Area Code 449 – Bakau

Overview of Gambia's +220 449 Geographic Prefix

The +220 449 prefix is a geographic allocation within The Gambia's national numbering plan, conforming to ITU-T E.164 standards. It is assigned to the Bakau area, a coastal town located on the Atlantic Ocean, part of the Kanifing Municipal Council in the Greater Banjul Area. Bakau is known for its botanical gardens, fishing industry, and as a residential suburb of the capital, Banjul.

Coverage and Administrative Jurisdiction

This prefix serves the fixed-line telephone network in Bakau and its immediate environs. The area code 449 is part of the national numbering plan managed by the Gambian Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA). It covers the geographical area under the jurisdiction of the Kanifing Municipal Council, which includes neighborhoods such as New Town, Old Town, and Fajara. The prefix is used for both residential and business fixed-line services.

Dialing Formats

For local callers within The Gambia, the number is dialed as a seven-digit national significant number (NSN): 449 XXXX. For example, a local call to a Bakau number would be dialed as 4491234. For international callers, the full international format is required: +220 449 XXXX (or 00220 449 XXXX from many countries). The leading '+' indicates the international access code, followed by the country code 220, and then the national significant number.

Caller Instructions

Local callers within Bakau or elsewhere in The Gambia must always dial the full seven-digit number, including the 449 prefix, as there are no local dialing shortcuts. For foreign callers, the process is straightforward: dial the international access code (e.g., 011 from the US, 00 from most European countries), then the Gambia country code 220, followed by the 449 prefix and the subscriber number. Ensure you omit any leading '0' that might appear in local listings, as Gambian numbers do not use a trunk prefix.

Overlay and Numbering Considerations

Currently, there is no overlay code for the Bakau area; the 449 prefix is unique to this geographic region. However, with the growth of telecommunications services, PURA may introduce additional prefixes or number portability in the future. Fixed-line numbers in The Gambia are not portable between geographic areas, so a number with the 449 prefix is permanently associated with Bakau.

For businesses operating in Bakau, having a local 449 number establishes a physical presence and can reduce long-distance costs for local customers. For individuals, it provides a reliable connection to the PSTN, supporting both voice and fax services.