Senegal country profile

Republic of Senegal

Long considered one of Africa's model democracies, the western African nation of Senegal has a tradition of stable governments and civilian rule.

Hundreds of Senegalese were killed in a local separatist conflict in the southern region of Casamance, but violence has waned since a 2014 ceasefire.
The country's stability has allowed it to send peacekeeping troops to DR Congo, Liberia and Kosovo.
Slaves, ivory and gold were exported from the coast during the 17th and 18th centuries and now the economy is based mainly on agriculture. The money sent home by Senegalese living abroad is a key source of revenue.

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FACTS

 

Capital: Dakar

• Population 15.5 million
  
• Area 196,722 sq km (75,955 sq miles)
  
• Major languages French (official), Wolof
  
• Major religion Islam
  
• Life expectancy 65 years (men), 69 years (women)
  
• Currency CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc
  

UN, World Bank

8th century - Present-day Senegal is part of the Kingdom of Ghana.
1677 - French take over island of Goree from the Dutch, the start of nearly 300 years of French oversight.
1756-63 - Seven Years' War: Britain takes over French posts in Senegal, forms colony of Senegambia. France regains its holdings during American Revolutionary War of 1775-83.
1960 - Senegal becomes an independent country.