Senegal — Capital, Flag and Country Facts
Explore Senegal: capital Dakar, population, flag, geography, languages, history and culture.
Senegal is in Africa. Its capital is Dakar.
- Population
- 17,760,000
- Area
- 196,722 km²
- Currency
- West African CFA Franc (XOF)
- Languages
- French
Climate
Tropical; hot and humid; rainy season from May to November with strong southeast winds; dry season from December to April dominated by hot, dry harmattan wind
Terrain
Generally low, rolling plains rising to foothills in the southeast
Facts
Senegal's Lake Retba is pink due to algae and has salt content rivaling the Dead Sea.
The Dakar Rally, one of the world's most famous off-road races, was originally named after Senegal's capital.
Senegal is known as the "Gateway to Africa" due to its position as the westernmost point of the continent.
History
800: Takrur Kingdom emerges as an early Senegalese state
1444: Portuguese reach Cap-Vert; beginning of European contact
1677: France takes control of Gorée Island
1960: Senegal gains independence from France
2000: First peaceful transfer of power with Abdoulaye Wade elected president
2024: Bassirou Diomaye Faye elected as youngest president