Senegal
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Capital
Dakar
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Local time
8:39
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Population
15.32 m
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Driving side
Right
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Calling code
+221
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Currency
Fr XOF (franc)
Senegal
-
Capital
Dakar
-
Local time
8:39
-
Population
15.32 m
-
Driving side
Right
-
Calling code
+221
-
Currency
Fr XOF (franc)
-
Average Salary
$ 200
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Petrol price
€ 1.70 pl
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Precipitation
686mm /year
Geography & travel
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Country Area
196 190 km2
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Protected Area
25%
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Forest Area
43%
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Agricultural area
46%
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Railways
906km
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Annual air passengers
9 873
Population
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Ethnicity
Wolof - 43 %
Fulani - 23 %
Serer - 14 %
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Religion
Islam - 94 %
Islam - 94 %
Christian - 5 %
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Literacy rates
42.8%
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Languages
French
Wolof
Pulaar
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Armed Forces
18 600
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Murders
7 per 100k
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Alcohol consumption
0.5 l/person
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Smoking
23.4%
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Diabetes
2.2%
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Malaria
98%
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Tuberculosis
139 per 100k
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HIV
0.4%
Economy
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Industries
agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, iron ore, zircon, gold mining, construction materials, ship construction and repair
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Agriculture
peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables, cattle
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Natural Resources
fish, phosphates, iron ore
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Energy Import
52%
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Natural Resources
fish, phosphates, iron ore
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Renewable Energy
43%
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CO2 Emissions
8 856kt
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Ease of Business
140 (Best=1, Worst=200)
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ATMs per 100k people
5
What not to do when visiting Senegal
Senegal Don’t wear expensive clothes or shiny jewellery in public - keep a low profile to avoid unwanted attention.
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Not useful
Senegal Don’t forget to shake hands when greeting (men). A verbal greeting between women and men is a norm; the handshake is acceptable as well. Ask about a person’s health and family during the greeting.
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Senegal Don’t necessarily make direct eye contact when speaking to elders - it’s a sign of respect, indirect eye contact is appropriate.
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Did you know?
Senegal was home to the world’s largest slave-trading centre from the 1400s to the 1800s.
Senegal Don’t use your left hand when eating or handing things over.
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Senegal Don't always give the money directly to the beggars - it becomes detrimental in the long term.
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Senegal Don't refuse a tea - you may be offered a cup of unsweetened tea, then slightly sweet and finally very sweet.
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Senegal Don’t forget same-sex sexual relations are criminalised in Senegal.
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Senegal Don't be surprised by the unexpected sport to dominate here - it's wrestling. After wrestling, it's football.
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Senegal Don't be surprised with many henna tattoos among girls - they usually pick henna flowers and stain patterns on hands and feet.
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Senegal Don’t drink tap water - use bottled one instead.
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Tell us your experience
We love to hear from people who have travelled the world and know ‘what not to do’. Why not help other people on their travels?
Senegal Don’t forget the rainy season occurs from July to September.
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