Named for the Senegal River, which borders it on the east and north, the Republic of Senegal has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, and boundaries with Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and the Gambia, the latter of which is surrounded by Senegal to the north, east and south.
The landscape of the West African country is mostly flat, with rolling hills in the west, that transition to foothills in the southeast, where its highest point is found. The Casamance River extends into the southern region of the country, while the Saloum River, with several islands, is in the center of the country. The climate of Senegal is tropical, with dry and humid seasons, near the coast, but the northern regions have a hot desert climate, while a hot semi-arid climate can be found in the central part of the country.
A little more than half the population of Senegal is rural. About 50,000 Europeans, largely French, as well as some Lebanese, live in Senegal, mainly in the cities. In recent years, the country has taken in tens of thousands of refugees from Mauritania. Although French is the official language of Senegal, it is used only by the minority of the population, those who are literate. Most Senegalese speak an indigenous language as a first language, mostly Wolof.
Archaeologists believe that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Islam became established in the region in the 11th century and, today, approximately 95% of the country's people are Muslims, with perhaps 4% Christians, and the rest following indigenous religions, mostly in the southeast.
In 1959, Senegal merged with French Soudan to form the Mali Federation, which became independent in 1960. Later that same year, the Federation disintegrated, and Senegal proclaimed its independence, while Soudan became Mali.
After the breakup of the Mali Federation, Senegal was governed by a president and a prime minister, under a parliamentary system. However, in 1962 the prime minister orchestrated an attempted coup, and was arrested. Senegal adopted a new constitution that consolidated power in the hands of the president, and the country has enjoyed peaceful successions of power ever since.
Senegal is a republic with a strong presidency, a bicameral legislature, and a mostly independent judiciary. Multiiple political parties are part of the country's political system. It is one of only a few African countries that have never experienced a successful coup.
Senegal is divided into fourteen regions, each with the same name as their regional capital: Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kédougou, Koida, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou, Tambacounda, Thiès, and Ziguinchor.
Senegal is a semi-arid country in the westernmost portion of Africa. With limited natural resources, the country's economy is based on fish, phosphates, peanuts, tourism, and the service sector, so it is highly vulnerable to variations in rainfall and commodity prices. Because these variables tend not to be reliable, the country depends heavily on foreign assistance.
Senegal is active in the United Nations and other world organizations, and enjoys good relations with its neighbors. There is a problem with a large number of refugees from Mauritania living in Senegal, but the two governments are in negotiations on a solution.
Senegal has a well-trained and effective military, which receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States. Senegal has participated in several international peacekeeping missions for the United Nations and the African Union, as well as to assist its neighbors. Senegal was the only sub-Saharan nation to send a contingent to participate in Operation Desert Storm.
The educational system in Senegal is based on the French system. According to its constitution, public education is free and compulsory up to the age of sixteen. However, due to a low demand for public (secular) education, and limited resources, the law is not strongly enforced. Many children attend Islamic schools instead, but the objective of some of these schools, particularly the Koranic Schools, is to teach children to be good Muslims, and are often lacking in non-religious instruction.
However, for those who attend, Senegal's public school system includes preschool, primary school, middle school, and high school programs, with multigrade teaching utilized in areas of low population density. University instruction is in French, but there are several available, both public and private.
As of 2002, the overall literacy rate in Senegal was just over 39%, but there was a large disparity between males and females. More than 50% of men were literate, while fewer than 30% of women are literate.
Recommended Resources
Created and maintained by Senegalese Senator Amadou Thiam, the site features a history of the Republic of Senegal from pre-colonial times to the present, as well as its people, their ethnicities, cultural background, languages, religions, and other demographics. The country’s governmental structure, administrative divisions, national holidays, constitution, and representations are set forth.
http://www.discoversenegal.com/
The Canadian Embassy is located in Dakar, Senegal, where it represents Canada to the people of Senegal, offers information about relationships between the two countries, posts messages, job opportunities, office numbers and contacts, as well as an overview of the services that the embassy provides to Canadians in Senegal, as well as its services to people of Senegal wanting to do business with Canada.
http://www.canadainternational.gc.ca/senegal/
Located in Saly Portudal, a seaside resort area south of Dakar, Senegal, the guest accommodations features four villas, each able to accommodate up to six people, and situated around a swimming pool. Popular attractions in Senegal are shown on a map, along with the location of the guest accommodations, and photos of the rooms and common areas are featured, with prices, and reservation information.
http://www.saly-koulang.com/en/
Known as Lac Rose by Senegalese, the unusual lake is separated from the Atlantic Ocean by some narrow dunes and has a high salt content, one that can be compared to that of the Dead Sea. The lake has a distinct pink color, which is caused by the Dunaliella salina bacteria, which is attracted by its salt content. Several photos of the lake are featured in a gallery of photographs, and its location and other details are given.
http://www.lakeretba.com/
Senegal organizations, religious institutions, schools, businesses, transportation options, and services may be found, either by browsing topical categories, or by searching by keyword, business name, city, or post code. Job listings are also featured. New listings may be submitted for consideration of being added to the directory. An overview of how the directory works is included.
http://www.senegaldirectory.com/
Situated on Route des Almadies in Dakar, the embassy represents the United States to the people of the Republic of Senegal and provides a variety of services to Americans in Senegal, such as visa and passport issues, travel advisories, and emergency notifications. Announcements and news items relating to the two countries are posted to the site, along with office hours and contacts.
https://sn.usembassy.gov/
The United States Central Intelligence Agency presents an overview of the Republic of Senegal, including a map showing its location and that of its largest cities, photographs, and an introduction to the country, its geographical features, and natural resources. Its government, people, languages, and culture are outlined, along with its energy and communications infrastructure, military, and international relations.
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/sg.html
Yello Senegal Business Directory
Find restaurants, hotels and other guest accommodations, shopping venues, automotive sales or repair companies, law firms, contractors and construction companies, real estate agents, doctors and medical facilities, schools, government services, and other businesses and services in Senegal, Africa through this directory. Viewers may browse topical or regional categories or search by keyword or location. Businesses that are not already included may be submitted for consideration.
http://www.snyello.com/
