West Coast Region – The historic land of Foni around Brikama
West Coast Region, originally called the Western Division, is also known by the old name Foni (or Fonyi) – a reminder of the traditional districts that shaped this part of the Gambia long before modern administration. Its capital is Brikama, which grew into one of the country’s largest towns.
The region was later reorganised as the Brikama Local Government Area, without any change to its borders. With close to 700,000 inhabitants in 2013, it is today one of the most populous and fastest-growing parts of the Gambia, linking the Atlantic coast with the rural interior.
Do you have family stories from Foni, Brikama or the coastal villages? Share them here and help us build a living history of the West Coast Region.