Area Code 43 – Bundung/Serekunda

Overview of Gambia Area Code 43

Area code 43 is a geographic National Destination Code (NDC) assigned to the western region of The Gambia, specifically covering the municipalities of Bundung and Serekunda. These areas form part of the Greater Banjul Area, the country's most densely populated urban corridor. Serekunda serves as the largest urban center in The Gambia, while Bundung is a contiguous residential and commercial district. The code is administered under the country's national numbering plan, which follows ITU-T E.164 recommendations.

Dialing Formats

When calling a landline in Bundung or Serekunda from abroad, you must use the international format: +220 43X XXXX (replace X with the subscriber's digits). The full national significant number (NSN) is eight digits, including the area code. For example, a typical number might be +220 43 12345. Within The Gambia, callers can dial the NSN directly without the international prefix, i.e., 043 12345 (the leading '0' is only used for domestic calls, though it is not part of the international number).

Geographic Coverage and Overlays

The 43 code is geographically specific to the western division of the country. Unlike some regions that have introduced overlay codes to address number exhaustion, The Gambia currently maintains a single NDC per geographic area. This means that all landline numbers within Bundung and Serekunda share the 43 prefix, and there is no need for 10-digit dialing within the country. However, as the telecommunications market evolves, future overlays may be introduced, so it is advisable to verify the current dialing procedures with your local service provider.

Caller Instructions

For international callers: Dial your country's exit code (e.g., 00 or 011), followed by The Gambia's country code +220, then the area code 43 and the local subscriber number. Ensure you omit any leading '0' that might be used in domestic dialing. For local callers: Simply dial the eight-digit NSN, which includes the area code. For example, to call a number in Serekunda from another part of The Gambia, you would dial 043 12345.

Technical Considerations

Landline numbers under the 43 code are primarily served by fixed-line operators, including Gamtel, the incumbent operator. These lines are connected to the PSTN and support traditional voice services. In recent years, some fixed-line numbers have been migrated to VoIP backbones, but the geographic significance of the code remains. When dialing from a mobile phone, the call is routed as a standard national call, and charges may vary depending on your mobile tariff plan. It is always recommended to confirm the correct number with the recipient, as misdialing the area code could result in reaching a different region.