Quick facts
Capital
Dakar
Population
18,931,966
Region
Western Africa
Currency
West African CFA franc (XOF)
Language
French
Interesting Facts About Sénégal
- Senegal is the westernmost country of mainland West Africa, located along the Atlantic Ocean coast.
- Senegal nearly surrounds the Gambia, a country that occupies a narrow strip of land along the Gambia River.
- Senegal has one of the more successful post-colonial democratic transitions in Africa, with a quasi-democratic political culture.
- Marabouts, religious leaders of the various Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal, have exerted strong political influence in the country.
- In 2012, Senegal's lawmakers voted to abolish the Senate to save an estimated $15 million.
- Senegal experienced a peaceful and democratic presidential transition in 2012 when opposition candidate Macky Sall won and Wade conceded the election.
View Dakar guide
Dakar
Capitale de Sénégal