Interesting facts about Senegal

Interesting facts about Senegal Is a great opportunity to learn more about West African countries. Senegal is one of the countries with an underdeveloped economy. In addition, almost all large animals have been exterminated here.

So, here are the most interesting facts about the Republic of Senegal.

1. The African state of Senegal gained independence from France in 1960.
2. Senegal owes its name to the river of the same name.
3. The official language in Senegal is French, while Arabic (Khesaniya) has the national status.
4. Senegalese cuisine is one of the best among all African countries (see interesting facts about Africa), gradually gaining popularity around the world.
5. The baobab is the national symbol of the state. It is curious that these trees are forbidden not only to cut down, but even to climb on them.
6. Senegalese people do not put food on plates, but on wooden planks with indentations.
7. In 1964, the Grand Mosque was opened in the Senegalese capital, Dakar, and only Muslims are allowed to enter.
8. The world famous Paris-Dakar race finishes annually in the capital.
9. The motto of the republic: "One people, one goal, one faith."
10. In the city of Saint-Louis, you can see an unusual Muslim cemetery, where the entire space between the graves is covered with fishing nets.
11. The overwhelming majority of Senegalese are Muslims (94%).
12. An interesting fact is that immediately after Senegal became an independent republic, all Europeans were expelled from the country. This led to an acute shortage of educated people and specialists. As a consequence, there has been a sharp decline in economic development and agricultural activity.
13. The average Senegalese woman gives birth to about 5 children.
14. Did you know that 58% of Senegalese residents are under 20?
15. The locals love to drink tea and coffee, to which they usually add cloves and peppers.
16. In Senegal, there is a pink lake Retba - water, the salinity of which reaches 40%, has this color due to the microorganisms living in it. An interesting fact is that the salt content in Retba is one and a half times higher than in the Dead Sea.
17. Senegal is home to a large number of illiterate people. There are about 51% of literate men, while less than 30% of women.
18. In fact, all local vegetation is concentrated in the territory of the Niokola-Koba National Park.
19. The average life expectancy in Senegal does not exceed 59 years.
20. As of today, the unemployment rate in the country reaches 48%.

Watch the video: Travel Diary: Senegal, Africa VLOG! (January 2025).