Gap Year Destinations

Where to go

Africa: Senegal

The most westerly point of African is a fusion of Islamic culture, French influence and football!

Environment

Senegal is positioned on the north-west coast of Africa, with the capital, Dakar, being the most westerly point of the continent. It is a land of undulating, sandy plains, gently rising to foothills in the south-east of the country.

Climate

The climate is tropical and the year is divided into dry and humid seasons. Rainfall occurs between June and October, when the maximum temperature is about 27°C, this decreases until, from December to February the lowest temperatures of around 17°C are experienced. However, this climate model changes across the country – in the interior, it can get much hotter, and in the south, much rainier, depending on the time of year.

Demographics and Language

Roughly 11 million people live in Senegal, and the population is made up of many different ethnic groups. The Wolof are the most numerous, with 43% of the population classed as such. 1% of the population are Europeans, mostly French people as Senegal is an ex-colony of France. As such, French is the official language, however, most people also speak the language of their ethnic group.

Cuisine

Due to Senegal’s expansive coastline, fish caught in the Atlantic is a big part of the staple diet, along with other meats, but not pork due to the majority of the population following the Islamic faith. These meats, along with bananas, sweet potatoes, lentils, black eyed beans, various vegetables and peanuts, are stewed or marinated with herbs and spices, then eaten with couscous, rice or bread. Desserts are sweet and rich, and fruit with coffee or tea is usually served after a meal. The influence of French cooking techniques can clearly be seen within the cuisine.

Religion

95% of Senegalese people are Muslims, with the other 5% being Christians, Jews, Buddhists and followers of traditional animist faiths. Islam has existed within Senegal for approximately one thousand years, however it spread slowly, and only became the majority faith in the 19th and 20th centuries.

Economy and money

The changeability of the climate and global market prices are major issues for the agriculture of Senegal, which makes up the economy, along with tourism, and service sectors. Unemployment is a big problem, with 40% of urban youth unemployed. Despite this, Senegal is far from being the poorest country in Africa – it is placed roughly half way on the per capita GDP list of African countries. The currency is the CFA Franc.

Culture and politics

Senegal is a democracy, with universal suffrage and presidential elections every five years. Trade unions are permitted and common.

Culturally, it is the music of Senegal which is most well known in the West, largely because of celebrated artist Youssou N’Dour, who performs mbalax, a form of Wolof percussive music. Another popular musician of Senegalese origin is Akon, the hiphop performer. Many famous sportsmen and women also come from Senegal. Football is very popular, and Senegalese players have become household names in the UK, for example El Hadji Diouf, who has played for Liverpool FC and Bolton Wanderers.