Gambia is a country in Western Africa and is the smallest country on mainland Africa.

British traders were in the River Gambia area for approx 100 years before the region of Gambia became officially recognised as a settlement, known as the West African Settlement. In 1821 administration passed to the Governor of Freetown Sierra Leone. In 1843 Gambia became a British Colony and in 1857 a Protectorate.

In 1865 Gambia reverted back to a Settlement status under the control again of Sierra Leone before once again becoming a Crown Colonoy in 1888

The first Stamps were issued in 1869, the so called Cameo Head embossed stamps.