Revolution Day is celebrated on July 22 to commemorate the 1994 coup d'état led by Yahya Jammeh.
The Gambia gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1965 as a constitutional monarchy within the Commonwealth of Nations.
In 1970, The Gambia became a republic, but did not withdraw from the Commonwealth.
Former Prime Minister Dawda Jawara became the first President of the Gambia.
On July 22, 1994, a group of young officers led by Yahya Jammeh overthrew Jawara and seized power.
In 1996, Jammeh was officially elected as President of the Gambia.
He was re-elected for three more terms in 2001, 2006 and 2011.
Jammeh declared the anniversary of the coup a national holiday,
