The Gambia
Freedom at a Glance
Global Freedom
51 / 100
Partly Free
Internet Freedom
60 / 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.
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 problem.
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
60
100
| A Obstacles to Access | 13 25 |
| B Limits on Content | 26 35 |
| C Violations of User Rights | 21 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.
Overview
Internet freedom improved in The Gambia during the coverage period and the government has taken meaningful steps towards improving online rights and privacy in recent years. Digital journalists who reported on sensitive issues faced fewer instances of criminal charges or pressure to retract stories about powerful actors. However, false and misleading information continues to distort the online information space.
Freedom on the Net 2026 Policy Recommendations
Undermine Authoritarian Internet Restrictions
Access to the internet is under threat as authoritarian powers continue to create barriers for people to freely express themselves online. Internet shutdowns, throttling, and platform blocking remain among the most common tools of digital repression. At the same time, digital technologies serve as a lifeline for people seeking to expose human rights violations to the outside world and hold dictators accountable.
Safeguard Privacy Online
Protecting privacy online is essential to safeguarding free expression in repressive contexts. Without strong privacy protections, journalists and human rights defenders may self-censor out of a fear of reprisal. Rapid advances in AI—and the growing threat of automated vulnerability exploitation—heighten these risks, leaving civil society organizations increasingly vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks.
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
60
/ 100
Partly Free
Population: 2,706,000
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
