Senegal History, Geography, Economy and Important Events

Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times and has been continuously occupied by various ethnic groups. Some kingdoms were built around the 7th century: Takur in the 9th century, Namandiru and the Jolof Empire during the 13th and 14th centuries. Eastern Senegal was once part of the Kingdom of Ghana. In the middle of the 15th century, the Portuguese landed on the Senegal coast, followed by representing merchants from other countries, including the French. European missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and Casamance in the 19th century. It was only in the 1850s that the French began to expand on the mainland of Senegal, as they abolished slavery. On 4 April 1959, Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, Which became completely independent on 20 June 1960 as a result of the transfer of power agreement signed with France on 4 April 1960.

Senegal is located to the west of the African continent. Senegal is externally surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Bissau to the south. The landscape of Senegal consists mainly of the sandy plains of the Western Sahel, rising to the foothills in the southeast. The northern border is formed by the Senegal River. Other rivers include the Gambia and Casamance rivers. The capital Dakar is located on the Cap-Vert peninsula, the westernmost point in continental Africa.

Primarily rural, and with limited natural resources, Senegal's economy makes the most of its foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, peanuts, tourism, and services. As one of the major segments of the economy, Senegal's agricultural sector is highly sensitive to environmental conditions, such as changes in rainfall and climate change and changes in world commodity prices. Senegal is also one of the best developed tourist industries in Africa. Senegal relies heavily on foreign aid. It is a member of the World Trade Organization.

French is the official language of this country, spoken at least by all those who have spent many years in the educational system, and who are of French descent. During the 15th century, many European regions started doing business in Senegal. done. By the 19th century, French powers also strengthened their roots in Senegal, and thus the number of French-speaking people steadily increased manifold. French was confirmed as the official language of Senegal in 1960 when the country gained independence.

Cape Verde [M] , Gambia [LM] , Guinea [L] , Guinea-Bissau [LM] , Mali [L] , Mauritania [LM] ,
Definition of international border: L = Land Border | M = Maritime Border