Year of independence
1960 (from France)
Capital
Dakar
Other important cities
Koalack, Rufisque, Saint-Louis, Thiès
Population
12.8 million
Languages
French (official language), Wolof, Mandingo, Serere, Parakolle (national languages)
Government
Democratic secular republic. Its political system is a presidential one. Senegal is one of the most politically stable countries in Africa.
President
Abdoulaye Wade
Ethnic groups
Wolof, Sereres, Toucouleurs, Diola, Mandingo, Peul, Lebou
Religions
Islam (92%), Christianity (6%), Animism (2%)
Topography
Sandy and flat. The Fouta-Djallon mountain range in the southwest region has the highest elevation.
Climate
Relatively mild for the Sahel. Cool along the northern coast, hot and dry in the sub-Saharan region, and rainy in the southern regions.
Economy
Based on agriculture. Principal cash crops: peanuts, rice, corn, cotton, sorghum, and wheat. Fishing. Natural resources: phosphates, oil.
Currency
Franc CFA
