10 fun and interesting Senegal facts

1. Dakar: The Vibrant Capital of Senegal

The vibrant capital of Senegal, Dakar, is a city full of life and culture. From the colorful markets, where you can find everything from traditional African crafts to modern electronics, to the beautiful beaches, perfect for relaxing and soaking up the sun, to the excellent music scene, where you can find everything from traditional African music to modern hip-hop, Dakar is a city that has something for everyone.

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2. A Country of Many Languages

In Senegal, French is the official language, but the country is also home to a variety of other languages, including Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, and Mandinka. These languages are widely spoken throughout the country, and are an important part of the culture and identity of the Senegalese people.

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3. Islam Dominates Senegal, But Superstition Persists

In Senegal, Islam is the dominant religion, with nearly 94% of the population identifying as Muslim and 5% as Christian. Despite this, the Senegalese are highly superstitious, believing in a variety of spiritual and supernatural forces. This is reflected in their everyday lives, with many people engaging in rituals and practices to ward off bad luck and bring good fortune.

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4. Senegal's Weather in 5 Simple Phrases

Senegal is a tropical country, with hot and humid temperatures throughout the year. From May to November, the country experiences its rainy season, with strong southeast winds bringing heavy rainfall. From December to April, the dry season takes over, with hot, dry, harmattan winds dominating the climate. This season is usually accompanied by dust and sand from the Sahara Desert.

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5. Senegal's Rivers Provide Necessary Water for Life

Senegal is home to two of the largest rivers in the region: the Senegal River in the north and the Casamance River in the south. The Senegal River is the longest river in West Africa, stretching 1,140 miles from its source in Guinea to its mouth in the Atlantic Ocean. The Casamance River, on the other hand, is located in the tropical climate region of Senegal and is approximately 200 miles long, flowing from Guinea-Bissau to the Atlantic Ocean. Both rivers are important sources of water for the people of Senegal, providing irrigation for agriculture and drinking water for the population.

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6. A Democratic Republic with Multiple Political Parties

In 1960, Senegal gained its independence from France, and since then has been a multiparty democratic republic. This means that the government is made up of multiple political parties, and the people of Senegal have the right to vote for their leaders. This has allowed the country to develop and progress since its independence, and has enabled the people of Senegal to have a say in the decisions that affect their lives.

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7. The Currency Used in this African Country is the CFA Franc

In Senegal, the currency used is the CFA Franc, which is derived from the French term 'Franc de la Coopération Financière en Afrique'. The name 'Senegal' is derived from the Wolof phrase 'sun gal', which translates to 'our boat'. This phrase is symbolic of the country's history as a major trading hub in West Africa, with the Senegal River serving as a major transportation route for goods and people.

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8. A Country with a Diverse and Thriving Economy

Senegal is a country with a diverse and thriving economy, with industries ranging from agricultural and fish processing to fertilizer production, phosphate mining and petroleum refining. This has enabled Senegal to become a major exporter of goods such as fish, peanuts, petroleum products, phosphates and cotton, providing a valuable source of income for the country.

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9. UNESCO Adds Senegal's Stone Circles to World Heritage List

In 2006, the Senegambian Stone Circles were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List, a recognition of their cultural and historical significance. These circles, which are found in Senegal and Gambia, are made up of between ten and twenty-four stones, some of which weigh up to ten tonnes. The circles are thought to have been constructed between the 3rd century BC and the 16th century AD, and are believed to have been used for religious and social purposes.

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10. Wrestling is a national sport in Senegal

In Senegal, wrestling is more than just a sport - it's a way of life. As the traditional and national sport of the country, wrestling has been a part of the culture for centuries. It is a popular spectator sport, with competitions taking place in villages and towns across the country. Wrestlers compete in a variety of styles, including Greco-Roman, freestyle, and traditional Senegalese wrestling. The sport is also a source of national pride, with the Senegalese team having won numerous medals in international competitions.