Its a feeling I noticed the moment I stepped off the plane. [46], Senegal is a republic with a presidency; the president is elected every five years as of 2016, previously being seven years from independence to 2001, five years from 2001 to 2008, and seven years again from 2008 to 2016, by adult voters. One of the museums key missions is to facilitate the return of African artwork that lies in museums outside of their place of origin. What Is Dakar Famous Food? - ArthurHenrys The Country Quiz The Sudanic zone in the southern half of the country is generally hot, humid, and uncomfortable. To see the island and the museum is one of the most powerful experiences to be had in Dakar. But its always better to go straight to the source! [82], Senegal has a 12-nautical-mile (22km; 14mi) exclusive fishing zone that has been regularly breached in recent years (as of 2014[update]). Where is Senegal located? The competitors used off-road vehicles to cross the difficult geography. Senegal is mainly a sunny and dry country. Senegal is a flat country that lies in the depression known as the Senegal-Mauritanian Basin. Combining the two historical sites makes for an enlightening, educational day. [120], In June 2021, Senegal's Agency for Universal Health launched sunucmu.com (SunuCMU), a website that the agency hopes will streamline health care in the country. Add to list They are often served with fresh fruit and are traditionally followed by coffee or tea. 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The Armed Forces of Senegal consist of about 17,000 personnel in the army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. What is Senegal Famous/Known For? ], Senegalese play many sports. Senegal is renowned for its hospitality and the variety of food that can be found throughout the country. It is meant to symbolize the liberation of African nations and an emergence of a bright future. Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times and has been continuously occupied by various ethnic groups. Travel guides often define this Wolof word (also written as "teranga") as meaning hospitality, but that's "a loose way of translating it," said. The website is a part of the Minister of State Mohammad Abdallah Dionne's plan for digitalization. [citation needed]. The Boukout is one of the Jola's religious ceremonies. Senegal | Culture, History, & People | Britannica The eastern part of Senegal was part of the Ghana Empire. It also delves into the history of Black civilizations beyond the lens of art, with exhibits on early Homo Sapiens on the African continent, all the way through works highlighting the Civil Rights leaders of the United States. Senegal has traditionally been one of Africa's dominant basketball powers. Sabar drumming is especially popular. [66], Senegal has a tropical climate with pleasant heat throughout the year with well-defined dry and humid seasons that result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. When he's not traveling and writing, you'll find him running marathons, experimenting in the kitchen, or seeing live music. Try these for starters: Jrjf means Thank you, Jefel ma means Please, and Nanga def means How are you? Making an effort can go a long way, and it may even make you some new friends! [58], Senegal is a secular state, as defined in its Constitution.[59]. The movement has been primarily associated with the Diola ethnic group feeling marginalized by the primarily-Wolof government. Senegalese people are predominantly Muslim. Our editors will review what youve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. There are a small number of members of the Bani Israel tribe in the Senegalese bush that claim Jewish ancestry, though this is disputed. 1. The empire was a voluntary confederacy of various states rather than being built on military conquest. Exports include fish, chemicals, cotton, fabrics, groundnuts, and calcium phosphate. Several have the legal status of "national languages": Balanta-Ganja, Arabic, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noon (Serer-Noon), Pulaar, Serer, Soninke, and Wolof. In addition to trying restaurant dishes, I decided to recreate some Senegalese foods at home. Senegal is one of the most stable democracies in Africa and has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping and regional mediation. Because of this history, French is the official language, but it is understood only by a minority of the population. Marabouts, religious leaders of the various Muslim brotherhoods of Senegal, have also exercised a strong political influence in the country especially during Wade's presidency. [108] They were ancient Serer festivals rooted in Serer religion, not Islam.[108]. Most local grocery stores and markets will carry bags of hibiscus leaves. Even so, the country suffered an economic decline in the 20th century, owing in some measure to external forces such as the fall in value of the African Financial Community (Communaut Financire Africaine; CFA) franc and the high cost of debt servicing, as well as to internal factors such as a rapidly growing population and widespread unemployment. Senegal covers a land area of almost 197,000 square kilometres. On 22 February 2011, Senegal severed diplomatic ties with Iran, saying it supplied rebels with weapons which killed Senegalese troops in the Casamance conflict.[50]. The Economist, The African Century, March 28th 2020. In June 2023, the response to the protests turned increasingly violent, with Amnesty International counting 23 fatalities, most of which were caused by bullets fired by police or armed police collaborators. Super Star de Dakar, led by Nigerian saxophonist, Dexter Johnson, spun off from the Star Band and was the other leading band in Dakar in the 1960s. [117] In the past five years infant mortality rates of malaria have dropped. It is especially prevalent in Casamance as it relates with the local cultural identity. From the islands made of shellfish of the Saloum Delta to the mysterious burial mounds at the Stone Circles of Senegambia, to the Baboons of Niokolo-Koba, theres a little something for everyone. The Republic of Senegal ( French Rpublique da Sngal) is a country in West Africa. Smaller numbers of other migrants, namely Lebanese[88] Mauritanians and Moroccans reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities and some retirees who reside in the resort towns around Mbour. Senegalese Music: The Women And Men Dominating The Scene It is also known for its history that stretches back to the ancient empires of West Africa, as well as its agricultural industry that produces crops such as millet . Yet, Africa is a massive continent with diversity and nuance between each country and region. A ceasefire was agreed upon in 2014, but there have been dust-ups in the following years. Its made from a blend of ground coffee, boiling water, and ground selim pepper. [83], Senegal is a net food importer, particularly for rice, which represents almost 75% of cereal imports. This is a great time for the international community to discover the Land of Terranga. Senegal is bordered by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea to the southeast and Guinea-Bissau to the southwest. [33][original research? The country is beautiful, with lakes, wildlife, and beaches. French is the official language, spoken by all those who have spent several years in the educational system, in which French is used as the medium of instruction (Koranic schools are also popular, but Arabic is less widely spoken outside of the context of recitation). Located on a stretch of land along the Atlantic (the Westernmost point of continental Africa is in Dakar) with around 330 miles of coastline, Senegal is famous for its beaches. It is a country rich in art and culture but also, and above all, in a vast and diverse gastronomy. Sam is a world traveler that discovered a love for writing while journaling on trips. Ibra Kasse 's Star Band was the most famous orchestre of the 1960s and 1970s and was a leader in the modernization of Senegalese music. Senegal qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Most of the population is on the coast and works in agriculture or other food industries; other major industries include mining, tourism, and services. [79], Senegal achieved full Internet connectivity in 1996, creating a mini-boom in information technology-based services. 2 What are 4 tourist attractions in Senegal? The Wolof[128] word for hospitality is "teranga" and it is so identified with the pride of Senegal that the national football team is known as the Lions of Teranga. [96] During the 15th century, many European territories started to engage in trade in Senegal. [24] Alternatively, it could be a combination of the supreme deity in Serer religion (Rog Sene) and o gal meaning body of water in the Serer language. In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began in Senegal, which led to the imposition of a curfew in the country. [109] The Mahayana branch of Buddhism in Senegal is followed by a very tiny portion of the ex-pat Vietnamese community. Jerseys of players from all over the world are worn by kids and adults alike. Cloudy days and the rainier months of the year will prevent the lake from being its truest, pinkest self. The dish is a perfect introduction to Senegalese cuisine, as it highlights the influence of the coast, its seafood, and jollof rice. Although Islam is Senegal's majority religion, Senegal's first president, Lopold Sdar Senghor, was a Catholic Serer. So, what is Senegal famous for? Thiam is an advocate for promoting African ingredients across the world, and founded a company called Yoll Foods. Wake up early in the morning and youll see large groups of players from local football clubs running through the streets. [101].mw-parser-output .largestCities-table-background{background:#f9f9f9}.mw-parser-output .largestCities-cell-background{background:#f0f0f0}, Religion in Senegal (PEW estimate, 2020)[103], Senegal is a secular state,[59] although Islam is the predominant religion in the country, practiced by 96.6% of the country's population; the Christian community, at 3.3% of the population, is mostly Roman Catholics but there are also diverse Protestant denominations. Hospitality, in theory, is given such importance in Senegalese culture that it is widely considered to be part of the national identity. The climate is typically Sahelian, though there is a rainy season. An arts tour around Dakar is simply not complete without a visit to this famous art complex, where some of Senegal's most promising and established. [104][105], According to a 2012 Pew demographic study, 55% of the Muslims in Senegal are Sunni of the Maliki madhhab with Sufi influences, whilst 27% are non-denominational Muslims. Dakar's annual rainfall of about 600mm (24in) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures average 30C (86.0F) and minimums 24.2C (75.6F); December to February maximum temperatures average 25.7C (78.3F) and minimums 18C (64.4F).[67]. [15][16] The state is a unitary presidential republic; since the country's foundation in 1960, it has been recognized as one of the most stable countries on the African continent. Dakar, city, capital of Senegal, and one of the chief seaports on the western African coast.It is located midway between the mouths of the Gambia and Sngal rivers on the southeastern side of the Cape Verde Peninsula, close to Africa's most westerly point.Dakar's harbour is one of the best in western Africa, protected by the limestone cliffs of the cape and by a system of breakwaters. As of 2012[update], Senegal's Ibrahim Index rank has declined another point to 16th of 52 African countries. Updated on 12/04/19 le de Gore, Senegal. Much of the original quarters for enslaved people and the European enslavers remain, in an effort to display what the harsh existence must have looked like during those dark years. Home to seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites and six national parks, Senegal is a country full of one-of-a-kind experiences. Article 1 of the 2001 Constitution of Senegal, which states that the national languages are Diola, Malink, Pular, Srre, Soninke and Wolof. Other popular international renowned Senegalese musicians are Ismael L, Cheikh L, Orchestra Baobab, Baaba Maal, Akon Thione Seck, Viviane, Fallou Dieng Titi, Seckou Keita and Pape Diouf. Most recently, in 2000, Senegal sent a battalion to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in MONUC, the United Nations peacekeeping mission, and agreed to deploy a US-trained battalion to Sierra Leone for UNAMSIL, another UN peacekeeping mission. The Socialist Party of Senegal ruled for 40 years until Abdoulaye WADE was elected president in 2000 and re-elected in 2007. He is well known in his country, but also abroad. Despite the impact of Mbalax in Senegalese music, it is not all there is to the country's music offerings. 16 things to know before travelling to Senegal - World Travel Guide [84], As of April2020[update], the energy sector in Senegal has an installed capacity of 1431megawatts (MW). Baobob trees are amazing. Senegal is located in West Africa and is known for its diverse culture, blending African, French, and Islamic influences.