As of 2024, the top 1% in Gambia earned 16.02% of total national income, while the bottom 50% received just 13.89%. Gambia’s income inequality has decreased since 1980, when the top 1% share was 18.57%.
Key Income Distribution Metrics for Gambia in 2024
In 2024, income in Gambia was distributed as follows: the wealthiest 1% of the population captured 16.02% of total national income, which is roughly on par with the global average of 16.17%. Meanwhile, the bottom half of earners received 13.89% of income, slightly lower than the global average of 14.97%.
| Metric | Gambia | Global Average |
|---|---|---|
| Top 1% Income Share | 16.02% | 16.17% |
| Top 10% Income Share | 48.00% | 45.21% |
| Bottom 50% Income Share | 13.89% | 14.97% |
How Has Income Inequality Changed in Gambia?
Top 1% Income Share Trend (1980-2024)
The share of income going to Gambia’s top 1% has decreased over the past 44 years. In 1980, the top 1% captured 18.57% of national income. By 2024, this figure had fallen by 2.55 percentage points to 16.02%.
Top 10% vs Bottom 50% Income Gap Over Time
The income gap between the top 10% and bottom 50% in Gambia has narrowed over this period. In 1980, the top 10% earned 55.26% while the bottom 50% received 10.21%. By 2024, these figures shifted to 48.00% and 13.89% respectively.
| Year | Top 1% | Top 10% | Bottom 50% | Gap (Top 10 – Bottom 50) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1980 | 18.57% | 55.26% | 10.21% | 45.05 pp |
| 1986 | 18.57% | 55.26% | 10.21% | 45.05 pp |
| 1992 | 18.57% | 55.26% | 10.21% | 45.05 pp |
| 1998 | 18.57% | 55.26% | 10.21% | 45.05 pp |
| 2004 | 20.72% | 54.60% | 10.65% | 43.95 pp |
| 2010 | 21.37% | 53.49% | 11.89% | 41.60 pp |
| 2016 | 14.09% | 46.30% | 14.79% | 31.51 pp |
| 2022 | 16.02% | 48.00% | 13.89% | 34.11 pp |
How Gambia Compares Globally
Gambia vs Africa Average
Compared to other countries in Africa, Gambia’s top 1% income share of 16.02% is roughly on par with the regional average of 15.62%. The bottom 50% in Gambia receives 13.89% of income, compared to the Africa average of 13.46%.
Where Gambia Ranks Among All Countries
- Top 1% income concentration: Gambia ranks 93rd out of 184 countries (higher rank = more concentrated wealth at the top)
- Bottom 50% income share: Gambia ranks 120th out of 184 countries (higher rank = larger share for the bottom half)
Countries with similar income inequality levels to Gambia include income distribution in Mongolia, income distribution in Sao Tome and Principe, income distribution in Marshall Islands.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the income share of the top 1% in Gambia?
As of 2024, the top 1% in Gambia earned 16.02% of total national income. This level of concentration is considered high by international standards.
Is income inequality increasing or decreasing in Gambia?
Income inequality in Gambia has decreased since 1980. The top 1% income share moved from 18.57% in 1980 to 16.02% in 2024.
What percentage of income goes to the bottom 50% in Gambia?
In 2024, the bottom 50% of earners in Gambia received 13.89% of total national income. This compares with the top 10% who captured 48.00%.
Last updated: April 8, 2026
Data source: World Inequality Database (WID). This dataset covers income distribution metrics for 199 countries from 1980 to 2024.