I | INTRODUCTION |
Senegal, republic in western Africa, bounded on the
north by Mauritania, on the east by Mali, on the south by Guinea and
Guinea-Bissau, and on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. The Gambia, a small,
narrow country, forms an enclave in southern Senegal, extending inland along the
Gambia River. The republic’s total area is 196,722 sq km (75,955 sq mi). Dakar
is the capital and largest city.
II | LAND AND RESOURCES |
Most of Senegal is an undulating plain lying
below 100 m (330 ft). Elevations rise above 500 m (1,600 ft) only in the extreme
southeast in the foothills of the Fouta Djallon (Futa Jallon). The main rivers
are the Sénégal, which forms the northern boundary, and the Saloum, Gambia, and
Casamance. Although these rivers are subject to seasonal variations in their
flow, all are navigable on their lower courses.
A | Climate |
Most of Senegal has a transitional climate
from the dry desert zone in the north to the moist tropical zone in the south.
The rainy season lasts from July to October in the north, where rainfall
averages 380 mm (15 in); in the south the rainy season lasts from June to
October, with annual rainfall of 1,400 mm (55 in). Average temperature on the
coast is 22°C (72°F) in January and 28°C (82°F) in July.
B | Vegetation and Animal Life |
The northern section of Senegal is part of
the Sahel, a transition zone between the Sahara on the north and the wetter
regions to the south. Vegetation here consists largely of savanna grass with
scattered clumps of trees and spiny shrubs. Farther south, in the region of the
Gambia River, trees become more common. In the extreme south are mangrove swamps
and dense forests of oil palm, mahogany, teak, and bamboo. Wildlife is diverse,
but larger mammals, such as elephants, lions, cheetahs, and antelopes, are
largely confined to the less populated eastern half of the country.
Hippopotamuses and crocodiles are found in the rivers. Among Senegal’s numerous
varieties of snakes are the cobra and boa constrictor.
C | Mineral Resources |
Phosphates, mined near Thiès, are Senegal’s
principal exploited mineral resource. Reserves of petroleum and natural gas were
discovered offshore in the late 1970s. Large deposits of iron ore exist in the
country but have not been exploited because of their remoteness.
D | Environmental Issues |
Population pressures in Senegal have led
to the clearing of forests for additional farmland and fuelwood, as well as to
increased livestock grazing on fragile rangelands. This deforestation and
overgrazing, combined with drought conditions, have caused desertification in
large areas of the country. In 2005, 44 percent of the country’s total land area
was forested. Senegal is the world’s largest exporter of exotic birds, and there
is much poaching of other animals.
The government of Senegal has initiated
reforestation programs to combat desertification and has protected 11 percent
(2007) of the country as parks and reserves. The Niokolo Koba National Park in
southeastern Senegal, consisting of 9,000 sq km (3,000 sq mi) of forests and
savanna, protects a diverse range of animal species. The park was declared a
World Heritage Site in 1981. The government has ratified international
environmental agreements pertaining to biodiversity, climate change,
desertification, endangered species, hazardous wastes, law of the sea, marine
life conservation, ozone layer protection, ship pollution, wetlands, and
whaling.
III | POPULATION |
The population of Senegal incorporates a
diversity of ethnic groups. The largest of these include the Wolof (44 percent
of the population), Fulani and Tukulor (24 percent), Serer (15 percent), Diola
(5 percent), and Mandinka (also known as Mandingo or Malinke; 4 percent).
A | Population Characteristics |
The population of Senegal is 12,853,259
(2008 estimate). The overall population density is 67 persons per sq km (173 per
sq mi), but the majority of the population is concentrated along the western
coast. The population is 49 percent rural. Senegal’s population experiences a
high annual growth rate of 2.6 percent (2008).
B | Principal Cities |
Dakar (population, 2003, 2,167,000) is the
capital and principal port and commercial center. Other major urban centers are
Thiès (228,017), Kaolack (199,023), and Saint-Louis (132,425), all of which are
in western Senegal.
C | Language and Religion |
French is the official language of Senegal,
although Wolof is the most widely understood of the many African languages.
Sunni Muslims make up approximately 94 percent of the population, while the
remaining 6 percent are Christian or follow traditional beliefs.
D | Education and Culture |
Education in Senegal is, in theory,
compulsory for all children between the ages of 7 and 12. In 2002–2003, however,
only 80 percent of primary school-age children and 19 percent of secondary
school-age children were actually attending school. Institutions of higher
learning include the Cheikh Anta Diop University (also commonly known as the
University of Dakar), which has a noted research institute for studies of black
Africa. The principal art, history, and maritime museums are in Dakar.
IV | ECONOMY |
Although most of the population works in
agriculture, Senegal has a growing industrial sector, one of the largest in West
Africa. Nevertheless, two cash crops remain at the foundation of the
economy—peanuts and cotton. Important technical and economic assistance has been
provided by France and other countries of the European Union and the
International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (World Bank). In 2006 the
gross domestic product (GDP) was $9.2 billion, or $760.90 a person.
A | Agriculture |
Agriculture occupies 77 percent of the
economically active population. However, only 13 percent of the land area is
cultivated. Senegal is among the world’s largest producers of peanuts, which are
grown in many areas, especially the northwest. The country produced 460,500
metric tons of peanuts in 2006. Peanuts and peanut oil provide a significant
share of yearly export earnings, although their contribution declined from 29
percent of earnings in the early 1980s to 9 percent in 1993. The other important
cash crop is cotton; in 2006, 19,000 metric tons were produced. Attempts are
being made to diversify agriculture, including the expansion of rice and tomato
cultivation, to achieve self-sufficiency in food. Other crops included maize
(494,345 metric tons), rice (190,493 metric tons), and sugarcane (829,500 metric
tons). Livestock included 3.1 million cattle, 5 million sheep, 4.3 million
goats, and 29 million poultry.
B | Forestry and Fishing |
Roundwood production in 2006 amounted to
6.1 million cu m (215 million cu ft). Senegal’s coastal waters are rich in fish,
and the country has a modern fishing fleet. Landings in 2005 totaled 405,264
metric tons.
C | Mining and Manufacturing |
Phosphates are the leading mineral product
of Senegal. In 2004 output totaled 576,000 metric tons. A petroleum refinery
with an annual capacity of 900,000 metric tons makes use of imported oil. Other
manufactures include food products, such as peanut oil, refined sugar, canned
tuna, and flour; cement; fertilizers; textiles; chemicals; and tobacco
products.
D | Energy |
In 2003 Senegal produced 1,332 million
kilowatt-hours of electricity. All electricity was thermally generated.
E | Transportation and Communications |
Senegal is served by a good road network
of 13,576 km (8,436 mi), of which 29 percent is paved. The country also has 906
km (563 mi) of railroads, which connect the cities along the coast and run
inland to Mali. The government of Senegal operates radio and television
broadcasting. In 1997 the country had 141 radio receivers and 37 television sets
for every 1,000 inhabitants. Senegal has 13 daily newspapers, with a circulation
of 45,000.
F | Currency and Foreign Trade |
The currency is the CFA franc,
consisting of 100 centimes (523 CFA francs equal U.S.$1; 2006 average). Central
banking functions are exercised by the Central Bank of the West African States.
Senegal has a chronic trade deficit. In 2003 exports earned $1,151 million and
imports cost $2.4 billion. Major exports include basic manufactures, fish
products, peanuts, petroleum products, and phosphates. Main imports are crude
petroleum, basic manufactured goods, and grain. Chief trading partners for
exports are France, Italy, Mali, Spain, India, and Côte d’Ivoire; principal
partners for imports are France, Cameroon, Nigeria, Italy, Thailand, Algeria,
China, and Japan.
G | Tourism |
The government of Senegal has encouraged
tourism, and during the 1970s tourist facilities were greatly expanded. Among
the country's attractions are its fine beaches and national parks, which include
a wild game reserve. The country received about 769,000 visitors in 2005.
V | GOVERNMENT |
Senegal is a democratic republic, governed
under a constitution promulgated in 2001. The 2001 constitution replaced the
country’s first constitution, which had been promulgated in 1963.
A | Executive |
Executive power is vested in a president,
who is popularly elected to a five-year term. The president appoints the prime
minister, who, in consultation with the president, appoints a cabinet, called
the Council of Ministers.
B | Legislature |
Senegal’s legislative body is the
unicameral (single-chamber) National Assembly, whose 120 members are
popularly elected to five-year terms.
C | Judiciary |
In addition to lower courts and tribunals
that cover civil and criminal cases, the Senegal judicial system consists of
three higher courts: the Constitutional Council, the Council of State, and the
Court of Cassation (also known as the Court of Final Appeal). The Constitutional
Council is made up of five members, who are appointed by the president of
Senegal to serve for six years, without possibility of renewal. This court
reviews international agreements and legislation to verify their accordance with
the constitution; decides disputes between the executive and legislative
branches; and determines the jurisdictions of the Council of State and the Court
of Cassation. The Council of State hears cases against the executive branch,
such as complaints of abuse of power, and resolves electoral disputes. The Court
of Cassation is the highest court of appeal, and it supervises lower courts and
tribunals.
D | Local Government |
For the purpose of local administration,
Senegal is divided into ten regions, each with a governor appointed by the
president and an elected local assembly.
E | Political Parties |
After April 2001 elections, the largest
political bloc in the National Assembly was the Sopi (Wolof for
“change”), an alliance of former opposition parties that formed around the
Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (PDS; Senegalese Democratic Party). Until
2001 the PDS was the main opposition party in Senegal. The Parti
Socialiste (PS; Socialist Party) was the ruling party of Senegal from the
time of independence in 1960 until the presidential election of 2000.
VI | HISTORY |
Remains of Paleolithic and Neolithic
civilizations have been discovered by archaeologists in the region now occupied
by Senegal. About ad 500 Wolof and
Serer peoples arrived from the northeast. In the 9th century Tukolor settled in
the Sénégal River valley, and the powerful Tekrur state of the Tukolor dominated
eastern Senegal from the 11th to the 14th century. By the 15th century a pattern
of Wolof and Serer states was well established there. Until far into the 18th
century the decentralized Wolof empire near the coast retained nominal
suzerainty over the other Wolof states, including those of Baol, Wale, and
Cayor.
A | European Rivalry |
Modern trade links with Europe were forged
after the Portuguese reached the mouth of the Sénégal River and Cap Vert in 1444
and 1445. The Portuguese traded cloth and metal goods in return for gold dust,
gum arabic, and ivory.
Shortly after 1600 the Portuguese were
displaced by the Dutch and French, and by 1700 the French dominated commerce
along the coast. Despite British-French rivalry and conflicts in the area during
the late 17th and 18th centuries, French influence was extended far into the
interior. But most Franco-African trade continued to be handled by African
middlemen, who brought goods to the French settlements at the coast. The growth
of the Fulani state of Fouta Toro along the lower Sénégal River in the 18th
century, however, undermined French activity, and during the Seven Years’ War
(1756-1763) the British captured the French trading stations; they were returned
later in the century. European influence at this time was economic rather than
political.
B | French Rule |
Under Captain Louis Faidherbe, and his
successors after the mid-19th century, French control of the Wolof, Serer, and
Tukolor states was forcefully extended and consolidated. In 1895 Senegal
officially was made a French colony, administered from Saint-Louis. In 1902
government headquarters was shifted to Dakar, which was also the capital of
French West Africa. The French developed Senegal’s economy around the
cultivation of peanuts for export.
Along with French residents, the black
Africans of Saint-Louis and Gorée (an island near Dakar) had elected a deputy to
the French National Assembly during the period from 1848 to 1852 and again after
1871, when they were joined by the inhabitants of Dakar and Rufisque. In 1914
the first black African, Blaise Diagne, was elected to the French Parliament,
and he served until 1934. After World War II (1939-1945) a territorial assembly
was established in Senegal, and citizens of the entire colony were enfranchised.
Local politics were dominated by Lamine Guèye and Léopold Sédar Senghor, the
deputies to the French Parliament.
C | Independence |
In 1958 Senegal was granted almost
complete internal autonomy, and in June 1960 it became fully independent as part
of the Mali Federation, which joined Senegal with the Sudanese Republic (now
Mali). On August 20, 1960, Senegal withdrew from the federation and became a
separate republic. Senghor was elected the first president; he was reelected in
1963, 1968, 1973, and 1978. Following an alleged coup d’état attempt in 1962 by
Prime Minister Mamadou Dia, the powers of the president were greatly increased
in a new constitution that went into effect in 1963. Under Senghor’s regime the
country made progress in diversifying its economy, but income from foreign sales
of peanuts remained crucial. At times, notably in 1968 and 1973, students staged
large demonstrations to protest the concentration of power in Senghor’s hands. A
multiparty system was established by constitutional amendment in 1976, and at
the beginning of 1981 Senghor stepped down and named Abdou Diouf, who had been
prime minister since 1970, as his successor. After adopting a popular
anticorruption program, Diouf won 1983 presidential elections by a wide
margin.
D | Regional Issues |
In 1982 Senegal joined with its neighbor,
The Gambia, to form the confederation of Senegambia, headed by Diouf; the
confederation collapsed in 1989, but in 1991 the two nations signed a new treaty
of cooperation. The late 1980s were marked by border tensions with Mauritania,
sparked by a dispute over grazing rights. More than 400 people, mostly
Senegalese, were killed in border clashes, and war was barely averted. Also in
the 1980s, an armed separatist movement arose in the Casamance region (the part
of Senegal south of The Gambia). This movement, which claims that Casamance is a
historically distinct region from the rest of Senegal, staged periodic attacks
on military posts and governmental offices in Casamance in the 1980s and
1990s.
E | Political Developments |
The popularity Diouf enjoyed in his first
years as president began to fade in the mid-1980s, as the economy faltered and
many opposition groups protested the ruling Socialist Party’s grip on political
power. When Diouf and the Socialist Party won the 1988 presidential and
legislative elections by a large majority, the opposition accused the ruling
party of electoral fraud and protested by rioting in Dakar. In 1991 Diouf
initiated electoral reforms, but the Socialist Party retained control over the
electoral commission (which oversees elections and tallies the votes). The
presidential term was extended from five to seven years, and a two-term limit
was imposed (effective after the next election). Diouf was reelected in 1993,
but again the opposition protested, charging electoral fraud. The Socialist
Party again won a majority of legislative seats in May 1998 and, in August,
voted to abolish the presidential two-term limit. The controversial vote was
boycotted by all opposition legislators but one.
In presidential elections held in February
and March 2000, the 40-year dominance of the Socialist Party—and Diouf’s 19-year
reign—came to a peaceful end. In a runoff election, Diouf was defeated by
Abdoulaye Wade, leader of the Parti Démocratique Sénégalais (PDS;
Senegalese Democratic Party). A new constitution, approved by public referendum
in January 2001, reduced the presidential term to five years and dissolved the
Senate, the upper house of the legislature. A PDS-dominated coalition won an
overwhelming majority of the seats in the National Assembly in April legislative
elections. Wade easily won a second term in the 2007 presidential election.
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