Over 80% of Senegal's population is Muslim, including the Wolof, Toucouleur and Mandinka, with the rest of the population made up of Christians and traditional animists.One of the primary differences between orthodox Islam and the Senegalese version is the latter's reverence for its Caliphs, or marabouts (holy men).These religous confreries include the very dynamic mourids. French is the official language and Wolof the principal African tongue, but Pulaar, Peulh, S�r�r, Djola and Mandinka are also widely spoken.
The food in Senegal is generally very good. Regional specialities include poulet or poisson yassa, marinated and grilled chicken or fish; maf�, a peanut-based stew; ti�boudienne (chey-bou-jen), rice cooked in a fish and vegetable sauce.
Senegalese music can be divided into two broad categories: traditional and modern. Today's pop stars base their music on traditional sounds and rhythms and have become some of the most famous in Africa. The precursors of modern Senegalese music include Ibra Kass�,Orchestra Baobab . Foremost amongst today's internationaly known stars are Youssou N'dour, who combines traditional mbalax music and Western pop, Tour� Kunda another world-famous exponent of mbalax, Baaba Maal, a Peul from northern Senegal, sings in his native tongue and displays a more traditionally 'African' sound.Rap music and Hip-Hop have also largely influenced Senegal's youth
Senegal is also known worlwide for its artists and writers among which, the late President Senghor who wrote extensively about Negritude, Ousmane Sembene(writer/cineast/director&producer), Djibril Diob Mambety, Aminata Sow Fall, Mariama Ba, Ousmane Sow (sculptor)