Senegal

The western part of the African continent, or West Africa if you like, is a territorial area that is drenched by the Atlantic Ocean from the west and south. The northern border is the opposite with the arid extremes of the Sahara Desert. In addition to Senegal, there are 15 other countries in the region with a total population of approximately 419 million. They live in countryside that is predominantly flat with an average altitude of 300 metres above sea level. The climate and environment are not very conducive to cattle farming, but the soil is quite fertile with coffee, oil palms, rice, cotton, and the cocoa trees grown here. Mineral mining is dominated by gold, manganese, phosphates, iron ore, and bauxite. Crude oil deposits could also be found in Nigeria and the famous, while simultaneously infamous, diamonds are mined in the Ivory Coast. Languages used in the states of West Africa are influenced by colonial history; we can hear French and English spoken here, but the native languages have not disappeared and we also encounter a great number of tribal languages within any single state. Senegal is part of the West African Monetary Union, a group of countries that use the West African franc. However, apart from the currency, what unites the locals is their love of sport, especially football. Professional West African teams can be regularly seen competing at the World Cup.

→ Senegal

On the western side of the African continent, bordered by Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, we find our destination, Senegal. It used to be considered the gateway to Africa. The name is derived from the word Sunugal, which can be loosely translated as, “We are all in the same boat”. The dry tropical climate is home to a population of 16.7 million people, a quarter of whom live in the capital city of Dakar and its immediate surroundings. The national philosophy of the ethnic population is based on three pillars: Kersa (respect towards others), Tegin (good manners) and Terranga (hospitality). Today, Senegal is considered one of the most stable states in West Africa.

→ Not everything in history was WOW

Senegal was a French colony for 300 years and, in fact, the first French military base was established there. In addition to French, Wolof is the other official language. Traces of this language can even be found in English. The interjection, WOW, comes from the Wolof language and means “yes”. The term made its way to the United States with slaves from Senegal and other countries. The sad history of colonialism is also evoked by the island of Gorée, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which served as a trading hub for slave traders.

→ The Little Prince in Senegal?

Senegal became a free country in 1960. However, smatterings of French colonialism can still be found in the country. One interesting example is the Faidherbe Bridge, designed by Gustave Eiffel. It is said that it was originally intended for use in Germany, but due to a loading error at the port it arrived in Senegal, where it is still in use today, as is the Eiffel Tower in Paris. However, Senegal also has connections with other aspects of European culture. During Senegal's golden era, when air traffic and transport routes from France to South America passed through the region, Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was active there. Do you remember the baobabs that the Little Prince looked after? Yes, these thousand-year-old trees are the national tree of Senegal. On the outskirts of settlements, villages and towns, they protect against evil spirits and, under the baobabs, discussions and political agitations take place. It is very likely that the French writer took a liking to them here.

→ Wolof and other tribes

The Wolof make up the majority of the native population and there are 11 other indigenous tribes in addition. The largest minority groups are the French and the Lebanese. The main religion is Islam, but it has many specific branches in the country and Senegal is considered relatively secular. Along the coast in particular, fishing is the main source of subsistence, which is of course also evident in the national cuisine. The national dish is Che Bu Jen – a dish of rice and fish cooked in tomato sauce.