Country Profile · No. 42

Senegal

Capital / Admin Capital

DakarPopulation: ~18.0MIndependence: 1960 (April 4, following the dissolution of the Mali Federation)

First President

Leopold Sedar Senghor (1960–1980, celebrated poet and intellectual leader)Current President: Bassirou Diomaye Faye (Serving since April 2024)

Geography & Borders

Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, The Gambia (completely surrounds it on land except the Atlantic coast). Westernmost country on the African mainland.

Demographics & Language

Islam (~96%, heavily influenced by prominent Sufi brotherhoods like the Tijaniyya and Muridiyya). Official: French language. National language: Wolof language. Major groups: Wolof (~43%), Pulaar (~24%), Serer (~15%), Jola (~4%).

Economy & GDP

Fishing, peanut agriculture, phosphate mining, tourism, emerging offshore oil and natural gas reserves.

Global Diaspora

1. France (~150k–200k), 2. Italy (~70k), 3. Spain (~60k), 4. United States (~35k–45k). U.S. Hubs (States / Cities): New York (New York City / Harlem), Ohio (Columbus), Maryland (Silver Spring.

Major Conflicts

Casamance conflict (1982–2022, low-level separatist rebellion in the southern Casamance region), short-lived Senegambia Confederation (1982–1989).

3 Must-See Sites

1. Gorée Island (Île de Gorée) (UNESCO World Heritage car-free island off Dakar famous for its pastel colonial buildings and the poignant House of Slaves), 2. Lake Retba (Lac Rose) (Famous pink-hued hypersaline lake north of Dakar), 3. Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Wetland paradise in the north serving as a major sanctuary for millions of migratory pelicans and flamingos).

Quick Facts

Celebrated globally for its profound tradition of political stability, robust democracy, and cultural hospitality (Teranga); capital Dakar marks the westernmost extremity of mainland Africa.