The Gambia remains one of the poorest countries in the world. The Gambia faces significant demographic and economic pressures that continue to shape migration flows. On the demographic front, a high population growth rate is likely to increase the dependency ratio and the population density of The Gambia.

Already, over 60 per cent of the population is below the age of 25 and the population is expected to double by 2050. Heightened demographic pressures are likely to increase the incentive to migrate. Economic pressures will also continue to affect migration flows for the foreseeable future.

The Gambia ranks as one of the world’s least developed countries, with high poverty rates. 48.4 per cent of the population is living below the poverty line. The national unemployment rate hovers at 30 per cent, with rates of over 40 per cent affecting youths between the ages of 15 and 24.

The pillars of the economy are agriculture, tourism and remittances from the diaspora, which makes The Gambia vulnerable to external shocks, including inflation and climate change. The Gambia has been the source of more migrants to Europe per capita than any other African nation.