The Gambian Dalasi is the currency of Gambia, managed by the Central Bank of Gambia. It replaced the Gambian pound in 1971 and serves the small West African nation's economy based on agriculture, tourism, and services.
Economy
Gambia is a member of AU, ECOWAS, Commonwealth, OIC.
Previous currencies used: Gambian pound, British West African pound.
The dalasi was introduced in 1971, replacing the Gambian pound at a rate of 5 dalasis = 1 pound. The name derives from the 5-franc coin that circulated in the region during French colonial times.
1971: GMD introduced, replacing Gambian pound at 5:1
1971: Central Bank of Gambia established
1982-1989: Senegambia confederation period
1994: Military coup and economic disruption
2017: Democratic transition and economic reforms
Exchange rate peg: Free floating.
General Information
ISO 4217 Code: GMD
Symbols: GMD/D
Currency Subunits: 100 bututs
Central Bank: Central Bank of Gambia
Monetary Policy: Flexible exchange rate with inflation targeting framework. Focus on price stability and supporting economic development.
USD Exchange Rate: Variable (approximately 67-68 GMD per USD)
Pegged To: None (Floating)
Capital: Banjul
Population: 2,558,482 (2023 est.)
Area: 11,295 km²
Languages: English (official), Mandinka, Wolof, Fula, Other indigenous vernaculars
Time Zones: UTC+0 (Greenwich Mean Time)
Government Type: Presidential republic
Head of Government: President (head of state and government)
Independence: February 18, 1965 (from United Kingdom)
Ethnic Groups: Mandinka 33.9%, Fulani 18.2%, Wolof 12.9%, Jola 11%, Serahuleh 7.2%, Other 16.8%
Religions: Muslim 96.4%, Christian 3.5%, Other 0.1%
Literacy Rate: 50.8% (2015 est.)
Transport: Banjul International Airport, road network along Gambia River, river transport, limited rail
Communications: Basic telecommunications, 50% internet penetration, mobile network coverage
Energy: Fossil fuels 100%, developing solar energy projects
Countries Using This Currency: Gambia
Data Sources: Central Bank: Central Bank of Gambia (cbg.gm), Economic Data: Gambia Bureau of Statistics, World Bank, IMF, Trade Data: Gambia Revenue Authority, Demographic Data: Gambia Bureau of Statistics, Geographic Data: Department of Water Resources, Historical Data: Central Bank of Gambia archives
Last Updated: 2025
Gambian Dalasi - GMD Currency details, information data and facts