At a Glance

Official Name: Republic of Senegal

Continent: Africa

Area: 74,131 square miles (192,000 sq. km)

Population: 10,284,929

Capital City: Dakar

Largest City: Dakar (1,729,823)

Unit of Money: CFA Franc

Major Languages: French (official), Wolof

Literacy: 33%

Land Use: 12% arable, 16% pastures, 54% forests, 18% other

Natural Resources: Fish, phosphates, iron ore

Government: Republic

Defense: 81 million

The Place

Senegal is on the northwest coast of Africa at the tip of the bulge that juts west toward the Atlantic Ocean. It is the farthest point west of any other African mainland nation. Rolling plains cover most the nation's 74,131 square miles (192,000 square kilometers). The tiny nation of Gambia separates southern Senegal, called the Casamance, from the larger northern part. Sandy beaches cover Senegal's coast, which extends about 310 miles (500 kilometers) along the Atlantic Ocean. Dakar, the capital and largest city, lies along the coast. Senegal's terrain is mainly rolling plains covered with reddish sand. Forests cover the Casamance region in southern Senegal. Senegal has 3 major rivers—the Senegal in the north, the Gambia in the southeast, and the Casamance in the southwest. Senegal's rainy season lasts from July to October. Casamance receives the most rain, about 60 to 70 inches (150 to 180 centimeters) annually. The average annual temperature along Senegal's coast is about 71° F (22° C). Inland, the average annual temperature is about 84° F (29° C).

The People

About 95% of Senegal's people are black Africans. They belong to many different ethnic groups. The largest ones are, in order of size, the Wolof, Fulani, Serer, Toucouleur, Diola, and Mandingo. French is Senegal's official language, but Wolof is the most widely spoken language. Most rural houses in Senegal are mud huts with thatched roofs. Related families often live in a close group of houses surrounded by a wall. In cities, people live in modern apartments. Most Senegalese men wear wide-legged trousers and a loose-fitting cotton robe called a boubou. Women wear colorful boubous and turbans. Senegal faces severe health problems. Contaminated water and food cause illness and death in the country, especially in the rural areas. Senegal has a severe shortage of physicians. Life expectancy is 58 years. Most of Senegal's adult population cannot read or write.