Senegal

AMH-8133-KB Floor plan of the fort on Goeree

Marchands d'esclaves de Gorée-Jacques Grasset de Saint-Sauveur mg 8526.jpg

Mali Federation in its region

Macky Sall - 2008

Abdoulaye Wade in 16-05-2007.jpg

Senegal (French: Sénégal

), officially the Republic of Senegal (French: République du Sénégal ), is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. Senegal also surrounds The Gambia, a country occupying a narrow sliver of land along the banks of the Gambia River, which separates Senegal's southern region of Casamance from the rest of the country. Senegal has a western coastline along the Atlantic Ocean.

History

The area of modern Senegal has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The earliest known inhabitants were the Toucouleur and Serer peoples. The region was part of the Ghana Empire, the Mali Empire, and the Songhai Empire before becoming part of the Wolof Empire. In the 15th century, Portuguese explorers arrived on the coast, followed by the French in the 17th century. Senegal became a French colony in the 19th century and gained independence on April 4, 1960, with Léopold Sédar Senghor as its first president.

Geography

Senegal is located between latitudes 12° and 17°N, and longitudes 11° and 18°W. The country is characterized by a low, rolling plain that rises to foothills in the southeast. The Senegal River forms the northern border with Mauritania. Other significant rivers include the Gambia River and the Casamance River. The climate is tropical with a hot and humid season from May to November, and a dry season from December to April dominated by hot, dry, harmattan winds.

Government and Politics

Senegal is a unitary presidential republic. The President of Senegal is elected by popular vote for a five-year term and is the head of state and government. The National Assembly is the unicameral legislative body.

Economy

Senegal's economy is driven by mining, construction, tourism, fisheries, and agriculture, which are the primary sources of employment in rural areas. The country is a major exporter of phosphates and peanuts. The West African CFA franc is the currency used.

Demographics

Senegal has a population of approximately 16 million people. The largest ethnic groups are the Wolof, Fula, and Serer. The official language is French, but many native languages such as Wolof, Pulaar, and Serer are widely spoken.

Culture

Senegal is known for its rich cultural heritage, which includes music, dance, and art. The country is famous for its Mbalax music, popularized by artists like Youssou N'Dour. The Gorée Island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of the transatlantic slave trade.

Education and Health

Senegal has a developing education system with compulsory education up to the age of 16. The country has several universities, including Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar. The healthcare system in Senegal is improving, with efforts to combat diseases such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis. The country has a network of hospitals and clinics, but access to healthcare remains a challenge in rural areas.

See Also

• Dakar
• Senegal River
• Léopold Sédar Senghor
• West Africa
• Gorée Island