The Gambia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
51 / 100
Partly Free
Internet Freedom
56 / 100
Partly Free
The Gambia was ruled for over two decades by former president Yahya Jammeh, who mounted a bloodless coup in 1994 and consistently violated political rights and civil liberties. The 2016 election resulted in a surprise victory for opposition candidate Adama Barrow. Fundamental freedoms including the rights of assembly, association, and speech improved thereafter, but the rule of law is unconsolidated, LGBT+ people face severe discrimination, and violence against women remains a serious problem.
Research & Recommendations
The Gambia
Partly Free
51
100
| PR Political Rights | 22 40 |
| CL Civil Liberties | 29 60 |
Last Year's Score & Status
50
100
Partly Free
A country or territory’s Freedom in the World status depends on its aggregate Political Rights score, on a scale of 0–40, and its aggregate Civil Liberties score, on a scale of 0–60.
See the methodology.
Freedom in the World 2026 Policy Recommendations
Strengthen democratic coordination and collective action in a contested global order
Democratic resilience will increasingly depend on stronger coordination among countries that share a commitment to freedom, the rule of law, and accountable governance.
Reimagine international democracy assistance to help reverse the global decline in freedom
International support for democratic institutions, civil society, and independent media has been associated with modest but meaningful improvements in democratic governance, and it is far less costly than the military outlays necessitated by rising authoritarian aggression.
Prioritize engagement with younger generations in the digital spaces where civic identity is now formed
Young people are increasingly dissatisfied with democracy—not because they reject its principles, but because they see institutions failing to deliver on them. Programmatic work should create clear pathways for meaningful political participation, from voting and policy engagement to community organizing and public leadership, so that young people can translate their expectations into agency.
The Gambia
Partly Free
56
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 13 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 25 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 18 40 |
Last Year's Score & Status
56
100
Partly Free
Scores are based on a scale of 0 (least free) to 100 (most free).
See the methodology and report acknowledgements.
Political Overview
After over two decades of restrictive rule under President Yahya Jammeh, respect for political rights and civil liberties has improved under the administration of Adama Barrow, who took office following a surprise electoral victory in 2016. However, his administration has faced criticism for continued corruption, and journalists, civil society groups, and others continue to face some pressure. LGBT+ people face severe discrimination, and violence against women remains a serious problem.
Freedom on the Net 2025 Policy Recommendations
Countering Restrictions on Freedom of Expression
Freedom of expression online has been and is increasingly under attack as governments shut off internet connectivity, block social media platforms, and restrict access to websites that host political, social, and religious speech. Protecting freedom of expression will require strong legal and regulatory safeguards for digital communications.
Countering Manipulation of the Online Environment
Governments should encourage a whole-of-society approach to fostering a high-quality, diverse, and trustworthy information space. The Global Declaration on Information Integrity Online identifies best practices for safeguarding the information ecosystem, to which governments should adhere.
Countering Restrictions on Privacy and Disproportionate Government Surveillance
Comprehensive data-protection regulations and industry policies on data protection are essential for upholding privacy and combating disproportionate government surveillance, but they require careful crafting to ensure that they do not contribute to internet fragmentation—the siloing of the global internet into nation-based segments—and cannot be used by governments to undermine privacy and other fundamental freedoms.
News and Updates
Freedom House Perspectives
News Releases & Media Coverage
Country Facts
Basic Facts
Freedom in the World Score
51
/ 100
Partly Free
Freedom on the Net Score
56
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 2,706,000
Internet Facts
Status
Partly Free
Networks Restricted
No
Social Media Blocked
No
Websites Blocked
No
Pro-government Commentators
No
Users Arrested
Yes
Election Facts
Status
Past Election
Date of Election
April 9, 2022
Type of Election
Legislative
Internet Penetration
21.18%
Election Year
2022
Vulnerability Index
57
/ 100
Transnational Repression
Status
Not Tracked
