Senegal - Country facts
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Location
Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania
Background
Independent from France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.
Climate
tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind
Terrain
generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast
Population
11,126,832 (July 2005 est.)
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
Map of Senegal
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