SENEGAL
Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country situated in West Africa. It is bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau and also the North Atlantic Ocean. Senegal also surrounds The Gambia, a country located within Senegal’s territory. Senegal’s economic and political capital is Dakar.
MAIN CITIES
Dakar
Touba
Thies
RELIGIONS
Islam 96%
Others 4%
POPULATION
16,746,376
LANGUAGES
French (official)
Wolof
Mandinka
Sonike
Others
ETHNIC GROUPS
Wolof 37.1%
Pular 26.2%
Serer 17%
Mandinka 5.6%
Others 14.1%
CURRENCY
West African CFA franc
TOP 10 ATTRACTIONS IN SENEGAL
ISLAND OF GOREE
Île de Gorée (Goree Island) is one of the 19 districts of the city of Dakar, Senegal. It is an 18.2-hectares island located 2 km (1.2 mi) from the coast of Dakar. It is a popular destination which attracts people interested in the Atlantic slave trade history. Seeing the house where slaves were detained before their long trip of no return is very emotional.
LA GALERIE ANTENNA
La Galerie Antenna is an amazing art gallery in the center of Dakar, Senegal. It features old and contemporary art. Main different handicrafts, artisanal and unique art works from almost everywhere in the world are sold there. There is something for everyone and for all budgets if you take your time to walk around. A must go for any art lovers.
LAGUNE DE LA SOMONE
Lagune de la Somone (Somone Lagoon) is a lagoon in Somone, Senegal. It is a peaceful and beautiful place with a nice nature away from Dakar pollution and traffic. Hotels and restaurants are also available, not to forget the lovely beach. It is a great place for a small vacation.
LES MAMELLES LIGHTHOUSE
Les Mamelles Lighthouse ( Phare des Mamelles) is an important lighthouse located near Cap Vert, the westernmost point of Africa, on the peripheries of Dakar. Completed in 1864, it has been described as one of the world’s greatest lighthouses, which purpose is to guide ships around the western tip of Africa. It stands on top of Deux Mamelles wish is a pair of hills located in Ouakam, Dakar.
LAGO ROSA
Lago Rosa, (Pink Lake) is located at around 30 km (18 miles) north-east of Dakar, Senegal, in northwest Africa. It is known for its pink water from which it got its name. Its pink coloration results from the presence of the Dunaliella salina algae. A narrow corridor of dunes separates the lake from the Atlantic Ocean. Fish in the lake have adapted to its high salt content by developing ways to pump out extra salt and keep their water levels balanced.
DJOUDJ NATIONAL BIRD SANCTUARY
The Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary (Parc national des oiseaux du Djoudj) can be found on the southeast bank of the Senegal River, north east of St-Louis, in Senegal. There are around 400 species of bird but the most predominant species are pelicans and flamingoes. Other animals are also inhabiting the park. It is a UNESCO world heritage site.
IFAN MUSEUM OF AFRICAN ARTS
The IFAN Museum of African Arts (Musée de l’Institut Fondamental d’Afrique Noire) is located in Dakar, Senegal. It is one of the oldest art museums in West Africa. It was founded by Léopold Senghor, the country’s first President. The IFAN Museum is one of the most prestigious centers for the study of African culture and contains important collections from across Francophone Africa.
RESERVE DE BANDIA
Reserve de Bandia (Bandia’s Reserve) is located in Mbour, 66km (41 mi) from Dakar, Senegal. It is covered by red and yellow savannah plains with baobabs, bushes and wildlife. The reserve is home to a variety of animals such us rhinos, giraffes, zebras, antelopes, ostriches, warthogs etc. It is a very nice park to visit.
LE MONUMENT DE LA RENAISSANCE AFRICAINE
The African Renaissance Monument (Le Monument de la Renaissance Africaine) is a 52 m (170 ft) tall copper statue located on top of one of the twin hills known as Collines des Mamelles, outside Dakar, Senegal, overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Promoted by the country’s former president Abdoulaye Wade, It was unveiled on April 3rd 2010.
LA MAISON DES ESCLAVES
The House of Slaves (Maison des Esclaves) is a museum and memorial to the Atlantic slave trade on Goree Island, 3 km (1.86 mi) off the coast of the city of Dakar, Senegal. Its museum, which was opened in 1962 commemorates the final exit point of the slaves from Africa. It was built in 1776 as a holding center for enslaved African people to be exported. The conditions were so bad that certain slaves died before they even reach the ship.