About 42 African ethnic groups live in this country; these various groups settled in Benin at different times and also migrated within the country.
Islam is the predominant religion, practiced by approximately 90% of the country's population. The majority of the Muslims in the Gambia adhere to Sufi laws and traditions. Virtually all commercial life in The Gambia comes to a standstill during major Muslim holidays, including Eid al-Adha and Eid ul-Fitr. Most Muslims in the Gambia follow the Maliki school of jurisprudence.