MacCarthy Island Division
| Central River | |
|---|---|
| Division | |
 |
|
 Location of Central River Division in the Gambia |
|
| Coordinates: 13°34′N 14°47′W / 13.567°N 14.783°W | |
| Country |
 Gambia
|
| Capital | Janjanbureh |
| Area | |
| • Total | 2,894.3 km2 (1,117.5 sq mi) |
| Population (2013 census) | |
| • Total | 226,018 |
| • Density | 78/km2 (200/sq mi) |
| Area code(s) | (+220) 5 |
Central River was the largest of the five administrative divisions of the Gambia. Its capital was Janjanbureh (formerly Georgetown), on MacCarthy Island. The largest settlement was Bansang, with an estimated population in 2008 of 8,381.
Until 1995 the division was known as MacCarthy Island Division, which had been established as one of five administrative areas of Gambia Protectorate in the early 20th century. It was located on both sides of the Gambia River, and its total population in 2013 was 239,916 Per 2013 census, the region had a population of 226,018 with a population density of 078. The total number of households was 17,399 as of 2003. As of 2003, the total area of the region is 2894.3 km2.
The Gambia is the smallest country in Africa and the width of the strip like structure never exceeding 48 km (30 mi). It is bordered by Atlantic Ocean to the West, and otherwise surrounded by Senegal. The Gambia River flows throughout the country and is the principal source of water and transport medium. The banks of the river has swampy beaches, while it has alluvial soil in all other parts, which is conducive for the growth of rice. Peanuts is the major cashcrop. The weather is usually warm and dry. The elevation of the country reaches to a maximum of 50 m (160 ft) above the mean sea level. There are vast segments of sedimentary sandstone and claystone in the valleys of the rivers and the regions surrounding it. The river flows from Guinea and has an east-west axis. The shallow water in the coastline are important sources of fishing. There are mangrove and banto forests along the coastline. Over the river segemnt of 487 km (303 mi), there are numerous creeks, which are locally called boloons. The months from June to September experience a wet season, while the remaining seven months are dry. The average annual rainfall is around 1,400 mm (55 in) in the south east, while it is 720 mm (28 in) in the northwest. Experts have assessed that the overall rainfall during the century period between 1886 and 1992, there has been a reduction in rainfall of around 15-20 per cent and the wet season has been shortened.
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