Year of independence
1960
(from France)
Capital
Dakar
Other important
cities
Koalack, Rufisque, Saint-Louis, Thiès
Population
6.6 million
Languages
French (official language), Wolof,
Mandingo, Serere, Parakolle (national languages)
Government
Democratic secular republic. Its political system is a presidential
one. Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in
Africa.
President
Abdoulaye
Wade
Ethnic groups
Wolof,
Sereres, Toucouleurs, Diola, Mandingo, Peul, Lebou
Religions
Islam
(92%), Christianity (6%), Animism (2%)
Topography
Sandy and flat. The Fouta-Djallon mountain range in the southwest region has
the highest elevation.
Climate
Relatively
mild for the Sahel. Cool along the northern coast, hot and dry in the sub-Saharan
region, and rainy in the southern regions.
Economy
Based on agriculture. Principal cash crops: peanuts, rice, corn, cotton,
sorghum, and wheat. Fishing. Natural
resources: phosphates, oil.
Currency
Franc CFA
