Perched on the western bulge of Africa, Senegal has a varied geography, encompassing both tropical forests and the outer boundaries of the semiarid Sahel, a region plagued by recurrent drought and overgrazing. Except for a few hills (the tallest rise to 1,640 ft/500 m), most of the country consists of low-lying plains where peanuts are grown (during the rainy season, you can see great mounds of them along the roads, covered with tarpaulins).
In the 14th century, the area that is now Senegal was part of the Jolof Empire, dominated by the local Wolof people. Portuguese explorers arrived a century later and established an important slave center in the region. Millions of Africans left Dakar's harbor on slave ships bound for the New World. The French gained control of the region in the 1600s and ruled it until 1960, when Senegal became independent. The country still retains close ties to France. Senegal and its neighbor, The Gambia (a tiny country set on the Gambia River that divides Senegal), merged administratively into a confederation called Senegambia in 1982 (to combine their military and security forces). However, the confederation ended in 1989 at Senegal's request.
Senegal has been politically stable since independence and is one of the few West African countries to see a peaceful transfer of power. (The local opposition party won control of the government in 2000 after 40 years of dominance by the Socialist Party.) A lingering challenge to the nation has been the Movement of Democratic Forces of Casamance, which is seeking independence for a region in southern Senegal. As a result of rebel attacks, the government has imposed strict military rule in that region. Many people have died in disturbances, and others have fled to other regions of Senegal, as well as to neighboring Guinea-Bissau and The Gambia, where they have not always been welcome. However, as a result of a recent peace accord, fighting has come to a standstill and most military has withdrawn from the area.
The top attractions in Senegal are West African culture, bird reserves, beaches, music, historical sites, traditional villages, good food and friendly people.
Senegal will appeal to bird-watchers and adventurous travelers interested in West African culture. Although you'll find a French ambience in Senegal, don't expect first-class accommodations outside of the major cities. This is not a destination for budget travelers.
Ethnically, the country is divided into three major groups: the Wolof, the Fulani and the Serere.
Prehistoric stone circles can be found in The Gambia and surrounding areas of Senegal. Although the exact significance of the rock formations is not clear, their mystic symbolism is evident. The best-known sites include Djalloumbere (near the town of Ngayene, 110 mi/180 km southeast of Dakar), but there are many others. Most visitors interested in these wonders rent a car and drive from the town of Kaolack (about 50 mi/80 km north of Ngayene).
Those trendy soda-can-covered briefcases you see Senegalese men toting are known as cot-cots. The briefcases, made from scrap metal and soda cans, are named for former minister Jean-Pierre Cot, who carried one to work with him.
Fishing is a traditional occupation in Senegal. However, in the past several years, the government has signed agreements that allow commercial fishing boats from Europe to fish its coastal waters, where many local fisherman have drawn their catch for generations. Although these contracts generate substantial income for the government (as much as 70% of its annual revenues, by some estimates), they're also forcing local fishermen farther out to sea to maintain their livelihoods.
Senegal is known throughout Africa for producing noted novelists and film directors. Senegalese filmmaker Ousmane Sembene is one of the most respected and famous on the continent. His classic films include Ceddo, Xala and Guelwaar.
Senegal has also produced a number of talented musicians who have attained international popularity. Performers Youssou N'Dour and Baaba Maal have a large following.
During the 1930s, the coastal town of St. Louis served as a major refueling stop for airplanes flying between Europe and South America. Senegal is exactly halfway between Paris and Rio.
The Dakar Rally, an event synonymous with excitement and danger, is an automobile race that begins every New Year's Eve in a different European city. It typically runs through four African countries before finishing at the Pink Lake near Dakar about 17 days and 6,370 mi/10,250 km later. Typically, only half of the original vehicles make it across the finish line.
The University of Dakar is a major center of African learning. It hosts French-speaking students from all over the continent and participates in many faculty-exchange programs with universities in France and the U.S.
One-tenth of the population is employed working for peanuts (literally), the primary agricultural product of Senegal.
Anything goes in traditional Senegalese wrestling—kicking, punching and even biting. Look for it Sunday afternoons in Dakar's main stadium.
President Leopold Senghor, who retired in 1980 and died in 2001, was a respected African statesman and a French-language poet of world stature.