Whilst The Gambia is a secular state, the majority of its people are Muslim. 10% are Christian, consisting of various denominations. Religion is an extremely meaningful part of life for people: it is not uncommon to see men and women praying in the street, laying down their prayer mats towards Mekka for daily worship. There is however no fanaticism. The different religions live alongside each other peacefully and respectfully. As a very tolerant society Gambians even inter-marry and care about each other’s festivities, celebrating national holidays like Christmas and Eid al-Fitr (the end of Ramadan) collectively.
