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 13th and 14th centuries: Dominated by the Mandingo and Jolof empires. 15th century: Portuguese sailors arrive and eventually compete with Britain, Holland, and France for control of Senegal. 1659: France sets up major trading station. 1800s: France tries to bring the entire country under their control. Senegal becomes a French colony in 1920. 1958: Senegal regains some of its autonomy. 1960: The country becomes fully independent. 1982: with The Gambia forms the Confederation of Senegambia. This confederation is abolished in 1989. |
SENEGAL Republic of Senegal
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| Noun People from Senegal are called Senegalese. | |
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Location Senegal is in Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. |
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Size slightly smaller than South Dakota |
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Coastline Senegal touches the North Atlantic Ocean. |
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Terrain Senegal has low, rolling plains rising to foothills in the southeast. |
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Climate Senegal has a tropical rainy season from December to April but a dry season from May to November. |
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Land use 27% of Senegal is fertile and can be used to grow crops. 0% of the land is used for permanent crops. 30% is taken up by pastures and meadows. 31% of the land is made up of forests. 12% is left over for other uses. |
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Capital Dakar, which is home to more than 850,000 people, is Senegal's capital (1979 estimate). |
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Independence On April 4, 1960 Senegal gained independence from France. |
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National holiday Independence Day, April 4 (1960) |
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Languages French is the official language, but others are spoken, such as Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, and Mandingo. |
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Population Over 9 million (1996 est.) |
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Age 48% of all Senegalese are between 0-14 years of age. 49% of the population is between 15-64 years old. The remaining 3% are 65 years and over. |
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Life expectancy at birth Male Senegalese are expected to live to be 54. Female Senegalese are expected to live to be 59. |
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Total fertility rate Women have an average of 6 children each. |
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Ethnic divisions Many different groups including Wolof (36%), Fulani (17%), Serer (17%), Toucouleur (9%), Diola (9%), Mandingo (9%), European and Lebanese (1%), other (2%). |
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Religions 92% of Senegalese follow Muslim beliefs, while 6% follow indigenous beliefs and 2% are Christian. |
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Literacy 33% of all Senegalese are literate. 43% of males can read and write. 23% of females can read and write. |
