All about...#18 - Senegal

In simple words, Senegal is a partly-lush, developing country in Western Africa. It has gone through centuries of history, crops, wars, and transitions. Whether you know this country because of its peanuts industry, or the Dakar rally, you will learn more! But we are getting ahead of ourselves. Let's group it into categories:

- Political/Economic

- Physical

- Demography

- Fun facts

Senegal is a decent-sized country in Western Africa, about the size of South Dakota. Its capital is Dakar, an important historical and economic city. Other large cities include Touba and Rufisque, but almost the majority of the country is rural.

Senegal is mostly driven by the manufacturing, fishing, and tourism sector. Senegal is big in mining as they are rich in phosphates and iron. You may have not known, but Senegal is surprisingly big groundnut and nuts.

Their largest exports are gold and petroleum.

Senegal has three main climate zones: Desert north (Sahara), Sahel Central, and the tropical forests of the south. The Savannah provides wildlife for many animals. The country does not have many mountains, but lots of plains.

The climate of Senegal is mainly dry, but the coasts and southern regions get some/plenty of rain. However extreme drought and the seasonally Harmattan winds are a problem. But the good news is, organizations like Ecosia and even Jetpunk are planting trees in Senegal!!!

Let's talk about ethnic groups first - Senegal has over 20 ethnic groups! The largest ones are the Wolof, Fulani, and Serer. Other groups like the Moroccans, French, and Berbers are also mixed in there.

Since France colonized it, the main language of Senegal is, of course, French. But there are also 38 other indigenous languages including Wolof (Also called Senegalese). It is interesting that Senegal prefers English as a second language.

The majority of the country - 89% is Sunni Muslim, with Christians and folk religions being a minority.