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Senegal: The Evolution of Africa's Major Nations

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Senegal (The Evolution of Africa's Major Nations)

by Tanya Mulroy

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Senegal is a country in West Africa. It is bFree Downloaded by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast, Guinea-Bissau to the southwest, and The Gambia to the west. Senegal also has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean. The country's capital is Dakar.

Senegal is a diverse country, with a population of over 15 million people. The country is home to a variety of ethnic groups, including the Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, and Diola. Senegal is also a Muslim-majority country, with over 95% of the population practicing Islam.

Senegal has a rich history. The country was first inhabited by the Wolof people, who migrated to the region from the north in the 13th century. The Wolof established a powerful kingdom that controlled much of the region. In the 16th century, Senegal was colonized by the Portuguese. The French took control of Senegal in the 17th century, and the country remained a French colony until 1960.

Senegal gained independence in 1960, and Leopold Sedar Senghor became the country's first president. Senghor led Senegal for 20 years, and he is considered one of the most important figures in African history. Senghor was a poet and a philosopher, and he helped to promote African culture and identity.

After Senghor's retirement, Senegal was ruled by a series of military dictators. In 2000, Abdoulaye Wade was elected president. Wade introduced a number of economic and political reforms, and he helped to improve Senegal's relations with other countries in the region.

Macky Sall was elected president in 2012. Sall has continued Wade's economic and political reforms, and he has also focused on improving education and healthcare in Senegal.

Geography

Senegal is a relatively flat country, with a few low hills in the southeast. The country is drained by a number of rivers, including the Senegal River, the Gambia River, and the Casamance River. Senegal also has a number of lakes, including Lake Retba and Lake Guiers.

Senegal has a tropical climate. The country experiences two rainy seasons, one from May to October and the other from December to February. The average temperature in Senegal is around 25 degrees Celsius.

People

The Wolof are the largest ethnic group in Senegal, accounting for about 43% of the population. The Wolof are a Muslim people who live primarily in the north and west of the country. The Pulaar are the second largest ethnic group in Senegal, accounting for about 24% of the population. The Pulaar are a Muslim people who live primarily in the east and north of the country. The Serer are the third largest ethnic group in Senegal, accounting for about 15% of the population. The Serer are a Muslim people who live primarily in the center of the country. The Diola are the fourth largest ethnic group in Senegal, accounting for about 8% of the population. The Diola are a Christian people who live primarily in the south of the country.

Senegal is a young country, with over 60% of the population under the age of 25. The country has a high birth rate and a low life expectancy. The average life expectancy in Senegal is around 65 years.

Economy

Senegal has a developing economy. The country's main industries include agriculture, fishing, and tourism. Senegal also has a significant mining industry. The country's main exports include fish, peanuts, and phosphate. Senegal is a member of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Senegal has a GDP of $16.4 billion. The country's GDP per capita is around $1,000. Senegal is one of the poorest countries in the world. The country's economy is heavily dependent on foreign aid.

Senegal has made significant progress in reducing poverty in recent years. The country's poverty rate has fallen from 57% in 1991 to 47% in 2011. Senegal has also made progress in improving education and healthcare. The country's literacy rate has increased from 35% in 1991 to 57% in 2011. The country's infant mortality rate has fallen from 110 per 1,000 live births in 1991 to 55 per 1,000 live births in 2011.

Politics

Senegal is a republic. The country's president is the head of state and government. The president is elected by popular vote for a term of five years. Senegal also has a National Assembly, which is the country's legislature. The National Assembly is composed of 150 members, who are elected by popular vote for a term of five years.

Senegal has a multi-party system. The country's main political parties include the Socialist Party, the Senegalese Democratic Party, and the Alliance for the Republic. Senegal has a history of political stability. The country has held regular elections since it gained independence in 1960.

Senegal is a member of the United Nations, the African Union, and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Culture

Senegal has a rich culture. The country's culture is a blend of African, European, and Arab influences. Senegal is known for its music, dance, and art. The country is also home to a number of historical sites, including the Island of Gorée and the city of Saint-Louis.

Senegal's music is a vibrant and diverse blend of traditional African rhythms and melodies with European and Arab influences. The country's most popular musical genres include mbalax, sabar, and

Senegal (The Evolution of Africa's Major Nations)

by Tanya Mulroy

5 out of 5