Pillar-programme of Pécs2010 European Capital of Culture
24 July - 31 July
14th International Culture Week in Pécs  
Zsuzsanna Ozsvári
The Honorary Consul of the Republic of Hungary in The Republic to The Gambia

She studied at the Janus Pannonius University of Sciences (Pécs, Hungary) and completed her masters degree in Music and Adult Education and Human Resources Development (Népművelés). During the time at the University, she played an active role in the "Vizin Antus" folksband and other musical groups both at stage and TV.

Since she got married, she spent five years in Luxembourg and for the last fifteen years, they have lived in West Africa. During this time she splits her time being The Gambia and much larger Senegal, where her Hungarian-Luxembourgian husband has a wine importing business.
 
In 2004, the Hungarian Government invited she to represent her country in The Gambia. So she became to the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Hungary in The Republic to The Gambia. It is a special rank because honorary consuls are individuals who undertake diplomatic duties for countries without being offered the same status, perks and pay as normal diplomats employed by government ministries and certain international institutions like the EU.
Her consular work includes strengthening ties and promoting the development of the commercial, economical and cultural contacts between the two countries as well as looking after Hungarian Nationals living in The Gambia.
 
Abstract
 
The Gambia is a small country in Western Africa. Apart from a small Atlantic seaboard, it is entirely surrounded by Senegal. The geography of the country is dominated by the Gambia river basin and floodplain, beyond which lies savannah and low hills. 
The cultural heritage, „the roots” are very important for the country so they lay a big emphasis on ethnical groups and immigrants, on the religions place in the life of people and on the family contacts.
 
The Gambia is known for its multi ethnicity and edifying humanity. The place has enough space for ethnic groups who believe in preserving their cultural traditions. The bigger ethnic groups are: Mandinka (the largest), Fula, Wolof, Jola, Serahule. 
As a result of the multi ethnicity of the country is the religion multicoloured too.The population of Gambia is predominantly Muslim with more than 90% following Islam. The remaining 10% are mostly Christians of different denominations including Anglicans, Methodists, and Roman Catholics. 
 
Nowdays the effect of the Global Culture appeares in many countries and The Gambia is no exception. It influences the worldtrade and the information stream however it promoted the appeareance of the cultural rubbish. In the latest years Gambia became a very popular holiday destination so tourism is yet another aspect that attracts several tourists within the region in this way it contributes to the growth of the economy. The Gambia started to develop not only the economy but also the society and it is thanks to the efforts of H.E.Prof. Dr.Alh. Yahya Jammeh President of TheRepublic of The Gambia.