Even if it has only about 35,000 inhabitants, Banjul, formerly known as Bathurst, is the capital of the Gambia. Located on St Mary's Island (Banjul Island), where the Gambia River enters the Atlantic Ocean, it is connected to the mainland to the west and the rest of Greater Banjul Area via bridges. In 1651 Banjul was leased by The Duke of Courland and Semigallia (German: Herzog von Kurland und Semgallen) from the King of Kombo, as part of the Couronian colonization. In 1816, the British founded Banjul as a trading post and base for suppressing the slave trade.Attractions in the city include the Gambian National Museum, the Albert Market, Banjul State House, Banjul Court House, African Heritage Museum, two cathedrals and several major mosques.
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