The Gambia has experienced steady population growth over the past several decades. As of 2023, the country’s population is estimated at around 2.7 million people, a significant increase from approximately 1.3 million in 1990. This growth is driven by a high birth rate and a relatively young population, with over 60% of Gambians under the age of 25. Despite its small size—being the smallest country on mainland Africa—The Gambia’s population density is among the highest in the region. Urbanization is also on the rise, with more people moving to cities like Banjul and Serekunda in search of economic opportunities. The rapid population increase presents both opportunities and challenges for the country’s development, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, and employment.
| Year | Population | Population Density Per Square KM |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | 271,369 | 26.8 |
| 1955 | 306,390 | 30.3 |
| 1960 | 351,953 | 34.8 |
| 1965 | 411,947 | 40.7 |
| 1970 | 484,580 | 47.9 |
| 1975 | 565,590 | 55.9 |
| 1980 | 652,459 | 64.5 |
| 1985 | 773,544 | 76.4 |
| 1990 | 954,461 | 94.3 |
| 1995 | 1,161,378 | 114.8 |
| 2000 | 1,331,165 | 131.5 |
| 2005 | 1,509,112 | 149.1 |
| 2010 | 1,749,619 | 172.9 |
| 2015 | 2,023,672 | 200 |
| 2020 | 2,302,355 | 227.5 |
| 2022 | 2,413,403 | 238.5 |
| 2023 | 2,468,569 | 243.9 |
| 2024 | 2,523,327 | 249.3 |
| 2025 | 2,577,553 | 254.7 |
| 2030 | 2,843,732 | 281 |
| 2035 | 3,101,196 | 306.4 |
| 2040 | 3,350,902 | 331.1 |
| 2045 | 3,592,873 | 355 |
| 2050 | 3,826,233 | 378.1 |
| 2055 | 4,048,532 | 400.1 |
| 2060 | 4,255,749 | 420.5 |
| 2065 | 4,444,176 | 439.1 |
| 2070 | 4,611,459 | 455.7 |
| 2075 | 4,755,514 | 469.9 |
| 2080 | 4,874,145 | 481.6 |
| 2085 | 4,965,270 | 490.6 |
| 2090 | 5,027,452 | 496.8 |
| 2095 | 5,060,665 | 500.1 |
| 2100 | 5,066,626 | 500.7 |
Data from US Census International Database