Although English is the official language used in schools, courts of law, and the administration, local languages are widely spoken. While Wolof serves as a lingua-franca in the urban areas, Mandinka predominates in the rural areas. Fula, Jola, Serahuli, and other languages are often heard. One may also hear a mixture of English spoken with the local lan- guages in the urban areas.

The Gambia’s Principle Religion is islam; 95 percent of  Gambians\’s are Muslims.