Surrounded by a country almost 17 times its size, The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa’s mainland. The Gambia, often referred to as "The Smiling Coast of Africa," is a small West African country bordered by Senegal on three sides and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. 

It is the smallest country on mainland Africa, with a narrow, elongated shape that follows the Gambia River, which flows through the center of the country into the Atlantic. The strip of land which is around 25 to 50 km wide is bordered by Senegal that is much bigger than this tiny country. 

Senegal's total land area is approximately 196,722 square kilometers (76,000 sq mi), while The Gambia's total area is much smaller, at about 11,300 square kilometers (4,361 sq mi). This means Senegal is roughly 17 times larger than The Gambia. 

But despite being smaller in size, The Gambia has been a popular destination among tourists for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse wildlife. The Gambia's coast offers miles of unspoiled beaches lined with cafes and restaurants, making it a perfect destination for those looking for a perfect summer experience. 

Visitors can also flock to The River Gambia National Park for a fun-filled adventure day that has a number of wild and exotic animals. The country's beauty is at its peak during the dry season from November to April. Tourists can enjoy the warm and sunny weather, with temperatures soaring up to 32C in November. 

However, even the rainy season that runs from June to October sees higher humidity and occasional downpours, but the landscape becomes lush and green.

Travellers from the UK can reach this hidden gem in over 6 hours by taking a flight to Banjul (Gambia's capital). 

In addition to natural attractions, historical sites such as Kunta Kinteh Island and Albreda Village offer insight into the country’s colonial and slave trade history.

However, the country has an interesting history too. It has a long history influenced by various empires, trade, and colonisation. It was part of the ancient Mali Empire and later became an important region for trans-Saharan trade.

In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived, followed by the British, who established The Gambia as a British colony in the 18th century.  The Gambia gained independence from Britain in 1965 and became a republic in 1970.