1200. The Ghana empire establishes its authority over the area.
1400. Europeans begin to explore and settle on the coast and river areas.
1588. The Portuguese sell rights to the Gambia River to British merchants.
1783. Treaty of Versailles gives the British possession of the Gambia, with the French retaining a small enclave on the north bank at Albreda.
1816. The British establish a military post on Banjul Island (then called Bathurst) to suppress the slave trade on the River Gambia.
1857. The French cede Albreda to the British.
1888. Downstream Gambia becomes a colony and the upstream section becomes a protectorate.
1889. Britain and France reach agreement as to the boundaries of their respective colonies.
1906. Slave trade outlawed in the Gambia and other surrounding areas.
1962. Dawda Jawara and the Peoples Progressive Party (PPP) win elections but fail to assume office due to a vote of no confidence by the opposition.
1963. After further constitutional changes, the country obtains administrative autonomy from British, Jawara becomes the prime minister, and the PPP forms government.
1965. On February 18, Gambia achieves full independence.
1970. Gambia proclaimed a republic with a presidential system of government. Dawda Jawara wins election again.
1972. The dalasi is introduced as the Gambia's national currency.
1973. In national elections, the ruling PPP wins 28 of the 32 seats in the House of Representatives and Jawara is re-elected president.
1975. The success of Alex Haley's book Roots turns Gambia into an important tourism center.
1981. Muslim dissidents attempt to overthrow Jawara but are foiled with the help of Senegalese troops.
1982. The Senegambian federation established, a loose arrangement to benefit both countries, with Abdion Diouf of Senegal as its first president.
1989. The confederation of Senegambia is dissolved after Gambian resistance to closer union.
1994. A military coup overthrows Jawara. Captain Yahya Jammeh assumes presidency.
1996. Elections return Yahya Jammeh as president.
1998. IMF approves 3-year Enhanced Structural Adjustment Facility of US$27 million.
1999. Poverty Reduction and Growth Facility US$4.5 million loan from IMF is approved.
2000. Gambia receives US$91 million in debt relief under the Highly Indebted Poor Countries scheme.