Gambia, The Population 2026
The Gambia, a small country in West Africa, has an estimated population of 2,759,988 as of 2025. This positions it as the 141st most populous country globally. The nation is classified as low income and is part of the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
Population Trend (Gambia, The)
Population by Decade
Population milestones
How Gambia, The's population changed across key years (World Bank estimates).
Overview
The Gambia's population is growing at a rapid pace, with a 1-year growth rate of 2.30% in 2025. Over the past decade, the average annual growth rate has been 2.46%, reflecting sustained demographic expansion common in many low-income Sub-Saharan African countries. This high growth rate is driven by relatively high fertility rates and declining mortality, leading to a young population structure. As a small nation both in area and population, The Gambia faces challenges in providing infrastructure and services to its growing populace, though remittances and agriculture remain key economic supports. In the broader Sub-Saharan African context, The Gambia's growth aligns with regional trends where many countries experience annual population increases above 2%, contributing to the region's rapid urbanization and youth bulge. The country's low-income status means that population pressure can strain resources such as education, healthcare, and employment, particularly in the urban centers like the capital, Banjul.
Key Facts
- The Gambia's population in 2025 is estimated at 2,759,988.
- The country ranks 141st in global population size.
- The 1-year population growth rate for 2025 is 2.30%.
- Over the last 10 years, the average annual growth rate has been 2.46%.
- The Gambia is classified as a low-income economy in Sub-Saharan Africa.
- The population of The Gambia is growing faster than the world average annual growth rate of roughly 0.9%.