Senegal

The French colonies of Senegal and the French Sudan were merged in 1959 and granted their independence as the Mali Federation in 1960. The union broke up after only a few months. Senegal was ruled by the Socialist Party for 40 years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982, but the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. The most significant threat within Senegal since the 1980s has been led by the Movement of Democratic Forces in the Casamance (MFDC). Although a peace agreement was signed in December 2004, internal rifts continue to keep the peace process deadlocked. Nevertheless, Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.

Languages & Population

Approximate Population: 12,521,851

Nationality (Noun): Senegalese (singular and plural)

Nationality (Adjective): Senegalese

Official Language(s): French

Major Languages Spoken: French, Fuuta Jalon, Jola, Koniagui, Malinke, Mandingo, Mandinka, Wolof

Country Facts

Country Name (long form): Republic of Senegal

Country Name (short form): Senegal

Country Name (local long form): Republique du Senegal

Country Name (local short form): Senegal

Name of Capital: Dakar

UTC Time Difference (from capital): UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC during Standard Time)

Countries Near by, and Bordering Senegal: Mali, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea

Land Area: 192000 sq km

Water Area: 4190 sq km

Comparative Area: slightly smaller than South Dakota

Total Land Boundry: 2,640 km

Coastline: 531 km

National Holiday: Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

International Phone Code: 221

Currency Code: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note

Internet Country Code: .sn

US Embassy Location: Avenue Jean XXIII at the corner of Rue Kleber, Dakar

US Embassy Mailing Address: B. P. 49, Dakar