Boganda Day - M a r 2 9 Central African Republic
In the Central African Republic, Boganda Day marks the anniversary of the death of BarthÉlÉmy Boganda, the nation's first prime minister. Boganda was killed in a plane crash on March 29, 1959. He had been a driving force in the creation of the Central African Republic, which became a self-governing republic in 1958. Boganda was also a leader in the movement to unite black African nations. He designed his new country's green, yellow and red flag to represent the ideal of African unity. Boganda was flying between cities in the Central African Republic when his plane went down. At the time of the accident, there was of speculation that sabotage caused the crash. Boganda Day is a national holiday in the Central African Republic. All banks, official government offices, businesses, and schools are closed.
Memorial Day Madagascar - M a r 2 9
Madagascar, an island state in the southeastern portion of the African continent, celebrates annual Memorial Day annually on the 29th of March. Memorial Day is also known as Martyrs’ Day or Commemoration Day. The day is set to commemorate the death of more than 11,000 in the Revolt of 1947 of the armed militants of Democratic Movement for Malagasy Restoration (MDRM) in 1947 during the occupation of the French imperial forces in the land.
History The first major conflict between Madagascar’s colonial French rulers and Mala-
gasy’s of the MDRM started in the 19th century when Queen Ranavalona III resisted French foreign rule on the island. A year after both her and the prime minister of Madagascar were exiled to Reunion and subsequently to Algeria. Putting the monarchy and the government in exile did not stop the Malagasys to mount protest against the French colonial forces in the area. Malagasys’ demand for labor equality and discrimination were largely fueled by France’s refusal to confer French citizenship to the Malagasy people who were involved in the First World War. Although citizenship was eventually awarded in the creation of the French Fourth Republic in 1946, the growing discontent among the Malagasys were not enough to quench their call for Madagascar’s full independence from France. A war broke out in March 29, 1947 between the two forces but the Malagasy suffered a heavy loss of more than 11,000 men. The brains of the revolution were later tried in military courts where some (around 20) were executed, and others were imprisoned.
Celebrations
Local officials deliver speeches to remember those who perished in the violent revolution of 1947 by the Malagasy nationalists and lay wreath on memorials dedicated to the martyrs. People in Madagascar treat this holiday as a family day. Little activities are held during the holiday other than families going to the movie houses or nearby parks to relax on a long weekend.
Youth Day Taiwan - M a r 2 9
Taiwan, or Republic of Taiwan (ROC), observes Youth Day every year on the 29th of March. Taiwan’s Youth Day commemorates the death of 72 youth in the class against the government forces in the Canton Uprising (Guangzhou Uprising) in 1911.
History
Taiwan’s Youth Day replaced Martyr’s day which commemorates the anniversary of the death of 72 young members of revolutionary army in China in the early 20th century. These protesters were hailed as martyr’s and reminds all Taiwanese about the heroic deeds of the young in fighting for freedom. Dr Sun Yat Sen led the toppling of the then government of China (Ching) and conducted de-stabilization attempts. The events that followed encouraged the youths to engage in the demonstration. The military government of China, Huang Hsing, violently dissolved the mounting resistance, killing thousands, mostly youths (Guangzhou Uprising). The 72 young men who perished in the uprising were named e 72 Revolutionary Martyrs of Huanghuakang. It got its name from the hill where they were buried – Huanghuakang.
Celebrations During the holiday, various youth organizations, mostly from educational institutions conduct fee-based and free concerts to mark the celebration of the holiday. Public offices remain close during the holidays while most private establishments remain open. The government also holds special congress and meeting which discusses the role of youth in nation building, and the various legal and national issues affecting the young population. The president of Taiwan usually presides in public speech held at the shrine dedicated to the Martyrs’ of the Revolution along with other soldiers whose lives were perished during the incident. During this day, the government also honors the Ten Outstanding Youth who displayed exemplary performance in their chosen field. The holiday is also a time to reveal government initiatives on the development of the youth and a chance to immerse the youth leaders in Taiwan’s political environment.
Doctor's Day U.S. - M a r 3 0
The first Doctors Day observance was March 30, 1933 in Winder, Georgia. Eudora Brown Almond, wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set aside a day to honor physicians. This first observance included the mailing greeting cards and placing flowers on graves of deceased doctors. The red carnation is commonly used as the symbolic flower for National Doctors Day. On March 30, 1958, a Resolution Commemorating Doctors Day was adopted by the United States House of Representatives. In 1990, legislation was introduced in the House and Senate to establish a national Doctors Day. Following overwhelming approval by the United States Senate and the House of Representatives, on October 30, 1990, President George Bush signed S.J. RES. #366 (which became Public Law 101-473) designating March 30, 1991 as "National Doctors Day." Doctors Day marks the date that Crawford W. Long, M.D., of Jefferson, GA, administered the first ether anesthetic for surgery on March 30, 1842. On that day, Dr. Long administered ether anesthesia to a patient and then operated to remove a tumor from the man’s neck. Later, the patient would swear that he felt nothing during the surgery and wasn’t aware the surgery was over until he awoke.
Liberation Shouter Day - Mar 30 Trinidad & Tobago
Spiritual/Shouter Baptist Liberation Day is an annual public holiday celebrated in the Trinidad and Tobago on March 30. The holiday commemorates the repeal on March 30, 1951, of the 1917 Shouter Prohibition Ordinance that prohibited the activities of the Shouter or Spiritual Baptist faith. Trinidad and Tobago is the only country in the world that celebrates a public holiday for the Spiritual Baptist faith.
Cesar Chavez Day (California) U.S. - Mar 31
César Chávez's birthday, March 31, is celebrated in California as a state holiday, intended to promote service to the community in honor of Chávez's life and work. Many, but not all, state government offices, community colleges, and libraries are closed. Many public schools in the state are also closed. Texas also recognizes the day, and it is an optional holiday in Arizona and Colorado. Although it is not a federal holiday, the President proclaims March 31 as César Chávez Day in the United States, with Americans being urged to "observe this day with appropriate service, community, and educational programs to honor Cesar Chavez's enduring legacy."
Culture Day (Pohnpei) Micronesia - Mar 31
A number of indigenous traditions have survived two centuries of colonial rule by the Spanish, Germans, Japanese, and Americans and still influence Pohnpei's social and political character strongly. Of these, Pohnpei's cultural dances and the local brew, sakau, have become popular attractions for visitors to the island. One of the highlights of this holiday is a sakau-making ceremony. It is an elaborate ritual that dates back to Pohnpei's prehistory and is a regular feature of any cultural performance.
National Day Malta - Mar 31
March 31, 1979 is remembered in the Maltese calendar as Freedom Day (Maltese: Jum il-Ħelsien). This is the anniversary of the withdrawal of British troops and the Royal Navy from Malta. On taking power in 1971, the Labour Government indicated it wanted to the lease re-negotiate agreement with the United Kingdom. Following protracted and sometimes tense talks, a new agreement was signed whereby the lease was extended till the end of March 1979 at a vastly increased rent. On March 31, 1979 the last British Forces left Malta. For the first time in millennia, Malta was no longer a military base of a foreign power and it became independent de facto as well as de jure. A monument on the Birgu (Vittoriosa) waterfront commemorates this event.
Transfer Day - Mar 31 US Virgin Islands
Transfer Day is a holiday celebrated in the U.S. Virgin Islands on March 31. It marks the transfer of the islands from Denmark to the United States that took place in 1917.
April Fool's Day Worldwide - A p r 0 1
April Fools' Day is celebrated around the world on April 1 every year. Sometimes referred to as All Fools' Day, April 1 is not a national holiday, but is widely recognized and celebrated as a day when many people play all kinds of jokes and foolishness. The day is marked by the commission of good-humoured or otherwise funny jokes, hoaxes, and other practical jokes of varying sophistication on friends, family members, teachers, neighbors, work associates, etc. Traditionally, in some countries such as Canada, New Zealand, the UK, Australia, Cyprus, and South Africa, the jokes only last until noon, and someone who plays a trick after noon is called an "April Fool" and taunted "April Fool's Day's past and gone, You're the fool for making one."Elsewhere, such as in France, Italy, South Korea, Japan, Russia, The Netherlands, Germany, Brazil, Ireland, and the U.S., the jokes last all day. In France and Italy children (and adults, when appropriate) traditionally tack paper fish on each other's back as a trick and shout "april fish!" in their local language ("poisson d'avril!" and "pesce d'aprile!" in French and Italian respectively). The earliest recorded association between April 1 and foolishness can be found in Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392). Many writers suggest that the restoration of January 1 as New Year's Day in the 16th century was responsible for the creation of the holiday, but this theory does not explain earlier references.
Origins
Precursors of April Fools' Day include the Roman festival of Hilaria, held March 25, and the Medieval Festival of Fools, held December 28, still a day on which pranks are played in Spanish-speaking countries. In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales (1392), the "Nun's Priest's Tale" is set Syn March bigan thritty dayes and two. Modern scholars believe that there is a copying error in the extant manuscripts and that Chaucer actually wrote, Syn March was gon. Thus the passage originally meant 32 days after April, i.e. May 2, the anniversary of the engagement of King Richard II of England to Anne of Bohemia, which took place in 1381. Readers apparently misunderstood this line to mean "March 32", i.e. April 1. In Chaucer's tale, the vain cock Chauntecleer is tricked by a fox. In 1508 French poet Eloy d'Amerval referred to a poisson d’avril (April fool, literally "April fish"), a possible reference to the holiday. In 1539, Flemish poet Eduard de Dene wrote of a nobleman who sent his servants on foolish errands on April 1. In 1686, John Aubrey referred to the holiday as "Fooles holy day", the first British reference. On April 1, 1698, several people were tricked into going to the Tower of London to "see the Lions washed". In the Middle Ages, New Year's Day was celebrated on March 25 in most European towns. In some areas of France, New Year's was a week-long holiday ending on April 1. Many writers suggest that April Fools originated because those who celebrated on January 1 made fun of those who celebrated on other dates. The use of January 1 as New Year's Day was common in France by the mid-16th century, and this date was adopted officially in 1564 by the Edict of Roussillon.
Other prank days in the world
Iranians play jokes on each other on the 13th day of the Persian new year (Norouz), which falls on April 1 or April 2. This day, celebrated as far back as 536 BC, is called Sizdah Bedar and is the oldest prank-tradition in the world still alive today; this fact has led many to believe that April Fools' Day has its origins in this tradition. The April 1 tradition in France, Romandy and French-speaking Canada includes poisson d'avril (literally "April's fish"), attempting to attach a paper fish to the victim's back without being noticed. This is also widespread in other nations, such as Italy, where the term Pesce d'aprile(literally "April's fish") is also used to refer to any jokes done during the day. In Spanish-speaking countries, similar pranks are practiced on December 28, día de los Santos Inocentes, the "Day of the Holy Innocents". This custom also exists in certain areas of Belgium, including the province of Antwerp. The Flemish tradition is for children to lock out their parents or teachers, only letting them in if they promise to bring treats the same evening or the next day. Under the Joseon dynasty of Korea, the royal family and courtiers were allowed to lie and fool each other, regardless of their hierarchy, on the first snowy day of the year. They would stuff snow inside bowls and send it to the victim of the prank with fake excuses. The recipient of the snow was thought to be a loser in the game and had to grant a wish of the sender. Because pranks were not deliberately planned, they were harmless and were often done as benevolence towards royal servants. In Poland, prima aprilis ("April 1" in Latin) is a day full of jokes; various hoaxes are prepared by people, media (which sometimes cooperate to make the "information" more credible) and even public institutions. Serious activities are usually avoided. This conviction is so strong that the anti-Turkish alliance with Leopold I signed on April 1, 1683, was backdated to March 31. In Scotland, April Fools' Day is traditionally called Hunt-the-Gowk Day ("gowk" is Scots for a cuckoo or a foolish person), although this name has fallen into disuse. The traditional prank is to ask someone to deliver a sealed message requesting help of some sort. In fact, the message reads "Dinna laugh, dinna smile. Hunt the gowk another mile". The recipient, upon reading it, will explain he can only help if he first contacts another person, and sends the victim to this person with an identical message, with the same result. In Denmark, May 1 is known as "Maj-kat", meaning "May-cat", and is also a joking day. May 1'st is also celebrated in Sweden as an alternative joking day. When someone has been fooled in Sweden, to disclose that it was a joke, the fooler says the rhyme "April April din dumma sill, jag kan lura dig vart jag vill" (April, April, you stupid herring, I can fool you to wherever I want") for April 1st jokes, or "Maj maj måne, jag kan lura dig till Skåne" (May May moon, I can fool you into Scania) for May 1st jokes. Both Danes and Swedes also celebrate April Fools' Day ("aprilsnar" in Danish). Pranks on May 1, are much less frequent. Most Swedish news media outlets will publish exactly one false story on April 1, for newspapers this will typically be a first-page article but not the top headline. In Spain and Ibero-America, an equivalent date is December 28, Christian day of celebration of the Massacre of the Innocents. The Christian celebration is a holiday in its own right, a religious one, but the tradition of pranks is not, though the latter is observed yearly. After somebody plays a joke or a prank on somebody else, the joker usually cries out, in some regions of Ibero-America: "Inocente palomita que te dejaste engañar" ("You innocent little dove that let yourself be fooled"). In Spain, it is common to say just "Inocente!" ("Innocent!"). Nevertheless, in the Spanish island of Menorca, "Dia d'enganyar" ("Fooling day") is celebrated on April 1 because Menorca was a British possession during part of the 18th century.
Captain Regents Day San Marino - A p r 0 1
The Investiture of the Regent Captains ceremony is rich and elaborate and has followed the same protocol for centuries. San Marino’s heads of state, the two “Regent Captains”, are invested with their powers in Piazza Liberta twice a year.
History The charge of Regent Captain is renewable, but three years
must have passed since the end of the previous tenure. For those of you who are interested, prospective Captains must be citizens of San Marino and at least 25 years of age. The ceremony dates back to 1243 and attests to the remarkable harmony and stability of this lilliputian state in that the institution still functions in pretty much the same way today as it did more than 750 years ago. The practice of dual heads of government is derived directly from the customs of the Roman Republic, equivalent to the consuls of ancient Rome. The Captains Regent (Capitani Reggenti) of San Marino are elected every six months by the country’s Grand and General Council. The pair serve as heads of state and government. Normally the Regents are chosen from opposing parties. They serve a six-month term. The investiture of the Captains Regent takes place on April 1 and October 1 every year.
Celebrations
According to the governmental system of San Marino, the third-smallest country in Europe, with only Vatican City and Monaco being smaller, every six months the Great and General Council elects two captains regent to be the heads of state. The regents are chosen from opposing parties so they can keep an eye on each other. They serve a six-month term and, once this term is over, citizens have three days in which to file complaints about the previous regents’ activities. If they warrant it, judicial proceedings against the former head(s) of state can be initiated.
National Day Cyprus - A p r 0 1
Every year during the 1st of April, Cyprus commemorates the Greek Cypriot National Day or EOKA in memory of the establishment of the National Organization of the Cypriot Struggle known as EOKA (Ethniki Organosis Kyprion Agoniston). EOKA aimed to fight for the country’s independence against the British colonies on 1955 and its union with Greece.
History
EOKA was a nationalistic organization established by Archbishop Makarios during the 1950’s to claim the country’s independence. Apart from this aim, the EOKA also planned of achieving enosis, or the unification between Cyprus and Greece. The campaign of the EOKA pushed through with this advocacy. And on April 1, 1955, the EOKA surprised the British with bomb attacks and explosions. This struggle of the EOKA continued up to February of 1959 all carrying one voice for the British. The organization was then led by George Rivas and his military expertise that he achieved from his education at the Helenic Military Academy. EOKA’s main target were the bases of the British Army. Despite the fact that the Cypriots were against war and violence, the strong and persistent attitude of the British provoked them from resorting to an armed struggle however limited only to guerilla warfare and to defensive opposition. Cyprus continued the fight for almost four years hoping that the British would grant their petition. The people remained strong and determined in spite of the many tortures and captures they faced with the British. And on August 16 1960, a cease fire was declared by the EOKA because of the Zurich agreement. On that day, Cyprus was granted independence by the United Kingdom however the union with Greece was denied. After which on March 31 1959, the campaign of the EOKA was formally ended.
Celebrations
During the commemoration day of the EOKA or known as the Greek Cypriot National Day, the people, especially the students and members of the institutions attend to church gatherings and religiously observe the holiday. Most schools also hold tributes and programs in their classes to educate the students about the history behind this special event in the country.
Republic Day Iran - A p r 0 1
The country of Iran holds a yearly gathering every April 1st in remembrance of the country’s Islamic Republic constitution that was officially proclaimed on 1979. Islamic Republic Day is one of Iran’s most historic celebrations. It was proclaimed to be a national holiday approximately two months after the success of the Islamic Revolution on 1979.
History
The Iranian people were unified by a common purpose were able to oust the Pahlavi administration and restored the Islamic laws and the country’s sovereignty. This regime was established under the ruling power of the British and was supported by the Americans as well. The Iranian Revolution started on 1978 all aiming to bring down Shah, the King. Because of this revolution, followed by a series of rallies and strikes, the Iranian economy deteriorated so badly and the country underwent a national economic catastrophe. The country then conceded and declared its government to be neutral against any war which subsequently resulted to the abolishment of the Pahlavi Dynasty. On the 30th and 31st of March which is the 10th and 11th of Farvadin to the Islams, the government passed a referendum aiming to replace the monarchy with an Islamic Republic. The referendum was a success since almost 98.2 percent of the people voted for its approval. April 1, 1979 was the official affirmation of Iran as an Islamic Republic and since then, the 1st of April has been observed yearly by the people to commemorate the Islamic Republic Day.
Celebrations The people look to this day with honor and salutation because it is considered as one of the triumphs and accom-
plishments of Iran as a nation. Several rallies and activities are also held nationwide during this special day. Some civic groups organize educational campaigns that educates the youth about the history and culture of the country. Declared as an official non-working public holiday, the Iranians also celebrate the Islamic Republic Day as a family day or a chance to meet up and be reunited with friends and loved ones.
Children's Book Day Worldwide - A p r 0 2
International Children's Book Day is a yearly event sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY), an international non-profit organization. Founded in 1967, the day is observed on or around Hans Christian Andersen's birthday, April 2. Activities include writing competitions, announcements of book awards and events with authors of children's literature.
History International Children's Book Day is an annual
event, which is held on around April 2, the birth date of Hans Christian Andersen. It is sponsored by the International Board on Books for Young People (IBBY). According to the IBBY Web site, "International Children's Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated to inspire a love of reading and to call attention to children's books." Each year, one of the 70 National Sections of the IBBY around the world serves as the international sponsor of ICBD. It selects the theme and oversees the development of promotional materials for ICBD. The materials are then used to promote reading and children's books. Often, schools and libraries hold events in conjunction with International Children's Book Day. The 2011 international sponsor is Estonia and the theme is "The Book Remembers." You can see the stunning 2011 International Children's Book Day poster here. The theme of the 2010 International Children's Book Day, which was sponsored by Spain, was "A book is waiting for you, find it!" The 2009 international sponsor was EBBY, The Egyptian Section of IBBY, and the 2009 theme was "I am the World." See the 2009 poster above. The theme of the 2008 International Children's Book Day, which was sponsored by the Thailand IBBY National Section, was "Books Enlighten: Knowledge Delights." There are wonderful children's books being published around the world. ICBD is a good time to make a point of sharing books originally published in other countries with your children.
Sizdah-bedar / National Picnic Day Iran - A p r 0 2
On the thirteenth day of the new year, which also marks the end of the Nowrooz break for the school children, families leave their houses and head for the outdoors where they eat, play games, and celebrate a happy and healthy holiday season. This tradition is called Seezdah Bedar (seezdah means thirteen) which in English translates to "getting rid of thirteen". This fun and exciting outing involves all family members and is intended to end the holiday season on a relaxing and positive note. The concept of avoiding the number thirteen is mainly to symbolize the will and power to deal with all evil in the new year. The two weeks long NoRooz celebration ends with SeezDeh Bedar. SeezDeh means Thirteen and SeezDeh Bedar is the process of getting over with or passing over the thirteenth day of the New Year. This day is usually celebrated outdoor in a picnic style. This is the last day of New Year celebration and life will return to normal the following day. Schools will open, shops will start on their regular hours and offices and Government agencies are back in normal operation. So, this is the last chance to spend some time with family and friends and enjoy the fresh smell of Spring. Sizdah-Bedar is also believed to be a special day to ask for rain. In ancient Iran, every day had its own name, and belonged to a different angel. The 13th of Farvardin belonged to the angel of rain. This angel is depicted as a horse. Sizdah-Bedar is also a day for competitive games. Games involving horses were often chosen as a victory of a horse represented , the angle of rain. On this day, girls & boys tie a knot with grass and make wishes perhaps for a husband or wife. When the knot is opened (it is beleived that) their luck will open and their wishes will come true. Newly weds also tie a grass knot making wishes for a baby, a house, or whatever is on their Have-To-Have list. Another version of this tradition states that - on the 13th day of new year, in the hope of finding a husband, unmarried girls tie a knot with blades of grass and make a wish for a good husband before the next sizdeh-Bedar. The knotting of the grass represents the bondage of a man and a woman. These days, girls sing this song while knotting: " Sizdah-Bedar sal-e deegar khooneh shoohar, bacheh baghal" which translates to: "Next Sizdah-Bedar, in my husband's home, holding a baby"! An interesting ritual performed at the end of the picnic day is to throw away the Sabzee from the Nowrooz Haft Seen table. The sabzee is supposed to have collected all the sickness, pain and ill fate hiding on the path of the family throughout the coming year! Touching someone else's sabzee on this thirteenth day or bringing it home is therefore not a good idea and may result in absorbing their pain and hardship.
Declaration of the 2nd Republic Guinea - A p r 0 3
Guinea is one the countries in West Africa also known as Republic of Guinea which is often called French Guinea or also Guinea-Conakry. Republic of Guinea is different and should not be confused with Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, New Guinea and Papua New Guinea. Every year, the country commemorates the anniversary of the declaration of its 2nd Republic which was held on 1984. This public celebration happens every 3rd of April.
History
Soon after Guinea achieved its independence from Spain on 1958, the government was put into dictatorship ruled only by a single party. During these times, under the ruling power of its president then which is Sékou Touré, the country had no tolerance for human rights like the right to speech, oppression and political freedom. Touré’s administration became a nightmare for the people as there were thousands sent to prison and more than a million were expelled. Because of the way the president handled the country, Guinea lost its reputation and devastated its good relationship with other countries which contributed a lot to the downfall of the country’s economy. Soon after the death of Touré on 1984, Lieutenent Colonel Lansana Conte instituted a government by the army called the Military Committee for National Recovery or CMRN. Conte, taking over as president immediately abolished the constitution along with its sole political party. And on April 3, 1984, President Conte officially proclaimed the establishment of Guinea’s Second Republic. The second republic aimed for the quick development and recovery of the country. The victims of the old administration were also set free and human right was given much attention.
Celebrations
Since the country was re-born under a new republic, Guinea, along with its people never fails to remember and look back at their history by celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of the Second Republic every April 3. As one way to educate the youth with their memorable history, several offices from the government hold parades and activities all throughout the country. Most politicians also hold speeches about their mission and vision for the country in the future.
Children's Day Taiwan - A p r 0 4
The Republic of China designated April 4 as Children's Day, pursuant to Article 5 of the Order to Implement Commemoration Days and Holidays. The holiday dates back to 1931 and since then schools often hold special activities in order to celthe ebrate occasion. Because of pressure from parents demanding to accompany their children in the celebration, Taiwan c e l e b r a t e d Women's Day together with Children's Day on April 4, 1991. Since then, April 4 has been known as "The Combined Holidays of Women's Day and Children's Day. It has been a public holiday of Taiwan since 2011.
Independence Day Senegal - A p r 0 4
Senegal officially the Republic of Senegal (République du Sénégal) is a country in West Africa. It owes its name to the Sénégal River that borders it to the east and north. Senegal is externally bounded by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau to the south; internally it almost completely surrounds the Gambia, namely on the north, east and south, except for Gambia's short Atlantic coastline. Senegal covers a land area of almost 197,000 square kilometres (76,000 sq mi), and has an estimated population of about 13 million. The climate is tropical with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Dakar, the capital city of Senegal, is located at the westernmost tip of the country on the Cap-Vert peninsula. About 500 kilometres (300 mi) off the coast lie the Cape Verde Islands. During the 17th and 18th centuries, numerous trading posts, belonging to various colonial empires, were established along the coast. The town of St. Louis became the capital of French West Africa (Afrique occidentale française, or AOF) before it was moved to Dakar in 1902. Dakar became its capital in 1960 at the time of independence from France. The country is part of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Integrated with the main bodies of the international community, Senegal is also a member of the African Union (AU) and the Community of Sahel-Saharan States. Since 2 April 2012, the country's president has been Macky Sall.
History
Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Senegal was part of the kingdom of Takrur in the 9th century and the Jolof kingdom, during the 13th and 14th centuries. In the mid-15th century, the Portuguese landed on the Senegal coastline, followed by other countries including the French. Eastern Senegal was once part of the Empire of Ghana. Modern Senegal has always been occupied by various ethnic groups. Around the 11th Century Islam became the religion of some Senegalese tribes, though not in great numbers. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal was also founded during this time. In the Senegambia region, between 1300 and 1900, close to one-third of the population was enslaved. Various European powers—Portugal, the Netherlands, and Great Britain—competed for trade in the area from the 15th century onward, until in 1677, France ended up in possession of what had become a minor slave trade departure point—the island of Gorée next to modern Dakar, used as a base to purchase slaves from the warring chiefdoms on the mainland. Some kingdoms were created around the 7th century: the Tekrour, the Namandirou Slave traders in Gorée, kingdom and then the Djolof with distant ties to the Ghana empire. In the 14th century the Djolof kingdom became a powerful empire having united Cayor, and the 18th century. kingdoms of Baol, Sine, Saloum, Waalo, Fouta-Toro and Bambouk. The empire was a voluntary confederacy of various states rather than an empire built on military conquest. The empire was founded by Ndiadiane Ndiaye, a part Serer and partToucouleur, who was able to form a coalition with many ethnicities, but collapsed around 1549 with the defeat and killing of Lele Fouli Fak by Amari Ngone Sobel Fall. French colonialists progressively invaded and took over all kingdoms except Sine and Saloum under governor Louis Faidherbe. Islam was introduced in Senegal during the 8th and 9th centuries by Berber merchants. They peacefully converted the Toucouleurs and Sarakholles who in turn propagated it. Later on, in the 11th century, the Almoravids, with the help of the Toucouleurs used Jihad as a mean of conversion. This movement faced resistance from ethnicities of traditional religion, the Serers in particular. Eventually, Berbers won a peaceful conversion among the Wolofs with the intervention of leaders like Cheikh Ahmadou Bamba, El Hadj Malick Sy, and Seydina Limamou Laye who were able to convince their followers. They saw Islam as a way to unite and fight against colonial power. The populations were getting weary of repeated jihads and forced colonization. Europeans missionaries introduced Christianity to Senegal and the Casamance in the 19th century. An emblematic figure of Colonial Saint Louis c. 1900. Europeans and Casamance is Aline Sitoe Diatta, a woman who led the Africans on the Rue Lebon resistance movement against European colonialists. It was only in the 1850s that the French began to expand onto the Senegalese mainland (by now rid of slavery and promoting abolitionist doctrine), adding native chiefdoms such as Waalo, Cayor, Baol, and Jolof. Senegalese chiefs' resistance to the French expansion and curtailing of their lucrative slave trade was led in part by Lat-Dior, Damel of Cayor, and Maad a Sinig Kumba Ndoffene Famak Joof, the Maad a Sinig of Sine, resulting in the Battle of Logandème. On 4 April 1959 Senegal and the French Sudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on 20 June 1960, as a result of the independence and the transfer of power agreement signed with France on 4 April 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation broke up on 20 August, when Senegal and French Sudan (renamed the Republic of Mali) proclaimed independence. Léopold Senghor was proclaimed Senegal's first president in September 1960. Senghor was a very well read man, educated in France. He was a poet, a philosopher and personally drafted the Senegalese national anthem, "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons". He was very pro-African, and also advocated a brand of African socialism. In 1980, President Senghor decided to retire from politics, and he handed power over in 1981 to his handpicked successor, Abdou Diouf. Mamadou Dia ran for reelection in 1983 against Diouf but lost. Senghor moved to France where he later died at the age of 96. Senegal joined with the Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia on 1 February 1982. However, the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group in the Casamance region had clashed sporadically with government forces since 1982. Senegal has had a long history of participating in international peacekeeping. Abdou Diouf was president between 1981 and 2000. He encouraged broader political participation, reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened. Abdou Diouf served four terms as president. In the presidential election of 1999, opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade defeated Diouf in an election deemed free and fair by international observers. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one political party to another. On 30 December 2004 President Wade announced that he would sign a peace treaty with the separatist group in the Casamance region. This, however, has yet to be implemented. There was a round of talks in 2005, but the results have not yet yielded a resolution.