Small oceangoing ships can sail up the river from the Atlantic as far as Kuntaur. Mangrove swamps line the riverbanks from the coast to the center of the country. Near the coast, salt water from the tidal reaches of the Gambia River floods the banto faros, ruining the soil. Farther inland, areas that the river floods with fresh water during the wet season are used to raise rice. Beyond the banto faros, sandy plateaus extend from both sides of the river into Senegal.
Farmers raise peanuts and rice on the plateaus.
Inland areas get less rainfall. Peanuts, which have been exported from Gambia since 1830, make up about 95 percent of the value of the country's exports. Rice is also grown, most of it by Gambian women as food for their families. The only industry in Gambia is peanut processing. Britain is Gambia's most important trade partner.