Senegal

By: Daisy Morales

Thomas Daniel
Eric Dunham
Devin Gordon

Introduction
The area that today is Senegal once was part of the West Afican of
Mali, Ghana, and Tekrur.
The country takes its name from the river that runs along its
northern and eastern borders, forming the frontier with Mauritania
and Mali.
A poetic etymology from the Wolof people states that the name
derives from the local term Sunuagal, meaning our dugout canoe
(everyone is the same boat).

Current Leader
Senegal President-Macky Sall
Macky Sall (born 11 December 1961[1]) is a
Senegalese politician who has been President of
Senegal since April 2012. Under President
Abdoulaye Wade, Sall was Prime Minister of
Senegal from April 2004 to June 2007 and
President of the National Assembly of Senegal
from June 2007 to November 2008.[2] He was
the Mayor of Fatick from 2002 to 2008 and held
that post again from 2009 to 2012.

Flag
Green- Nature
Yellow- Senegals
riches
Red- The blood
shed for freedom
Star- youth and
Senegals unity

Map

Capital- Dakar

News
Some news that happens in Senegal is oddly strange like this:
Senegalese tribunal announces that human rights trial of Hissene
Habre, former president Chad, will soon begin on charges that
includes crimes against humanity, war crimes and tortune; Habre is
accused of overseeing deaths of thousands during his time in power
before fleeing Chad to Senegal in 1990; will be first African trial to
rely on Universal Jurisdiction rules.

Currency
Currency: CFA franc
The CFA franc (in French: franc CFA or colloquially franc) is the
name of two currencies used in Africa which are guaranteed by the
French treasury. The two CFA franc currencies are the West African
CFA franc and the Central African CFA franc. Although theoretically
separate, the two CFA franc currencies are effectively
interchangeable.

Climate and Weather

Senegal has a tropical climate, with warm temperatures year-round. The
weather is dry and hot, but a rainy season comes between June and
October. Dakar and other coastal areas are generally cooler than the rest of
the country.

Language
French is Senegals official language for business, government, and education, but
most Senegalese speak the language of their own ethnic group. Wolof is widely
spoken and taught in universities. The other major languages are Serer, Alpuular,
Mandingo, Diola, and Bassari. Many people speak Wolof as a second language. Most
of these languages were originally oral, meaning they were spoken but not written,
although that is changing and people are being trained to read and write in their
native tongues. Many younger children now can write their native language using a
modified Latin alphabet. The Arabic alphabet is sometimes used to write Wolof.
Young Muslims are taught early to read and write Arabic. Most young people speak
English, although it is not widely understood.

5%
1%
94%

Population
Population: 13,635,927
Senegals people belong to many different groups. Most Senegalese are Black Africans
belonging to ethnic groups such as the Wolof, Pular, Serer, and others. Each group
has its own language and traditions.
Interactions between these groups and with non-African cultures have produced a
multicultural people proud of their origins. Senegalese Muslims identify with their
religion first, followed by their ethnic group and home village.
Typically, non-Muslims' loyalties are toward the family first, and then to their ethnic
group, religion, home village, country, region of French West Africa, and finally,
Africa itself. Many Lebanese merchants make Senegal their home, too. Although cities
like Dakar attract many people, the majority of Senegalese live in rural (countryside)
villages. On the whole, Senegalese are a peaceful and patriotic people, and people
from different religions and ethnic backgrounds get along well.

Holiday Traditions
Because Senegal is a mostly Islamic nation, the favorite
family holidays are Muslim holy days. For instance,
Korite is a three-day feast marking the end of Ramadan,
which is a month when Muslims fast during the day. For
Korite, children receive new clothing and other gifts, and
they enjoy many festivities with their relatives.
Tamkharit, the Islamic New Year, is also the day on
which Allah (God) decides peoples destinies. Families
prepare by fasting and sharing food with the poor. Then
they celebrate with a feast dinner of couscous (a kind of
pasta made from semolina wheat) and vegetables. All
Islamic holidays are set by a lunar calendar, so they fall
on different days each year.

Government
Head of State: Pres. Macky Sall
Head of Government: PM Mohamed Dionne
Government Spending 74.6 Create a Graph using this
measurement
Fiscal Freedom 71.3 Create a Graph using this measurement
Senegals top individual income tax rate has been lowered to 40
percent, but its top corporate tax rate has increased to 30
percent. Other taxes include a value-added tax and an insurance
tax. Tax revenue equals 19.2 percent of domestic income, and
government spending is equal to 29.1 percent of domestic output.
Public debt equals 46 percent of GDP.
Regulatory Efficiency

Did you Know?

In Senegal, mothers carry their babies wrapped around their backs.
Some Senegalese wear charms, called gri gri, on their arms or necks
to prevent themselves from falling prey to evil spirits or illnesses.
It is not polite to look an older or superior person in the eye when
talking.
Carving wood, molding drums, and making jewelry from beads are
important Senegalese art forms.
Wrestling is a popular sport. The wrestlers bring fans and musicians
to the matches who praise the wrestlers strength and victories.
Before the match begins, the wrestlers dance to draw attention to
themselves and frighten the other competitors.
Senegal is one of the only African countries that has never had a
coup d'tat (illegal overthrow of the government).
Sharing a kola nut (which contains caffeine) is a sign of friendship.