Geography
The Republic of Senegal is in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. The Gambia is almost an enclave within the country.

Dakar is the capital and a major port. Other cities include Kaolack, Saint-Louis and Thies.

The terrain consists of low, rolling plains, rising to foothills. Major rivers are the Casamance, Gambia, Saloum and Senegal.

The climate of Senegal is tropical; the rainy season is from May to November.

Environment
Protected areas in Senegal include two World Heritage sites: Niokolo-Koba National Park and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary.

The Niokolo-Koba National Park is located along the River Gambia and the Bird Sanctuary is situated in the Senegal river delta.

Animals living in Senegal include antelopes, chimpanzees, elephants, leopards and lions.

Architecture
The island of Goree, opposite Dakar, was a major centre of the slave trade from the fifteenth to the nineteenth century. Inscribed as a World Heritage site in 1978, buildings include slave quarters and Colonial architecture.

Saint-Louis, also on the World Heritage List, was founded by the French in the seventeenth century. A former capital, Saint-Louis contains examples of two and three storey Colonial houses with balconies and wooden shutters. Other buildings are the Governor's Palace and the Cathedral.

Population
The population of Senegal was estimated at 15.5 million in 2016.

Languages
French is the official language in Senegal. Other languages spoken are Wolof, Pulaar, Jola and Mandinka.

Religion
The majority of the people of Senegal are Muslims. Some are Christians and others follow indigenous beliefs.

Food
Rice, a staple food of Senegal, is often served with sauce and vegetables. The national meal is rice with fish.

Millet, another staple, is used to prepare couscous dishes.

Peanut paste and palm oil are used in cooking. Beans, carrots, okra, onions, peppers, potatoes and tomatoes are eaten.

Fruits grown include bananas, citrus fruits, guavas, mangoes, papayas and watermelons.

Drinks are fruit juices, yoghurt drinks, tea and coffee. Palm wine is produced.

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