The Republic of the Gambia is one of the least developed and poorest countries in Africa, with an economy that is heavily dependent on agriculture and the processing of agricultural products.

UNESCO: Community-Based Forestry Management Programme

Aged 46 and with no apparent likelihood of Gambians being tempted to lose their marbles at polling booths, the chances are His Excellency Sheikh, Professor, Alhaji, Doctor Yahya AJJ Jammeh will be around for a long time as President and Commander in Chief of the Republic of The Gambia.

BBC: African viewpoint: Jammeh, Aids and infertility

The tiny West African republic of The Gambia has not suffered any significant Y2K problems so far, despite predictions that it was in line for serious disruption.

BBC: Gambia weathers Y2K risk

Several countries have introduced or amended laws to strengthen community land rights - including Angola, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Gambia, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Sudan and Tanzania.

BBC: Deforestation 'faster in Africa'