Senegal

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Coordinates: 14N 14W

Republic of Senegal
Rpublique du Sngal (French)

Flag

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 the African Union (light blue)
 Capital Dakar
and largest city 1440N 1725W
Official languages French
Balanta-Ganja
Hassaniya Arabic
Jola-Fonyi
Mandinka
Mandjak
Mankanya
National languages Noon
Pulaar

Serer
Soninke
Wolof

43.3% Wolof
23.8% Fula
14.7% Serer
3.7% Jola
Ethnic groups ([1]) 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) (86th)
Water (%) 2.1
Population
2016 estimate 15,411,614[2] (72nd)
2016 census 14,320,055[3] (73th)
Density 68.7/km2 (177.9/sq mi) (134th)
GDP (PPP) 2017 estimate
Total $43.326 billion[4]
Per capita $2,732[4]
GDP (nominal) 2017 estimate
Total $15.431 billion[4]
Per capita $973[4]
40.3[5]
Gini (2011)
medium
0.494[6]
HDI (2015)
low 162nd
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 (/snl, -l/ ( listen);[7][8] 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,[9] 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 15 million[2]. The climate is Sahelian,
but there is a rainy season.

Contents
1 Cultures and influences
2 Etymology
3 History
o 3.1 Early and pre-colonial eras
o 3.2 Colonial era
o 3.3 Independence (1960)
4 Politics
o 4.1 Political culture
 o 4.2 Administrative divisions
o 4.3 Foreign relations
o 4.4 Military
o 4.5 Law
5 Geography
o 5.1 Climate
6 Economy
7 Demographics
o 7.1 Ethnic groups
o 7.2 Languages
o 7.3 Largest cities
o 7.4 Religion
o 7.5 Health
o 7.6 Education
8 Culture
o 8.1 Cuisine
o 8.2 Music
o 8.3 Media
o 8.4 Hospitality
o 8.5 Sports
8.5.1 Wrestling
8.5.2 Football
8.5.3 Basketball
8.5.4 Motorsport
9 See also
10 References
11 Further reading
12 External links

Cultures and influences

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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.[10] 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