Senegal

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Coordinates:

14N 14W

Republic of Senegal
Rpublique du Sngal

Flag

(French)

Coat of arms

Motto: "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (French)

"One People, One Goal, One Faith"

Anthem:
Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons
Everyone strum your koras, strike the balafons

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Location of Senegal (dark blue)

in Africa (light blue & dark grey)
in the African Union (light blue)

Capital
and largest city
Official languages
National languages

Dakar
1440N 1725W
French
Balanta-Ganja
Hassaniya Arabic
Jola-Fonyi
Mandinka
Mandjak
Mankanya
Noon
Pulaar
Serer
Soninke
Wolof

Ethnic groups([1])
43.3% Wolof
23.8% Fula
14.7% Serer
3.7% Jola
3.0% Mandinka
1.1% Soninke
1.0% European / Lebanese

9.4% others
Demonym

Senegalese

Government

Semi-presidential republic

President

Macky Sall

Prime Minister

Mohammed Dionne

Legislature

Parliament

Upper house

Senate (disbanded)

Lower house

National Assembly

Independence
from Francea

4 April 1960

Withdrawal from

20 August 1960

the Mali Federation

Area
Total

196,712 km2(75,951 sq mi) (87th)

Water (%)

2.1

Population
2013 estimate

13,567,338 (67th)

2013 census

13,508,715

Density

68.7/km2 (177.9/sq mi) (134th)

GDP (PPP)

2016 estimate

Total

$38.912 billion[2]

Per capita

$2,525[2]

GDP (nominal)

2016 estimate

Total

$15.197 billion[2]

Per capita

$986[2]

Gini (2011)

40.3[3]
medium

HDI (2013)

0.485[4]
low 163rd

Currency

CFA franc (XOF)

Time zone

GMT (UTC+0)

Drives on the

right

Calling code

+221

ISO 3166 code

SN

Internet TLD

.sn

a With French Sudan, as the Mali Federation.

Senegal ( i/snl, -l/;[5][6] French: Sngal), officially the Republic of

Senegal (French: Rpublique du Sngal [epyblik dy seneal]), is a country in West Africa.
Senegal is bordered by Mauritania in the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast,
and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. Senegal also borders 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 also shares a maritime border with Cape
Verde. Senegal's economic and political capital is Dakar. It is the westernmost country in the
mainland of the Old World, or Afro-Eurasia,[7] and owes its name to the Senegal River, which borders
it to the east and north. The name "Senegal" comes from the Wolof "Sunuu Gaal", which means
"Our Boat". Senegal covers a land area of almost 197,000 square kilometres (76,000 sq mi) and has
an estimated population of about 13 million. The climate is Sahelian, but there is a rainy season.
Contents
[hide]

1Cultures and influences

2Etymology

3History
o

3.1Early and pre-colonial eras

3.2Colonial era

3.3Independence (1960)

4Politics
o

4.1Political culture

4.2Administrative divisions

4.3Foreign relations

4.4Military

4.5Law

5Geography
5.1Climate

6Economy

7Demographics
o

7.1Ethnic groups

7.2Languages

7.3Largest cities

7.4Religion

7.5Health

7.6Education

8Culture
o

8.1Cuisine

8.2Music

8.3Hospitality

8.4Sports

8.4.1Wrestling

8.4.2Football

8.4.3Basketball

8.4.4Motorsport

9See also

10References

11Further reading

12External links

Cultures and influences[edit]

The territory of modern Senegal has been inhabited by various ethnic groups since prehistory.
Organized kingdoms emerged around the seventh century, and parts of the country were ruled by
prominent regional empires such as the Jolof Empire. The present state of Senegal has its roots in
European colonialism, which began during the mid-15th century, when various European powers
began competing for trade in the area. The establishment of coastal trading posts gradually led to
control of the mainland, culminating in French rule of the area by the 19th century, albeit amid much
local resistance. Senegal peacefully attained independence from France in 1960, and has since
been among the more politically stable countries in Africa.
Senegal's economy is centered mostly on commodities and natural resources. Major industries are
fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, construction materials,
and ship construction and repair. As in most African nations, agriculture is a major sector, with
Senegal producing several important cash crops, including peanuts, sugarcane, cotton, green
beans, tomatoes, melons, and mangoes.[8] Owing to its relative stability, tourism and hospitality are
also burgeoning sectors.
A multiethnic and secular nation, Senegal is predominantly Sunni
Muslim with Sufi and animist influences. French is the official language, although many native
languages are spoken and recognized. Since April 2012 Senegal's president has been Macky Sall.
Senegal has been a member of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie since 1970.

Etymology[edit]
Senegal is named after the Senegal River, the etymology of which is contested. One popular theory
(proposed by David Boilat in 1853) is that it stems from the Wolof phrase sunu gaal, which means
"our canoe" (or pirogue), resulting from a miscommunication between 15th-century Portuguese
sailors and Wolof fishermen. The "our canoe" theory has been popularly embraced in modern
Senegal for its charm. It is frequently used in appeals to national solidarity (e.g. "we're all in the
same canoe"), frequently heard in the media.[citation needed]
Modern historians believe the name probably refers to the Sanhaja, Berbers who lived on the
northern side of the river. A competing theory is that it derives from the medieval town of "Sanghana"
(also spelled as Isenghan, Asengan, Singhanah), described by the Arab geographer al-Bakri in 1068
as located by the mouth of the river. Some Serer people from the south believe the river's name is
derived from the compound of the Serer term Sene (from Roge Sene, Supreme Deity in Serer
religion) and O Gal (meaning "body of water").

History[edit]
Main article: History of Senegal

Early and pre-colonial eras[edit]

Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times
and has been continuously occupied by various ethnic groups. Some kingdoms were created around
the 7th century: Takrur in the 9th century, Namandiru (wo)and the Jolof Empire during the 13th and
14th centuries. Eastern Senegal was once part of the Ghana Empire.
Islam was introduced through Toucouleur and Soninke contact with the Almoravid dynasty of
the Maghreb, who in turn propagated it. The Almoravids, with the help of Toucouleur allies, used
military force for conversion. This movement faced resistance from ethnicities of traditional religions,
the Serers in particular.[9][10]
In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the empires to the east; the
Jolof Empire of Senegal was also founded during this time. In the Senegambia region, between
1300 and 1900, close to one-third of the population was enslaved, typically as a result of captives
taken in warfare.[11]

In the 14th century the Jolof Empire grew powerful, having united Cayor and the kingdoms
of Baol, Sine, Saloum, Waalo, Futa Tooro and Bambouk. The empire was a voluntary confederacy of
various states rather than an empire built on military conquest.[12][13] The empire was founded by
Ndiadiane Ndiaye, a part Serer[14][15] and part Toucouleur, who was able to form a coalition with many
ethnicities, but collapsed around 1549 with the defeat and killing of Lele Fouli Fak by Amari Ngone
Sobel Fall (fr).

Colonial era[edit]
In the mid-15th century, the Portuguese landed on the Senegal coastline, followed by traders
representing other countries, including the French.[16] Various European powersPortugal, the
Netherlands, and Great Britaincompeted for trade in the area from the 15th century onward. In
1677, France gained control of what had become a minor departure point in the Atlantic slave trade
the island of Gore next to modern Dakar, used as a base to purchase slaves from the warring
chiefdoms on the mainland.[17][18]

Slave traders in Gore, 18th century.

European missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and the Casamance in the 19th century. It
was only in the 1850s that the French began to expand onto the Senegalese mainland after they
abolished slavery and began promoting an abolitionist doctrine,[19] adding native kingdoms like the
Waalo, Cayor, Baol, and Jolof Empire. French colonists progressively invaded and took over all the
kingdoms except Sine and Saloum under Governor Louis Faidherbe.[12][20] Senegalese resistance to
the French expansion and curtailing of their lucrative slave trade was led in part by LatDior, Damel of Cayor, and Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, the Maad a Sinig of Sine,
resulting in the Battle of Logandme.

Independence (1960)[edit]
On 4 April 1959 Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became
fully independent on 20 June 1960, as a result of the independence and the transfer of power
agreement signed with France on 4 April 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation
broke up on 20 August, when Senegal and French Sudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) each
proclaimed independence.
Lopold Sdar Senghor was proclaimed Senegal's first president in September 1960. Senghor was
a very well-read man, educated in France. He was a poet, a philosopher and personally drafted the
Senegalese national anthem, "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons". Pro-African, he
advocated a brand of African socialism.[21]

Colonial Saint Louis c. 1900. Europeans and Africans on the Rue Lebon.

In 1980, President Senghor decided to retire from politics. The next year, he transferred power in
1981 to his hand-picked successor, Abdou Diouf. Former prime minister Mamadou Dia, who was
Senghor's rival, ran for election in 1983 against Diouf, but lost. Senghor moved to France, where he
died at the age of 96.
Senegal joined with the Gambia to form the nominal Senegambia Confederation on 1 February
1982. However, the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group
(Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance or MFDC) in the Casamance region has clashed
sporadically with government forces since 1982 in the Casamance conflict. In the early 21st century,
violence has subsided and President Macky Sall held talks with rebels in Rome in December 2012. [22]
Abdou Diouf was president between 1981 and 2000. He encouraged broader political participation,
reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements,
particularly with other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street
violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist movement in the southern region of the
Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened.
Abdou Diouf served four terms as president.
In the presidential election of 1999, opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade defeated Diouf in an election
deemed free and fair by international observers. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition
of power, and its first from one political party to another. On 30 December 2004 President Wade
announced that he would sign a peace treaty with the separatist group in the Casamance region.
This, however, has yet to be implemented. There was a round of talks in 2005, but the results have
not yet yielded a resolution.

Politics[edit]
Main article: Politics of Senegal

Macky Sall, President of Senegal (2012present)

Abdoulaye Wade, President of Senegal (20002012)

Senegal is a republic with a presidency; the president is elected every five years as of 2001,
previously being seven years, by adult voters. The first president, Lopold Sdar Senghor, was a
poet and writer, and was the first African elected to the Acadmie franaise. Senegal's second
president, Abdou Diouf, later served as general secretary of the Organisation de la Francophonie.
The third president was Abdoulaye Wade, a lawyer. The current president is Macky Sall, elected in
March 2012.
Senegal has more than 80 political parties. The unicameral parliament consists of the National
Assembly, which has 150 seats (a Senate was in place from 1999 to 2001 and 2007 to 2012). [1] An
independent judiciary also exists in Senegal. The nation's highest courts that deal with business
issues are the constitutional council and the court of justice, members of which are named by the
president.

Political culture[edit]
Currently, Senegal has a quasi-democratic political culture, one of the more successful post-colonial
democratic transitions in Africa. Local administrators are appointed by, and responsible to, the
president. Marabouts, religious leaders of the various Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal, have also
exercised a strong political influence in the country especially during Wade's presidency. In
2009, Freedom House downgraded Senegal's status from 'Free' to 'Partially Free', based on

increased centralisation of power in the executive. However, it has since recovered its Free status by
2014.[23]
In 2008, Senegal finished in 12th position on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance.[24] The
Ibrahim Index is a comprehensive measure of African governance (limited to sub-Saharan
Africa until 2008), based on a number of different variables which reflect the success with which
governments deliver essential political goods to their citizens. When the Northern African countries
were added to the index in 2009, Senegal's 2008 position was retroactively downgraded to 15th
place (with Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco placing themselves ahead of Senegal). As of 2012,
Senegal's rank in the Ibrahim Index has decreased another point to 16 out of 52 African countries.
On 22 February 2011, Senegal reportedly severed diplomatic ties with Iran, saying it supplied rebels
with weapons which killed Senegalese troops in the Casamance conflict.[25]
The 2012 presidential election was controversial due to President Wade's candidacy, as the
opposition argued he should not be considered eligible to run again. Several youth opposition
movements, including M23 and Y'en a Marre, emerged in June 2011. In the end, Macky Sall of
the Alliance for the Republic won, and Wade conceded the election to Sall. This peaceful and
democratic transition was hailed by many foreign observers, such as the EU [26] as a show of
"maturity".
On 19 September 2012, lawmakers voted to do away with the Senate to save an estimated $15
million.[27]

Administrative divisions[edit]

Regions of Senegal

Main articles: Regions of Senegal, Departments of Senegal, Arrondissements of Senegal,

and Communes of Senegal
Senegal is subdivided into 14 regions,[28] each administered by a Conseil Rgional (Regional
Council) elected by population weight at the Arrondissement level. The country is further subdivided
by 45 Dpartements, 113 Arrondissements (neither of which have administrative function) and
by Collectivits Locales, which elect administrative officers.[29]
Regional capitals have the same name as their respective regions:

Dakar

Diourbel

Fatick

Kaffrine

Kaolack

Kdougou

Kolda

Louga

Matam

Saint-Louis

Sdhiou

Tambacounda

This

Ziguinchor

Foreign relations[edit]
Further information: Foreign relations of Senegal
Senegal has a high profile in many international organizations and was a member of the UN Security
Council in 198889 and 20152016. It was elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights in
1997. Friendly to the West, especially to France and to the United States, Senegal also is a vigorous
proponent of more assistance from developed countries to the Third World.
Senegal enjoys mostly cordial relations with its neighbors. In spite of clear progress on other fronts
with Mauritania (border security, resource management, economic integration, etc.), there remains
the problem of an estimated 30,000 Afro-Mauritanian refugees living in Senegal.
Senegal is part of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Integrated with the
main bodies of the international community, Senegal is also a member of the African Union (AU) and
the Community of Sahel-Saharan States.

Military[edit]
Further information: Military of Senegal

Land mines were widely used in the Casamance conflict between separatist rebels and the central government.

The Senegalese armed forces consist of about 19,000 well-trained and disciplined personnel in the
army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. The Senegalese military force receives most of its training,
equipment, and support from France and the United States. Germany also provides support but on a
smaller scale.
Military noninterference in political affairs has contributed to Senegal's stability since independence.
Senegal has participated in many international and regional peacekeeping missions. Most recently,
in 2000, Senegal sent a battalion to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in MONUC,
the United Nations peacekeeping mission, and agreed to deploy a United States-trained battalion
to Sierra Leone to participate in UNAMSIL, another UN peacekeeping mission.
In 2015, Senegal participated in the Saudi Arabian-led military intervention in Yemen against
the Shia Houthis.[30]

Law[edit]
Senegal is a secular state, as defined in its Constitution. [31]
To fight corruption, the government has created the National Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC) and the
Commission of restitution and recovery of illegally acquired assets. According to Business AntiCorruption Portal, President Sall created the OFNAC to replace the Commission Nationale de Lutte
Contre la non Transparence, la Corruption et la Concussion (CNLCC). It is said that the OFNAC
represents a more effective tool for fighting corruption than the CNLCC established under former
President Wade.[32] The mission of OFNAC is to fight corruption, embezzlement of public funds and
fraud. OFNAC has the power of self-referral (own initiative investigation). OFNAC is composed of
twelve members appointed by decree.

Geography[edit]
Main article: Geography of Senegal

Senegal map of Kppen climate classification.

Landscape of Casamance

Senegal is located on the west of the African continent. It lies between latitudes 12 and 17N, and
longitudes 11 and 18W.
Senegal is externally bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the
east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south; internally it almost completely surrounds The
Gambia, namely on the north, east and south, except for Gambia's short Atlantic coastline.
The Senegalese landscape consists mainly of the rolling sandy plains of the western Sahel which
rise to foothills in the southeast. Here is also found Senegal's highest point, an otherwise unnamed
feature near Nepen Diakha at 584 m (1,916 ft). The northern border is formed by the Senegal River;
other rivers include the Gambia and Casamance Rivers. The capital Dakar lies on the CapVert peninsula, the westernmost point of continental Africa.
The Cape Verde islands lie some 560 kilometres (350 mi) off the Senegalese coast, but Cap-Vert
("Cape Green") is a maritime placemark, set at the foot of "Les Mammelles", a 105-metre (344 ft) cliff
resting at one end of the Cap-Vert peninsula onto which is settled Senegal's capital Dakar, and 1
kilometre (0.6 mi) south of the "Pointe des Almadies", the westernmost point in Africa.

Climate[edit]
Main article: Climate of Senegal

Beach at N'Gor

Senegal has a tropical climate with pleasant heat throughout the year with well-defined dry and
humid seasons that result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. The dry
season (December to April) is dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.[1] Dakar's annual rainfall of
about 600 mm (24 in) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures average
30 C (86.0 F) and minimums 24.2 C (75.6 F); December to February maximum temperatures
average 25.7 C (78.3 F) and minimums 18 C (64.4 F).[33]
Interior temperatures are higher than along the coast (for example, average daily temperatures in
Kaolack and Tambacounda for May are 30 C (86.0 F) and 32.7 C (90.9 F) respectively,

compared to Dakar's 23.2 C (73.8 F) ),[34] and rainfall increases substantially farther south,
exceeding 1,500 mm (59.1 in) annually in some areas.
In Tambacounda in the far interior, particularly on the border of Mali where desert begins,
temperatures can reach as high as 54 C (129.2 F). The northernmost part of the country has a
near hot desert climate, the central part has a hot semi-arid climate and the southernmost part has
a tropical wet and dry climate. Senegal is mainly a sunny and dry country.

Economy[edit]
Main article: Economy of Senegal

A proportional representation of Senegal's exports.

After its economy contracted by 2.1% in 1993 Senegal instituted a major economic reform program
with the support of international donors. This reform began with a 50 percent devaluation of the
country's currency (the CFA franc). Government price controls and subsidies were also dismantled.
As a result, Senegal's inflation went down, investment went up, and the gross domestic product rose
approximately 5% a year between 1995 and 2001.[1]
The main industries include food processing, mining, cement, artificial
fertilizer, chemicals, textiles, refining imported petroleum, and tourism. Exports include fish,
chemicals, cotton, fabrics, groundnuts, and calcium phosphate. The principal foreign market is India
with 26.7% of exports (as of 1998). Other foreign markets include the United States, Italy and the
United Kingdom.

Fishing boats in Dakar

Senegal has a 12-nautical-mile (22 km; 14 mi) exclusive fishing zone that has been regularly
breached in recent years (as of 2014). It has been estimated that the country's fishermen lose
300,000 tonnes of fish each year to illegal fishing. The Senegalese government have tried to control
the illegal fishing which is conducted by fishing trawlers, some of which are registered
in Russia, Mauritania, Belize and Ukraine. In January 2014 a Russian trawler, Oleg Naydenov, was
seized by Senegalese authorities close to the maritime border with Guinea-Bissau.[35]
As a member of the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), Senegal is working
toward greater regional integration with a unified external tariff. Senegal is also a member of
the Organization for the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa.[36]
Senegal realized full Internet connectivity in 1996, creating a mini-boom in information technologybased services. Private activity now accounts for 82 percent of its GDP.[citation needed] On the negative
side, Senegal faces deep-seated[citation needed] urban problems of chronic high
unemployment, socioeconomic disparity, and juvenile delinquency.[citation needed]
Senegal is a major recipient of international development assistance. Donors include the United
States Agency for International Development (USAID), Japan, France and China. Over 3000 Peace
Corps Volunteers have served in Senegal since 1963.[37]

Demographics[edit]

Senegal's population from 1962 to 2004.

Main article: Demographics of Senegal

Senegal has a population of over 13.5 million,[38] about 42 percent of whom live in rural areas.
Density in these areas varies from about 77 inhabitants per square kilometre (200/sq mi) in the westcentral region to 2 per square kilometre (5.2/sq mi) in the arid eastern section.

Ethnic groups[edit]
Main article: Ethnic groups in Senegal
Senegal has a wide variety of ethnic groups and, as in most West African countries, several
languages are widely spoken. The Wolof are the largest single ethnic group in Senegal at 43
percent; the Fula[39] and Toucouleur (also known as Halpulaar'en, literally "Pulaar-speakers") (24%)
are the second biggest group, followed by the Serer (14.7%),[40] then others such

as Jola (4%), Mandinka (3%), Maures or (Naarkajors), Soninke, Bassari and many smaller
communities (9%). (See also the Bedick ethnic group.)
About 50,000 Europeans (mostly French) and Lebanese[41] as well as smaller numbers of
Mauritanians and Moroccans[citation needed] reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities and some retirees who
reside in the resort towns around Mbour. The majority of Lebanese work in commerce. [42] Also
located primarily in urban settings are small Vietnamese communities as well as a growing number
of Chinese immigrant traders, each numbering perhaps a few hundred people.[43][44] There are also
tens of thousands of Mauritanian refugees in Senegal, primarily in the country's north.[45]
According to the World Refugee Survey 2008, published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees
and Immigrants, Senegal has a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering
approximately 23,800 in 2007. The majority of this population (20,200) is from Mauritania. Refugees
live in N'dioum, Dodel, and small settlements along the Senegal River valley.[46]

Languages[edit]
Main article: Languages of Senegal

A street market in Malem-Hodar.

French is the official language, spoken at least by all those who enjoyed several years in the
educational system that is French origin (Koranic schools are even more popular, but Arabic is not
widely spoken outside of the context of recitation). Most people also speak their own ethnic
language while, especially in Dakar, Wolof is the lingua franca.[47] Pulaar is spoken by the Fulas and
Toucouleur. The Serer language is widely spoken by both Serers and non-Serers (including
President Sall, whose wife is Serer); so are the Cangin languages, whose speakers are ethnically
Serers. Jola languages are widely spoken in the Casamance.
Several of the Senegalese languages have the legal status of "national languages": BalantaGanja, Hassaniya Arabic, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noon (SererNoon), Pulaar, Serer, Soninke, and Wolof.
Portuguese Creole, locally known as Portuguese, is a prominent minority language in Ziguinchor,
regional capital of the Casamance, spoken by local Portuguese creoles and immigrants from
Guinea-Bissau. The local Cape Verdean community speak a similar Portuguese creole, Cape
Verdean Creole, and standard Portuguese. Portuguese was introduced in Senegal's secondary
education in 1961 in Dakar by the country's first president, Lopold Sdar Senghor, it is currently
available in most of Senegal and in higher education. It is especially prevalent in Casamance as it
relates with the local cultural identity.[48]

Aerial view of Yoff Commune, Dakar

French, the only official language in the country, but a backlash in the form of a rising Senegalese
linguistic nationalist movement, which supports the integration of Wolof, the common vernacular
language of the country, into the national constitution. [49]

Largest cities[edit]
See also: List of cities in Senegal
Senegal's capital of Dakar is by far the largest city in Senegal, with over two million residents. [50] The
second most populous city is Touba, a de jure communaute rurale (rural community), with half a
million.[50][51]

Largest cities or towns in Senegal

Senegal - Largest Cities
Rank

Dakar

Religion[edit]

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10

Name
Dakar
Grand Dakar
Pikine
This
Saint-Louis
Kaolack
Ziguinchor
Tibo
Tambacounda
Mbak

Region
Dakar
Dakar
Dakar
This
Saint-Louis
Kaolack
Ziguinchor
Diourbel
Tambacounda
Diourbel

Pop.
2 476 400
2 352 057
874 062
252 320
176 000
172 305
159 778
100 289
78 800
74 100

Pikin

Religion in Senegal (2013)[52]

Islam (92%)
Christianity (mostly Roman Catholicism) (7%)
Traditional African religion and others (1%)

Main article: Religion in Senegal

Senegal is a secular state.[31] Islam is the predominant religion in the country, practiced by
approximately 94% of the country's population; the Christian community, at 5% of the population, are
mostly Roman Catholics but there are still diverse Protestant denominations. One percent
have animist beliefs, particularly in the southeastern region of the country.[1] Some Serer
people follow the Serer religion.[53][54]

The Great Mosque of Touba, home of the Mouride Sufi brotherhood, it is also one of the finest examples
of Islamic architecture in Africa.

The Dakar Cathedral.

Majority of the Muslims in Senegal are Sunni with Sufi influences. Islamic communities in Senegal
are generally organized around one of several Islamic Sufi orders or brotherhoods, headed by

a khalif (xaliifa in Wolof, from Arabic khalfa), who is usually a direct descendant of the group's
founder. The two largest and most prominent Sufi orders in Senegal are the Tijaniyya, whose largest
sub-groups are based in the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack, and the Murdiyya (Murid), based in
the city of Touba. 27% are nondenominational Muslims.[55]
The Halpulaar (Pulaar-speakers), composed of Fula people, a widespread group found along the
Sahel from Chad to Senegal, and Toucouleurs, represent 23.8 percent of the population.
[1]
Historically, they were the first to become Muslim. Many of the Toucouleurs, or sedentary Halpulaar
of the Senegal River Valley in the north, converted to Islam around a millennium ago and later
contributed to Islam's propagation throughout Senegal. Success was gained among the Wolofs, but
repulsed by the Serers.
Most communities south of the Senegal River Valley, however, were not thoroughly Islamized. The
Serer people stood out as one of this group, who spent over one thousand years resisting
Islamization (see Serer history). Although many Serers are Christians or Muslim, their conversion to
Islam in particular is very recent, who converted on their own free will rather than by force, although
force had been tried centuries earlier unsuccessfully (see the Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune).[56]
The spread of formal Quranic school (called daara in Wolof) during the colonial period increased
largely through the effort of the Tidjniyya. In Murid communities, which place more emphasis on the
work ethic than on literary Quranic studies, the term daara often applies to work groups devoted to
working for a religious leader. Other Islamic groups include the much older Qdiriyya order and the
Senegalese Laayeen order, which is prominent among the coastal Lebu. Today, most Senegalese
children study at daaras for several years, memorizing as much of the Qur'an as they can. Some of
them continue their religious studies at councils (majlis) or at the growing number of private Arabic
schools and publicly funded Franco-Arabic schools. A modern messianic sect in Islam,
the Ahmadiyya Muslim Community is also present in the country which represents approximately 1%
of the Muslim population.[57]
Small Roman Catholic communities are mainly found in coastal Serer, Jola, Mankanya and Balant
populations, and in eastern Senegal among the Bassari and Coniagui. The Protestant churches are
mainly attended by immigrants but during the second half of the 20th century Protestant churches
led by Senegalese leaders from different ethnic groups have evolved. In Dakar Catholic and
Protestant rites are practiced by the Lebanese, Cape Verdean, European, and American immigrant
populations, and among certain Africans of other countries as well as by the Senegalese
themselves. Although Islam is Senegal's majority religion, Senegal's first president, Lopold Sdar
Senghor, was a Catholic Serer.

Boys studying Quran, Touba

Serer religion encompasses a belief in a supreme deity called Roog (Koox among
the Cangin), Serer cosmogony, cosmology and divination ceremonies such as the
annual Xoy (or Khoye) ceremony precided over by the Serer Saltigues (high priests and
priestesses). Senegambian (both Senegal and the Gambia) Muslim festivals such
as Tobaski, Gamo, Koriteh, Weri Kor, etc., are all borrowed words from the Serer religion.[58] They
were ancient Serer festivals rooted in Serer religion, not Islam. [58]
The Boukout is one of the Jola's religious ceremonies.
There are small numbers of adherents of Judaism and Buddhism. Judaism is followed by members
of several ethnic groups,[who?] while Buddhism is followed by a number of Vietnamese.[citation
needed]
The Bah' Faith in Senegal was established after 'Abdu'l-Bah, the son of the founder of the
religion, mentioned Africa as a place that should be more broadly visited by Bah's. [59] The first
Bah'is to set foot in the territory of French West Africa that would become Senegal arrived in 1953.
[60]
The first Bah' Local Spiritual Assembly of Senegal was elected in 1966 in Dakar.[61] In 1975 the
Bah' community elected the first National Spiritual Assembly of Senegal. The most recent estimate,
by the Association of Religion Data Archives in a 2005 report details the population of Senegalese
Bah's at 22,000.[62]

Health[edit]
Main article: Health in Senegal
Life expectancy by birth is estimated to 57.5 years.[38] Public expenditure on health was at 2.4
percent of the GDP in 2004, whereas private expenditure was at 3.5 percent. [63] Health expenditure
was at US$72 (PPP) per capita in 2004.[63] The fertility rate ranged 5 to 5.3 between 2005 and 2013,
with 4.1 in urban areas and 6.3 in rural areas, as official survey (6.4 in 1986 and 5.7 in 1997) point
out.[64] There were 6 physicians per 100,000 persons in the early 2000s (decade). [63] Infant
mortality was at 77 per 1,000 live births in 2005,[63] but in 2013 this figure had dropped to 47 within
the first 12 months after birth.[38] In the past 5 years infant mortality rates of malaria have dropped.
According to a 2013 UNICEF report,[65] 26% of women in Senegal have undergone female genital
mutilation.

Education[edit]

Students in Senegal

Main article: Education in Senegal

Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution adopted in January 2001 guarantee access to education for all
children.[66] Education is compulsory and free up to the age of 16.[66] The Ministry of Labor has
indicated that the public school system is unable to cope with the number of children that must enroll
each year.[66]
Illiteracy is high, particularly among women.[63] The net primary enrollment rate was 69 percent in
2005. Public expenditure on education was 5.4 percent of the 20022005 GDP.

Culture[edit]

The African Renaissance Monument built in 2010 in Dakar is the tallest statue in Africa.

Senegal is well known for the West African tradition of storytelling, which is done by griots, who have
kept West African history alive for thousands of years through words and music. The griot profession
is passed down generation to generation and requires years of training and apprenticeship in
genealogy, history and music. Griots give voice to generations of West African society.[16]
The African Renaissance Monument built in 2010 in Dakar is the tallest statue in Africa. Dakar also
hosts a film festival, Recidak.[67]

Cuisine[edit]
Further information: Senegalese cuisine
Because Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish is very important. Chicken, lamb, peas, eggs,
and beef are also used in Senegalese cooking, but not pork, due to the nation's
largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop of Senegal, as well as couscous, white
rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables, are also incorporated into
many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then
poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread.
Popular fresh juices are made from bissap, ginger, buy (pronounced 'buoy', which is the fruit of
the baobab tree, also known as "monkey bread fruit"), mango, or other fruit or wild trees (most
famously soursop, which is called corossol in French). Desserts are very rich and sweet, combining
native ingredients with the extravagance and style characteristic of the French impact on Senegal's
culinary methods. They are often served with fresh fruit and are traditionally followed
by coffee or tea.

Music[edit]
Further information: Music of Senegal

Kora player from Senegal

Senegal is known across Africa for its musical heritage, due to the popularity of mbalax, which
originated from the Serer percussive tradition especially the Njuup, it has been popularized
by Youssou N'Dour and others. Sabar drumming is especially popular. The sabar is mostly used in
special celebrations like weddings. Another instrument, the tama, is used in more ethnic groups.
Other popular international renowned Senegalese musicians are Ismael L, Cheikh L, Orchestra
Baobab, Baaba Maal, Akon Thione Seck, Viviane, Titi and Pape Diouf.

Hospitality[edit]
Hospitality, in theory, is given such importance in Senegalese culture that it is widely considered to
be part of the national identity. The Wolof[68] word for hospitality is "teranga" and it is so identified with
the pride of Senegal that the national football team is known as the Lions of Teranga.[16][original research?]

Sports[edit]
Wrestling[edit]
See also: Senegalese wrestling
Wrestling is Senegal's most popular sport[69] and has become a national obsession.[70] It traditionally
serves many young men to escape poverty and it is the only sport recognized as developed
independently of Western culture.
Football[edit]

Painting of footballer El-Hadji Diouf in Dakar

Football is a popular sport in Senegal. In 2002, the team finished as runners-up at the Africa Cup of
Nations and became one of only three African teams to ever reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA

World Cup, defeating holders France in their first game. Popular players of this team included El
Hadji Diouf, Papa Bouba Diop, Khalilou Fadiga and Henri Camara, all of whom played in Europe.
Basketball[edit]
Basketball is also a popular sport in Senegal. The country has traditionally been one of Africa's
dominant basketball powers. The men's team performed better than any other African nation at
the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where they reached the playoffs for the first time. The women's team won
19 medals at 20 African Championships, more than twice as many medals as any competitor.
In 2016, the national basketball association in the US, known as the NBA announced the launch of
an Elite's Academy in Africa, and more precisely in Senegal. [71]
Motorsport[edit]
The country hosted the ParisDakar rally from 1979 until 2007.