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Senegal
Africa
A West African nation with a vibrant culture and history, Senegal is known for its music, Goree Island, and stable democracy.
18,000,000
Population
196,722
Area (km²)
Dakar
Capital
13
Historical Events
Historical Timeline
Cities
13 Events
September 01, 2025 - September: President Faye dissolves the National Assembly and calls for snap legislative elections in November, aiming to consolidate power amid reform pushes.
August 31, 2025 - August 31–September 5: The Africa Food Systems Forum 2025 Summit convenes in Dakar, addressing sustainable agriculture and food security across the continent.
August 24, 2025 - Senegal finishes third at the FIBA AfroBasket 2025 in Angola, defeating Cameroon 98–72 in the bronze medal game.
May 28, 2025 - The National Dialogue on the Political System opens at the Abdou Diouf International Conference Center in Dakar, focusing on constitutional reforms and governance under President Faye.
November 17, 2024 - Snap legislative elections result in Faye's Yewwi coalition securing 130 of 165 seats, a strong mandate for reforms; the vote is largely peaceful.
July 03, 2024 - Sall confirms he will not run, solidifying the transition amid economic growth projections of 8.8% for the year.
March 24, 2024 - Presidential election proceeds after Supreme Court intervention; opposition candidate Bassirou Diomaye Faye (backed by Sonko) wins with 54% of votes in a first-round victory, marking a democratic restoration and youthful shift in leadership.
February 03, 2024 - President Sall postpones the presidential election from February to December, sparking a constitutional crisis, nationwide protests, and international condemnation over fears of power extension.
August 01, 2023 - August 1–3: The African Air Chiefs Symposium (AACS) convenes in Dakar, bringing together representatives from 37 African nations and the U.S. for security cooperation workshops and cultural activities.
July 31, 2023 - President Macky Sall announces he will not seek a third term in 2024, easing speculation but amid ongoing opposition pressure.
June 01, 2023 - June 1–2: Violent crackdowns on opposition protests over Sonko's defamation trial result in at least 16 deaths, including two security force members, and scores injured; the government dissolves Sonko's PASTEF party for rallying supporters.
March 14, 2023 - March 14–16: Thousands of supporters of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko gather for a three-day protest in Dakar, demanding his release from prison; the event draws over 10,000 participants but faces restrictions.
March 01, 2023 - March: The government launches a military offensive in the Casamance region against separatist groups, followed by a peace agreement signed in August with one faction, aiming to end decades of low-level conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Senegal
100 Questions
Senegal is in West Africa, bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, and The Gambia, with the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The capital is Dakar.
Around 18 million people as of 2025 estimates.
French is official; Wolof is widely spoken, along with Pulaar, Serer, Jola, and Mandinka.
Tropical, with a dry season (November–May) and a rainy season (June–October).
The West African CFA franc (XOF).
Green, yellow, and red vertical stripes with a green star in the center.
Dakar, Touba, Thiès, Saint-Louis, Kaolack, and Ziguinchor.
On April 4, 1960, from France.
Léopold Sédar Senghor.
Bassirou Diomaye Faye (as of 2025).
A unitary presidential republic.
Wolof, Serer, Fula (Peul), Jola, Mandinka, and Soninke.
Islam (over 95%, mostly Sufi orders), with small Christian and traditional communities.
Around $35 billion in 2025 estimates.
About $1,900.
Around 55%.
About 67 years.
Around 4.4 children per woman.
Around 60%.
Fish, groundnuts, phosphates, gold, and cement.
Fuel, machinery, food, vehicles, and manufactured goods.
Phosphates, gold, zircon, oil, and fertile land.
It is a stable democracy and a major hub for West African diplomacy.
The capital, a cultural, political, and economic hub.
A UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial architecture.
A holy city of the Mouride Sufi order, home to the Grand Mosque of Touba.
A UNESCO World Heritage site symbolizing the Atlantic slave trade.
Nepen Diakha (581 m).
Rice, fish, millet, sorghum, and vegetables.
Senegal’s national dish – rice and fish cooked with vegetables.
Chicken or fish marinated in onions, lemon, and spices.
A peanut stew with meat or fish.
Attaya (sweet mint tea), bissap (hibiscus juice), palm wine, and coffee.
Football, wrestling (laamb), basketball, and athletics.
The Lions of Teranga.
Yes, winning in 2021 and 2023.
Yes, famously reaching the quarter-finals in 2002 and the Round of 16 in 2022.
Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, and El Hadji Diouf.
Yes, with participation in athletics, wrestling, and football.
Mbalax, hip-hop, Afrobeat, and traditional drumming.
A fusion of traditional sabar drumming with modern pop music.
Youssou N’Dour, Baaba Maal, and Akon.
Sabar drums, kora, balafon, and talking drum.
Sabar dance, Ndaga, and Serer dances.
Boubou (flowing robe), kaftans, and colorful wax-print fabrics.
They are central in markets, farming, and increasingly in politics.
Around 50%.
Around 60%.
High, especially among youth.
Around 60%.
Groundnuts, millet, sorghum, rice, maize, and cotton.
Cattle, goats, sheep, and poultry.
Basic but improving, with support from international aid.
Malaria, HIV/AIDS, TB, and diarrheal diseases.
Low, under 1% of adults.
Declining steadily.
Still high compared to global averages.
“Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons.”
“One People, One Goal, One Faith.”
The lion.
The African golden weaver.
The hibiscus.
Lions, elephants, hippos, gazelles, and diverse birdlife.
Niokolo-Koba, Djoudj, and Saloum Delta.
A UNESCO site home to lions, leopards, and antelopes.
Millions of migratory birds, including flamingos and pelicans.
Mangroves, islands, and fishing culture.
Around 70%.
Around $1,900 annually.
Declining slowly.
Around 50%, with Dakar as the largest urban center.
Mostly farmers, herders, and fishers.
Oil, natural gas, hydro, and solar.
High, especially in solar and wind.
Unemployment, poverty, and dependence on agriculture.
Balancing democracy, reforms, and youth demands.
Former colonial power, still a major partner in trade and culture.
Senegal is an active member and peacekeeping contributor.
Senegal is a strong supporter of continental initiatives.
Supports peacekeeping and development programs.
Trade, aid, and security cooperation.
Invests in infrastructure and trade.
Moderate, due to CFA franc stability.
High around Dakar and coastal areas.
Wood carving, basket weaving, leatherwork, and beadwork.
Brightly colored fabrics, embroidery, and boubous.
A major African contemporary art exhibition.
An international music festival attracting artists from around the world.
April 4, celebrated with parades and cultural events.
Around 10% difference.
Around 6 years.
Lower than in rural areas.
Maternal and child health, plus malaria prevention.
Overcrowding, teacher shortages, and low literacy.
Around 5 people per household.
High but slowly declining.
Oil, gas, services, and ICT in addition to agriculture.
Historic sites, beaches, cultural festivals, and eco-tourism.
It is a model of democratic stability, cultural richness, and regional influence in West Africa.