📖 About Serrekunda

Serrekunda is The Gambia's largest city and main commercial hub, part of the Greater Banjul Area. With approximately 400,000 residents, this vibrant urban center has outgrown the capital Banjul in population and economic importance. The city is known for its bustling markets, busy streets, and authentic West African urban atmosphere.

The city serves as gateway to Gambian beach resorts and the Atlantic coast. Markets like Serrekunda Market are legendary for bargaining and variety. Serrekunda represents urban Gambia—commercial energy, diverse communities, and the heartbeat of Africa's smallest mainland nation.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Commerce dominates Serrekunda—the market is one of West Africa's busiest. Retail, services, and small businesses thrive. Tourism (beach resorts nearby) provides employment. Construction, transport, and telecommunications have grown. The informal economy is massive. The city is The Gambia's economic engine.

Gambian culture is diverse—Mandinka, Fula, Wolof, and other groups coexist. English is official; local languages predominate. Islam is the majority religion. Music (especially mbalax) and dance are central to social life. Food features domoda (peanut stew), benachin (Jollof rice), and grilled fish. The culture is friendly, communal, and proudly West African.

📜 History

Serrekunda grew from a small Mandinka settlement in the 20th century. The name derives from the Jola people who first settled here. British colonial presence was centered in Banjul. Post-independence (1965), urbanization accelerated.

Rural-urban migration swelled the population. By the 1990s, Serrekunda had surpassed Banjul in size. Growth continued, spreading into surrounding areas. Today Serrekunda is The Gambia's de facto commercial capital—bustling market town, tourist gateway, and urban heart of the "Smiling Coast of Africa."