Until 1995 the division was known as MacCarthy Island Division, which had been established as one of five administrative areas of Gambia Protectorate in the early 20th century. It was located on both sides of the Gambia River, and its total population according to the 2013 census was 226,018[2] The total number of households was 17,399 as of 2003. As of 2003, the total area of the region is 2894.3 km2.