇩🇨🇬 : Cheers, I'll drink for that bro.

Congrats on the success of this video!

Great video! So infortmative, thank you. I just came back from both countries

I thought notification came from history matters when look at the title. Great vid and happy new year my friend 🥳

Namaste and love from India! I hope that peace and love prevail in the world!🙏🇮🇳☮️☮️ Edit: Also, I hope that 2022 brings hope and joy to everyone's life.

In 1989 I traveled through Gambia. At the time there was no bridge across the river at Basse, just a little ferry. I wanted to swim across the river so I asked the ferry guys if there were any crocodiles. They said no so I swam across and back again. The next day I returned and asked them "Are you SURE there are no crocodiles?" To which one of them replied "If there were, they would have got you yesterday."

This was informative and funny

KhAnubis: Gambia is just a river! Egypt: *nervous sweating*

Great bird watching in The Gambia. I loved my time there.

This country won me a quiz in geography, we threw beanbags onto a map and whichever was nearest to. The country won and we both just chucked it in Africa but mine was slightly more north so I won, gracias the Gambia

I’ve been here the people are lovely and extremely friendly and the food is amazing !

You could also say "Because Britain" which is probably technically true for almost every country.

Well explained sir, I am a gambian and proud of this video so far.thanks so much.

haha good vid. as a Gambian this is quite accurate most parts. Well done

Actually, Banjul is not the Gambia's largest city, that title goes to Serekunda.

I’m surprised to get a video in my recommendation about Gambia, my coworker/friend moved to the us from there 2 years ago. It’s crazy how different life is there compared to here according to him

Interesting. Thank You

Nice timing on seeing this vid. I am following Itchy Boots and was wondering "The Gambia" but why? You've answered my question. Thanks!

We're one people ❤🇸🇳🇬🇲

'some countries just don't make sense' - me as a Belgian: he's gonna say Belgium, isn't he . Jup.

Great work

Hi am from The Gambia 🇬🇲 great work 👍🙌

"Senegal and The Gambia are separate countries beacuse of the American Revolutionary War" is just a smaller version of "Hentai exists beacuse Agamemnon kidnapped Helen"

As a Belgian I approve your remark about borders in the beginning, and then I thank you for answering a question I have been asking myself for years!

We were on holiday ìn Gambia 🇬🇲 in December 2022, Sunset Beach Hotel - recommended!

I love The Gambia ❤️ I came back a few weeks ago and cannot wait to return 😊

the fact that you mentioned both gambia and senegal (my home country) was enough for me to watch it

You simply missed the Casamance case, which is the single most important reason why Gambia is only bordered by Senegal and why Casamance independentist movement is much deeper than just economic issues. Casamance is a portuguese influenced area, culturally distinct from the rest of Senegal and that was part of Guiné-Bissau up until 1888. Neither Senegal would be Gambia's only neighbour nor would Senegal has independentist issues there if it wasn't for the fact that Casamance was historically not part of Senegal

Good job

Great video! love The Gambia...

Also the region of Southern Senegal Casamance has a heavy Portuguese influence and a Portuguese based creole is one of the main languages in rhe region, so that's also a reason why Casamance/Casamança tried to be independent, the cultural divide. ( they also aren't very wolof like the rest of Senegal.

I've been living in the country for 4 months now, and I'm on a trip to senegal right now. I will leave Gambia and go back home to India in 2 weeks. I have to say this country is beautiful, it's not that great at times because there's obviously many flaws and issues when it comes to a country that's not only underdeveloped at that certain point but is also surrounded with many other underdeveloped countries. But it's a great country for a vacation in my opinion, many hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars and beaches.

Well great video lol

It's great to learn something new and something not so new about my country...Love from The Gambia.

For Whatever reason it exists, it is among the best countries in the world. It was the only country to drag Myanmar to the ICJ.

I live in Belgium and you are right 100% about Belgium

How has your channel never been recommended to me before today? Like all I watch are documentaries, historical stuff and geography vids.

Who else heard of Gambia from their shock victories in the AFCON 2022?

America: "I am your father." The Gambia: "I don't even know who you are."

The Gambia river got its first and only bridge in 2019..

YES!!! This man is asking the right questions!!!

Went to the Gambia on holiday 20 years ago. Absolutely love that country and the people

Gambia is a small country but it's a very peaceful country 🇬🇲🇬🇲 it's the smiling coast of west Africa

I find it weird that the people of The Gambia were the ones who rejected the confederation, rather than the leaders. I would've assumed that since the people have big cultural ties to their neighbors in Senegal, most of them would've been positive about a unification.

Only at the start of the video and the belgium roast already has me convinced this is the best video ever

Just a country…a country with the coolest flag in the world. 🇬🇲 A flag that is also a map of said country.

The Gambia is one of th most chill afrikan country i've seen. I have *never* seen any argument there. Evryone is in peace and I love it. Gambian Justice ✊ 🇬🇲

I’m Gambian and I love see random people learn a bit about my country. It’s so hard trying to explain where I’m from too a non African, even some Africans don’t know what or where Gambia is. I’ve been there 3 times and I’m going again this summer. My parents are Mandinka and speak Mandinka, Wollof, and English, and we’ve always listen to both Gambian and Senegalese music. Honestly I claim Senegal a lot at this point we should just unite again

The Morytania joke made me chuckle, I needed that, thanks.

Nice video man and also very clarifying. However, it would also be interesting to look at the demographics of the two nations. For example languistical, religious and cultural similarities or differences that would probably make the unification of the Senegambian federation a succes or failure.

First time I heard of The Gambia was when I watch Alex Haley's Root mini series featuring the characters of Kunta Kinte. In the series, he mentioned "Kambi Bolongo"

I visited The Gambia once. Very nice people. I highly recommend kachikally park

Hugs from Brazil to Gambia! ❤️🇧🇷

Very interesting

This reminds me of The Onion's book "Our Dumb World". From the Senegal chapter: Photos of a bucket, a hose, and a puddle with dotted lines around them. "Currently under Gambian jurisdiction".

As an entirely proud patriotic Gambian (Kombo) citizen, I must admit that this video brought me much joy, especially with the view it has amassed. The Republic of The Gambia is also known as The Smiling Coast of Africa. However, I must correct @ 4:51. As of today, Banjul is not our amplest city. Our most prominent city in terms of the landmass is Serekunda.

I love these video as I'm a Gambian.

@0:37 - Belgium exists purely for the sake of a single joke in Monty Python's "Prejudice" sketch.

The most "rational" border layout, at first sight and from afar (so apologies for my complete lack of knowledge about the reality of both countries, this is why I'm here trying to learn a bit more just for curiosity), seems first that Senegambia should be a single country, if not, then Gambia seems that should be the part from Gambia river to the south, that is current Gambia and Casamance region, or a third option would be make the Gambia river the northern border of the country Gambia (and including Casamance region within). As mentioned about Belgium, it's pretty strange their current existence, and there are also other cases that would make for a whole video about it...