[115] Infant mortality in Senegal was 157 per 1,000 live births in 1950., but since then it has declined five-fold to 32 per 1,000 in 2018. There was a round of talks in 2005, but the results have not yet yielded a resolution. The main industries include food processing, mining, cement, artificial fertilizer, chemicals, textiles, refining imported petroleum, and tourism. In 2008, Senegal finished in 12th position on the Ibrahim Index of African Governance. Refugees live in N'dioum, Dodel, and small settlements along the Senegal River valley.[95]. Bissap is ubiquitous in Senegal, and is in fact the national drink. In 2006 gum arabic exports soared to $280 million, making it by far the leading agricultural export. While traveling in Senegal, most can get by with a little bit of French. Dakar, city, capital of Senegal, and one of the chief seaports on the western African coast.It is located midway between the mouths of the Gambia and Sngal rivers on the southeastern side of the Cape Verde Peninsula, close to Africa's most westerly point.Dakar's harbour is one of the best in western Africa, protected by the limestone cliffs of the cape and by a system of breakwaters. Ibra Kasse 's Star Band was the most famous orchestre of the 1960s and 1970s and was a leader in the modernization of Senegalese music. The Boukout is one of the Jola's religious ceremonies. The climate is tropical with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy cold season. Senegal is known for having some of the most bright and colorful markets in the world, whether it be for textiles or food. [98], Portuguese Creole, locally known as Portuguese, is a prominent minority language in Ziguinchor, regional capital of the Casamance, spoken by local Portuguese creoles and immigrants from Guinea-Bissau. Most communities south of the Senegal River Valley, however, were not thoroughly Islamized. You'll find thousands of different variations around the country. Another theory says the name comes from the Wolof "sunu gaal," meaning "our boat. The matches contain a spiritual element, with athletes maintaining their own rituals that may include music, religious verses, herbs, and other rites. By 2014, it had recovered its Free status.[48]. (See also the Bedick ethnic group. [46], Senegal is a republic with a presidency; the president is elected every five years as of 2016, previously being seven years from independence to 2001, five years from 2001 to 2008, and seven years again from 2008 to 2016, by adult voters. He is well known in his country, but also abroad. Tukulor founded it in the middle of a Senegal River valley. Less than one percent has animist beliefs, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. Africa is much less traveled than much of the rest of the world. [111] The first Bah' Local Spiritual Assembly of Senegal was elected in 1966 in Dakar. In the 1980s, Boubacar Lam discovered Senegalese oral history that was initially compiled by the Tuculor noble, Yoro Dyo, not long after World War I, which documented migrations into West Africa from the Nile Valley; ethnic groups, from the Senegal River to the Niger Delta, retained traditions of having an eastern origin. The monument has nonetheless become a tourist attraction, as it is frequented by those who gawk from below, and climb up its series of steps to get a closer look. In the absence of written sources and monumental ruins in this region, the history of the early centuries of the modern era must be based primarily on archaeological excavations, the writing of early geographers and travelers, written in Arabic and data derived from oral tradition. While French is the official language in Senegal due to the former French colonization, the most commonly spoken language is Wolof. [citation needed], On 25 November 1958, Senegal became an autonomous republic within the French Community.[40]. In the early 21st century, violence has subsided and President Macky Sall held talks with rebels in Rome in December 2012.[43]. All About Senegal - Africa.com [122] The Ministry of Labor has indicated that the public school system is unable to cope with the number of children that must enroll each year. The Country Quiz The Sudanic zone in the southern half of the country is generally hot, humid, and uncomfortable. What are four tourist attractions in Senegal? - TravelMagma Under its "Emerging Senegal Plan" (known by its French acronym PSE), the Government of Senegal (GOS) aims to boost sustained and inclusive growth through economic reforms and private sector driven investment projects. Dakar also hosts a film festival, Recidak. Senegal was ranked 105th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021, down from 96th in 2019. The work was commissioned in 2009 and completed in 2010, corresponding to the 50th anniversary of Senegalese independence from France. French and British diplomacy in the area were thrown into disarray. When the Northern African countries were added to the index in 2009, Senegal's 2008 position was retroactively downgraded to 15th place (with Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco placing ahead of Senegal). [123][124][125][126], Senegal is well known for the West African tradition of storytelling, which is done by griots, who have kept West African history alive for thousands of years through words and music. In the presidential election of 1999, opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade defeated Diouf in an election deemed free and fair by international observers. In the Kaolack-Tambacounda vicinity, rainfall averages between 29 inches (740 mm) and 39 inches (990 mm), occurring on about 60 days between June and October. Opened in 2019, the Museum of Black Civilizations is a new one, and a good one. Most of the population is on the coast and works in agriculture or other food industries; other major industries include mining, tourism, and services. Senegal is known for being a safe country, and while visitors especially female solo travelers should take the typical precautions you would when traveling alone, visiting solo here shouldn't present any big problems. When the country hosted the 2019 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, 15,000 fans flocked to the Dakar Arena which is registered as a record attendance for basketball in Africa. According to Business Anti-Corruption Portal, President Sall created the OFNAC to replace the Commission Nationale de Lutte Contre la non Transparence, la Corruption et la Concussion (CNLCC). Author of From Frontier to Backwater: Economy and Society in the Upper Senegal Valley (West Africa), 1850-1920. What is Senegal Known for? English is taught as a foreign language in secondary schools and many graduate school programs, and it is the only subject matter that has a special office in the Ministry of Education. [21] The country does not have notable natural resources, but the basis of its development lies in education, where almost half the state's budget is spent. Senegal National symbols. Tiep bou dine therefore means "rice with fish". This small museum gives a glimpse into the life and times of Jean Mermoz, Antoine de Saint-Exupry and other pilots who flew during the golden era of. Where is Senegal located? [33], The African Renaissance Monument built in 2010 in Dakar is the tallest statue in Africa. Senegal,[f] officially the Republic of Senegal,[g] is a country in West Africa, on the Atlantic Ocean coastline. The most recent estimate, by the Association of Religion Data Archives in a 2005 report details the population of Senegalese Bah's at 22,000.[113]. Senegal will host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, making Senegal the first African country to host an Olympic event.[129][130]. Climate change will cause an increase in average temperatures over west Africa by between 1.5 and 4 C (3 F and 7 F) by mid-century, relative to 19862005. Thieboudian is a national dish in Senegal. Throughout the country, on street corners, in markets, and in cafes, caf touba is everywhere. [132] It traditionally serves many young men to escape poverty and it is the only sport recognized as developed independently of Western culture. Hospitality, in theory, is given such importance in Senegalese culture that it is widely considered to be part of the national identity. Super Star de Dakar, led by Nigerian saxophonist, Dexter Johnson, spun off from the Star Band and was the other leading band in Dakar in the 1960s. The most important city in Senegal is its capital, Dakar. [81], Agriculture is one of the dominant parts of Senegal's economy, despite the fact that Senegal lies within the drought-prone Sahel region. The country is beautiful, with lakes, wildlife, and beaches. Senegal - Market Overview - International Trade Administration Its made from a blend of ground coffee, boiling water, and ground selim pepper. Thiam is an advocate for promoting African ingredients across the world, and founded a company called Yoll Foods. The dish is a perfect introduction to Senegalese cuisine, as it highlights the influence of the coast, its seafood, and jollof rice. Senegal is home to several internationally renowned musicians and artists. Senegal - Wikipedia In the latter year, Senghor allowed the formation of two opposition parties that began operation in 1976a Marxist party (the African Independence Party) and a liberal party (the Senegalese Democratic Party). Andrew Clark, Camille Camara Try these for starters: Jrjf means Thank you, Jefel ma means Please, and Nanga def means How are you? Making an effort can go a long way, and it may even make you some new friends! Senegal is known for its cuisine, and there is an endless array of delectable dishes to try, ranging from chicken yassa to maf, but thieboudienne is the national dish. Les Mamelles lighthouse stands on a high outpost overlooking the Atlantic ocean. What is Senegal best known for? - ProfoundAdvice Internationally, Senegal is best known in the sporting world for the Paris-Dakar Rally. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. He has also written numerous cookbooks, and has been nominated for the prestigious James Beard Award. On 30 December 2004 President Wade announced that he would sign a peace treaty with the separatist group in the Casamance region. I found that Senegalese cuisine largely consists of proteins and stews served with a grain of some sort. 10 Things Senegal Is Famous for - Lets Travel More This movement faced resistance from ethnicities of traditional religions, the Serers in particular. Another instrument, the tama, is used in more ethnic groups. As of 2012[update], Senegal's Ibrahim Index rank has declined another point to 16th of 52 African countries. There is so much to explore! To fight corruption, the government has created the National Anti-Corruption Office (OFNAC) and the Commission of Restitution and Recovery of Illegally Acquired Assets. According to a 2013 UNICEF report,[118] 26% of women in Senegal have undergone female genital mutilation. The third president was Abdoulaye Wade, a lawyer. However, the union was dissolved in 1989. Overall Senegal is home to around 39 distinct languages. Some kingdoms were created around the seventh century: Takrur in the ninth century, Namandiru and the Jolof Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. Green beans, industrial tomato, cherry tomato, melon, and mango are Senegal's main vegetable cash crops. Regional capitals have the same name as their respective regions: Senegal has a high profile in many international organizations and was a member of the UN Security Council in 198889 and 20152016. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread. ", "Situation conomique et sociale du Sngal", "In Senegalese bush, Bani Israel tribe claims Jewish heritage", "National communities celebrate together", "Human Development Report 2009 Senegal", "Enqute Dmographique et de Sant Continue (EDS-Continue) 20122013", "Africa: SA in lockdown, curfews in the west as continent braces for Covid-19 wave", "Senegal seeing significant rise in Delta variant cases", "A New Platform to Improve Health Care in Senegal", "Aprs dix annes d'interruption: Les RECIDAK nouvelles arrivent en 2014", "Senegal to be 1st African Olympic host at 2022 Youth Games", "Senegal first African nation to host an Olympic event", "Sports in Africa: Communication and Media", "Wrestling As a Solution to Poverty in Senegal", "Getting to know Africa's flashy basketball arenas", "NBA to open academy in Africa in 2017 - NBA.com", "Dakar rally cancelled at last minute over terrorist threat", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Senegal&oldid=1164623124, This page was last edited on 10 July 2023, at 04:23. Economy of Senegal . Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened. I for one, cannot wait to go back and experience the land of Teranga once again. [6] Historically, they were the first to become Muslim. The two largest and most prominent Sufi tariqas in Senegal are the Tijaniyya, whose largest Senegalese sub-groups are based in the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack and has broad following in West Africa outside of Senegal, and the Murdiyya (Murid), who are based in the city of Touba and has a follower base mostly limited to within Senegal.[106]. Markets are where youll see all of the fabrics used to make Boubou (traditional clothing), the fruit to make Bouye, and all of the ingredients to make a traditional thieb. Senegal is located in West Africa and is known for its diverse culture, blending African, French, and Islamic influences. Made from dried flowers of the Hibiscus plant, this red-colored drink is brewed like tea and is consumed frequently. Senegal | Culture, History, & People | Britannica Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree. A museum lies at the base of the lighthouse, providing some historical context. I used recipes from two of Chef Pierre Thiam's cookbooks, The Fonio Cookbook: An Ancient Grain Rediscovered and Senegal: Modern Senegalese Recipes From the Source to the Bowl. He aims to make Senegal's health care system effective and sustainable. The name comes from the Wolof ethnic group, which is the largest in Senegal. The bark, pulp, leaves and fruit of these giant trees are used for . The Senegalese military receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States, and to a lesser extent Germany. 1/ Thiep bou dien (or Tchiboudienne). Senegal - Coastal Plains, Sahel, Savanna | Britannica Senegal has participated in many international and regional peacekeeping missions. In Tambacounda in the far interior, particularly on the border of Mali where desert begins, temperatures can reach as high as 54C (129.2F). Nonetheless, Casamance contains some of the most pristine wilderness in the country, is teeming with wildlife, and is far less touristy than some of the larger cities to the North. In the 19th century, France increased its colonial influence in Senegal and thus the number of French-speaking people multiplied continuously. Wrestling and football are the most popular sports in the country. In response, Senegal petitioned the United Nations Security Council in 1963, 1965, 1969 (in response to shelling by Portuguese artillery), 1971 and finally in 1972. OFNAC is composed of twelve members appointed by decree. Senegal is a mecca with robust arts, rich traditions, historic landmarks, and remarkable natural landscapes. The northernmost part of the country has a near hot desert climate, the central part has a hot semi-arid climate and the southernmost part has a tropical wet and dry climate. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group (Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance or MFDC) in the Casamance region has clashed sporadically with government forces since 1982 in the Casamance conflict. Portuguese was introduced in Senegal's secondary education in 1961 in Dakar by the country's first president, Lopold Sdar Senghor. [79], Senegal achieved full Internet connectivity in 1996, creating a mini-boom in information technology-based services. In the Senegambia region, between 1300 and 1900, close to one-third of the population was enslaved, typically as a result of being taken captive in warfare.[28]. The website is a part of the Minister of State Mohammad Abdallah Dionne's plan for digitalization. Each beach and town has its own unique character, with some suited for the surfing community, some suited for swimming and relaxing, and others with a party-like atmosphere. [22] Senegal is a member state of the African Union, the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Organisation internationale de la Francophonie, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States. [64] The northern border is formed by the Senegal River; other rivers include the Gambia and Casamance Rivers. Islam was introduced through Toucouleur and Soninke contact with the Almoravid dynasty of the Maghreb, who in turn propagated it with the help of the Almoravids and Toucouleur allies. Several youth opposition movements, including M23 and Y'en a Marre, emerged in June 2011. Senegal is known for its vibrant culture that includes carved wooden masks, musical instruments made from large gourds, dancers, singers, and storytellers. The monument depicts a family of man, woman, and child standing triumphantly and towering over a view of the Atlantic Ocean. With French Sudan, as the Mali Federation. Currently, Senegal has a quasi-democratic political culture, one of the more successful post-colonial democratic transitions in Africa. 8 What is the continent of Dakar? western Africa, region of the western African continent comprising the countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cabo Verde, Chad, Cte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, and Togo. Head to one of the many beaches in Dakar, and there are often more runners, as well as football games played in the sand, and even beachside gyms. In the 14th century the Jolof Empire grew more powerful, having united Cayor and the kingdoms of Baol, Sin, Saloum, Waalo, Futa Tooro and Bambouk, or much of present-day West Africa. Dakar, the former capital of French West Africa, is also home to banks and other institutions which serve all of Francophone West Africa, and is a hub for shipping and transport in the region. Senegal is well integrated with the main bodies of the international community, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union (AU), and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States. Located at the westernmost point of the continent and served by multiple air and maritime travel routes, Senegal is known as the Gateway to Africa. The country lies at an ecological boundary where semiarid grassland, oceanfront, and tropical rainforest converge; this diverse environment has endowed Senegal with a wide variety of plant and animal life. In the end, Macky Sall of the Alliance for the Republic won, and Wade conceded the election to Sall. Here is also found Senegal's highest point, Baunez ridge situated 2.7km southeast of Nepen Diakha at 648m (2,126ft). When the pulp is blended and powdered, it can be used to make a delectable drink that has the texture of a smoothie or milkshake. Production is subject to drought and threats of pests such as locusts, birds, fruit flies, and white flies. Paleolithic and Neolithic axes and arrows have been found near Dakar, and stone circles, as well as copper and iron . Music of Senegal - Wikipedia