Serekunda (proper: Sayerr Kunda or Sere Kunda, sometimes spelled Serrekunda) is the largest urban centre in The Gambia.[2] It is situated close to the Atlantic coast, 13 km (8 mi) south-west of the capital, Banjul,[3] and is formed of nine villages which have grown together into a larger urban area.
Serekunda | |
|---|---|
City | |
 Downtown Serekunda | |
  Serekunda Location in the Gambia | |
| Coordinates: 13°26′N 16°40′W / 13.433°N 16.667°W | |
| Country | Gambia |
| Division | Kanifing |
| Founded by | Sayerr Jobe |
| Named for | Founder |
| Population (2021)[1] | |
| • Total | 340,000 |
| Time zone | 0 GMT |
History and toponymy
Serekunda was founded in the second half of the 19th century by Sayerr Jobe, a Wolof man originally from Koki in the Kingdom of Cayor, in what is now northern Senegal. At the time Sukuta was the only nearby settlement, and the area was a thick forest.[4] The name 'Serekunda' is a corruption of 'Sayerr Kunda', meaning 'the home of Sayerr's family'.[3]
Population history
| 1973 | 1983 | 1993 | 2007 | 2021 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 25,505 | 70,435 | 194,987 | 348,118[3] | 340,000 |
Districts or suburbs
The following districts form part of Serekunda:
- Bakoteh
- Bunungka Kunda
- Dippa Kunda
- Eboe Town
- Faji Kunda
- London Corner
- New Jeshwang
- Old Jeshwang
- Kololi
- Kotu
- Latri Kunda
- Latri Kunda Sabiji
- Manjai Kunda
- Serekunda District
- Talinding Kunjang
- Churchill's Town
Gallery
Mosque on Bundung Highway
References
External links
13°26′N 16°40′W / 13.433°N 16.667°W
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Serekunda.
Wikivoyage has a travel guide for Serekunda.