Isn't the answer simply that it follows the Gambia river? the country of The Gambia is basically just a bit of land on either side of the river. It's actually strange that there aren't more countries like that. read more
The shape of The Gambia nation is a vestige of colonial days. The British controlled the lower reaches of the Gambia River while the French controlled the surrounding territory, now the nation of Senegal. So the shape of The Gambia (particularly its eastern part) basically conforms to the shape of the river and its attendant riparian plain. read more
The Gambia is surrounded by Senegal. Perry-Castañeda Library Map Collection/Public domain. The Gambia, the tiniest country on the African mainland, is shaped unlike any other nation in the world. read more