Travel to Senegal

Travel warning is issued for traveling to Senegal. For more information please visit U.S. Department of State

Last Minute Tips Before you Travel to Senegal

• Time Zone: GMT/UTC 0
• Electricity: 230V, 50 Hz (bring an adapter/transformer for your hair drier, laptop, cellular phone etc.)
• Currency: CFA franc (CFA)
• Country Dialing Code: 221

Must See - Properties on UNESCO World Heritage List

• Island of Gorée
• Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary
• Niokolo-Koba National Park
• Island of Saint-Louis

Senegal

Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Capital
Dakar

Population
11,126,832 (July 2005 est.)

Regions
11 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Climate
tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind

Ethnic groups
Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%

Religions
Muslim 94%, indigenous beliefs 1%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic)

Languages
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka

Government type
republic under multiparty democratic rule

Background
Independent from France in 1960, Senegal was ruled by the Socialist Party for forty years until current President Abdoulaye WADE was elected in 2000. Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982, but the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. A southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982, but Senegal remains one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.

Senegal Travel and Accommodation – Your Tips for Travelers

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Disclaimer: Although we have tried to make the information on this website as accurate as possible, some of the facts may not be accurate, or may have recently changed. We do not accept any responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience suffered by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify important information with the relevant authorities before traveling.