http://www.peacecorps.gov/countries/senegal/index.cfm
Official site of the Peace Corp (PC)
http://www.senegal-online.com
Be sure to click on English unless your high school French is in good shape
http://www.ausenegal.com
The best site for Senegal tourism - click on English
http://www.africaguide.com/country/senegal/index.htm
http://www.earth2000.com
http://usembassy.state.gov/dakar
The average annual income of the Senegalese is $650
94% of the population are Muslim, with a mix of indigenous religions.
The official language of Senegal is French - the native language is Wolof.
Peace Corp volunteers are volunteers and do not get paid.
Senegal is slightly smaller than South Dakota
Senegal is one of the most beautiful and diverse countries in Africa and yet remains relatively little known. A stable democracy, friendly people, bearable climate and an efficient communication system combine to make this one of the most accessible of African nations.
The 10 million Senegalese people are some of the friendliest and welcoming people in the world. They love fashion and having their nails painted.
Senegal is the western most country of Africa and has long been known for its peace keeping beliefs and stability.
Senegal has been chosen by the Bush administration to be partners in a new technology program where computers and training are provided by American companies.
Senegal does have electricity -- sometimes and only in the urban areas. Peace Corp volunteers have cell phones! They travel to urban areas to Internet cafes where they talk to us back home once a week. Paige has been using this system for the past several months to communicate with volunteers in country already.
France colonized Senegal. French influence is in every aspect of Senegalese life: language, cooking, traditions etc., mingled with tribal traditions and Muslim edicts.
The climate is exactly as one would expect for a country near the equator: tropical; hot, humid; rainy season (May to November), strong southeast winds; dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind.
Industries include: agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, construction materials.
Agricultural products include: peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables; cattle, poultry, pigs; fish.
Senegal was the main shipping port of the catastrophic slave trade of the 1600 and 1700s. Dutch & Portuguese shippers captured or killed over 60% of the local population for trading.
Senegal has marked contrasts in climate. The coastal region is equable, with low rainfall and high humidity. Inland, the climate is drier. The wet season is from June to September, rather shorter in the north and longer in the south, especially near the coast. The rainfall varies from less than 20 inches in the north to 80 inches in Casamance. In eastern and central Senegal, water is often scarce in the dry season. Temperatures vary according to the season, with an average range of approximately 24� - 38�C (75� - 100�F), the highest being in the northeast.