About Senegal

Quick Facts

  • Location: Western Africa
  • Size: 75,951 mi² (about the same size as South Dakota)
  • Population: 15.8 million (about the same size as Moscow)
  • National Language: French
  • Capital: Dakar

Geography

Senegal lies approximately east of Nicaragua and Honduras south of Iceland. It borders Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. Senegal almost completely surrounds The Gambia, save for a short Atlantic coastline.

The climate in Senegal varies from a warm desert climate in the north to a tropical climate in the south, with forested regions in the southwest. The dry season runs from December to April, and the majority of the country’s rainfall occurs between June and October. Temperatures in the desert can reach as high as 120° F. Even in the coldest areas, temperatures usually do not drop below 50° F.

Politics

Senegal gained their independence from France in 1960.
Now, the country is a multiparty democratic republic, with over 80 distinct political parties represented in their National Assembly. Presidential elections are held every five years. Senegal has earned a rating of Free from Freedom House, indicating that their elections are generally non-corrupt and fair. The country is divided into 14 regions, which each elect a Regional Council to handle local matters. Senegal also has an independent judiciary.

Demographics and Culture

Senegal has many different ethnic groups based in traditional tribal cultures. They also have French, Lebanese, Moroccan, Vietnamese, and Chinese communities, as well as a large Mauritanian refugee population. French is the official language, but local languages (including Wolof, Puular, and Serer) are spoken throughout the country.

Senegal is a secular state. More than 90% of the population practices Islam. About 5% practice Christianity, and about 1% practice traditional African religions. Because of the prevalent Muslim population, pork is rarely consumed, but fish, chicken, and lamb are all common. Local cuisine also includes lentils, millet, peanuts, sweet potatoes, peas, and mangoes. Meals are served family style, and usually consist of meats and vegetables served over rice.

The Senegalese are recognized throughout Africa as a musical nation, and Senegalese artist Baaba Maal gained international fame when he recorded a song with Mumford and Sons in 2016. (It’s a great song, check it out here.) Senegal is also known traditional storytelling and for a culture of hospitality.

If you want to learn more about Senegal, check out the Wikipedia page (where I got almost all of this information).