The Gambia was a British colony but prior to colonialism this area was comprised of numerous tiny kingdoms. The names of those kingdoms are now used for the various regions in the country where they used to be. On the south bank they were: Kombo, Foni, Kiang, Jaara, Naamina, Fuladu, Jimara, Tumannaa, and Kantoora. On the north bank: Niumi, Jookaadu, Badibu, Saloum, Naani, Sandu, and Wuli.
The Gambia is a secular, capitalist and multiparty republic.

The chronology for political development was as follows:
Local kingdoms before colonialism.

In 1816 British forces occupied the island of Banjul after buying it from the king of Kombo.
1823 the British bought more land (Bakau and Serekunda area) from the king of Kombo. An agreement was made for the British to protect the pagan kingdoms against Muslim invaders. Banjul and Serekunda area became the colony and the other areas became the protectorate (indirectly ruled). These regions are now split into administrative districts.

After the Second World War the move for independence started in Africa.
In 1951 and 1954 representatives were elected in the colony area.
In 1959 a constitutional conference was held in London.
In 1960 country-wide elections were held for self-rule.
In 1965 independence was granted with the Queen of England as head of state and Dawda Jawara as Prime Minister. Referendum for republican status failed.
1970 republican status obtained after a second referendum. Dawda Jawara became the first president of the republic.
Elections were also held in 1962, 1966, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, and 1996/97.
In 1981 there was an abortive military coup led by Kukoi Samba Sanyang.
In 1994 a successful military coup took place. Yahya Jammeh became head of state and government.
In 1996 elections were held and President Jammeh was elected. Parliamentary elections followed in 1997.
In 1996 the first independent electoral commission (IEC) was created. Voting is by secret ballot and Gambians eighteen years and above are eligible to vote.