festivites
Here are some of the major festivals and holidays celebrated in Senegal:
1. Tabaski - Also known as Eid al-Adha, this Muslim holiday commemorates Ibrahim's willingness to sacrifice his son for Allah. It is celebrated on the 10th day of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which falls in late July or early August. Families slaughter sheep or goats and share the meat with friends, family, and the poor.
2. Korité - Also known as Eid al-Fitr, this Muslim holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and spiritual reflection. It is celebrated on the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal, which follows Ramadan. Senegalese Muslims attend special prayers, exchange gifts, and visit family and friends.
3. Independence Day - On April 4th, Senegal celebrates its independence from France, which occurred in 1960. The day is marked by parades, speeches, and cultural performances in Dakar and other cities throughout the country.
4. Saint Louis Jazz Festival - This annual festival takes place in Saint Louis, a historic city in northern Senegal. Jazz musicians from around the world perform in venues throughout the city, and locals and visitors alike enjoy food, drink, and cultural activities.
5. Dakar Biennale - Also known as Dak'Art, this international contemporary art exhibition takes place every two years in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Artists from all over Africa and the African diaspora showcase their work in galleries, museums, and public spaces throughout the city.
6. Grand Magal - This Muslim pilgrimage to Touba, a holy city in central Senegal, marks the exile of the Sufi leader Ahmadou Bamba to Gabon in 1895. Millions of Senegalese Muslims make the journey to Touba each year to pay homage to Bamba and pray for blessings and protection.
7. Kankurang Festival - This annual festival is celebrated by the Mandinka people in Gambia and Senegal. Men dress as Kankurangs, or traditional masked dancers, and perform rituals to drive away evil spirits and protect the community from harm. The festival takes place in various villages throughout southern Senegal.
seasons
Senegal has two main tourist seasons:
1. High season (November to May): During this period, the weather is dry and warm, making it a great time to visit Senegal's beaches and national parks. It is also the peak season for birdwatching, as many migratory birds flock to the country during this time. Prices for accommodation and tours are usually higher, and it is recommended to book in advance.
2. Low season (June to October): This period is characterized by the rainy season in Senegal, with heavy downpours and high humidity. However, the country's landscapes become lush and green, and there are fewer tourists around, which can be an advantage for those who prefer to avoid crowds. Prices for accommodation and tours are generally lower during this period.
It is recommended to check the weather forecast before traveling, especially during the low season, as heavy rains can cause flooding and make some areas inaccessible. It is also advisable to bring appropriate clothing and gear for both hot and humid weather as well as rain.
visa
Here are some special visa rules for visiting Senegal based on citizenship:
1. Citizens of ECOWAS member countries do not need a visa to visit Senegal.
2. Citizens of some countries, including the United States, can obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport in Dakar. The cost of an entry visa on arrival is around $52 USD.
3. Citizens of other countries may need to apply for a visa in advance at a Senegalese embassy or consulate. The cost of a single-entry visa for these citizens is around $80 USD.
It's important to note that visa rules and costs can change over time, so it's always a good idea to check with the Senegalese embassy or consulate in your country for the most up-to-date information before making any travel plans.
souvenirs
1. Traditional textiles such as wax prints and bògòlanfini cloth can be purchased from local markets or textile shops in Dakar, Saint-Louis, or Rufisque. Prices vary depending on the quality and size of the piece but generally range from 10,000 to 30,000 CFA francs (approximately $18 to $55 USD).
2. Hand-carved wooden masks, statues, and figurines made by Senegalese artisans can be found in markets and souvenir shops throughout the country. Prices depend on the size and level of detail of the item but typically range from 5,000 to 20,000 CFA francs (approximately $9 to $36 USD).
3. Kora, a traditional West African stringed instrument, can be purchased in music shops in Dakar, Thies, and other major towns. The price for a small kora starts at around 50,000 CFA francs (approximately $91 USD) and goes up depending on the size and quality.
4. Senegalese jewelry, including gold and silver pieces with colorful glass beads, can be found in markets and artisanal shops across the country. Prices vary depending on the materials used and the complexity of the design, but most pieces cost between 5,000 and 20,000 CFA francs (approximately $9 to $36 USD).
5. Baobab oil, a natural beauty product made from the seeds of the baobab tree, can be purchased in cosmetics shops and markets. A 100ml bottle costs about 15,000 CFA francs (approximately $27 USD).
6. Sene-Gambian stone bracelets, locally called "tiger eye," are popular souvenirs that can be found in markets and stores all over Senegal. Prices range from 2,000 to 10,000 CFA francs (approximately $4 to $18 USD) depending on the size and quality of the bracelet.
7. Thieboudienne spices, a popular blend of herbs and spices used in Senegalese cuisine, can be purchased in markets and grocery stores across the country. A packet of thieboudienne spice mix costs around 1,500 CFA francs (approximately $3 USD).
Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on location and individual vendors.
If you have 1 week
Senegal is a beautiful country with a rich history and culture, and there are many amazing places to visit here. Here's a one-week itinerary that will allow you to experience some of the best that Senegal has to offer:
Day 1: Start your trip in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Visit the African Renaissance Monument, which is the tallest statue in Africa and offers breathtaking views of the city. You can also take a stroll along the Corniche des Almadies, a scenic coastal road that features several beaches and restaurants.
Day 2: Head to the Île de Gorée, a small island off the coast of Dakar that was once a center of the slave trade. Visit the House of Slaves museum to learn about the island's history and see the conditions that enslaved Africans were forced to endure. Take a walk through the picturesque streets of the island and enjoy lunch at one of the local restaurants.
Day 3: Travel to Saint-Louis, a charming colonial town located on the Senegal River. Stroll through the historic district, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visit the Faidherbe Bridge, which offers stunning views of the river and the town. Take a boat ride on the river and see the local fishermen in action.
Day 4: Drive to the Pink Lake, also known as Lac Retba, which is famous for its stunning pink color. Take a swim in the lake, which is said to have healing properties due to its high salt content. Afterward, head to the nearby village of Niaga and visit the market to see traditional Senegalese handicrafts.
Day 5: Visit the Bandia Reserve, a wildlife park located near the town of Saly. Take a guided tour of the reserve to see a variety of animals, including giraffes, zebras, antelopes, and more. You can also take a quad bike ride through the reserve for an extra dose of excitement.
Day 6: Spend the day at the beaches of Saly, a popular resort town on the coast. Relax in the sun, swim in the ocean, and enjoy seafood at one of the local restaurants.
Day 7: Return to Dakar and visit the Dakar Grand Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Africa. Take a tour of the mosque and learn about Islam in Senegal. Afterward, explore the vibrant markets of Dakar and pick up some souvenirs to remember your trip.
This itinerary will give you a taste of the diverse attractions that Senegal has to offer. From historic islands to stunning wildlife reserves, there's something for everyone here. Enjoy your trip!
If you have 2 weeks
Senegal is a beautiful country with so much to offer! Here's a two-week itinerary that I believe will give you a great taste of the culture, history, and natural beauty that Senegal has to offer.
Week 1:
Day 1-3: Start your trip in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. Visit the vibrant markets of Sandaga and Kermel to experience the hustle and bustle of daily life in the city. Take a cultural tour of the city to learn about its history and visit iconic landmarks such as the African Renaissance Monument and Goree Island. Don't forget to try some local cuisine, such as thieboudienne (Senegal's national dish) and pastels (fried pastries filled with fish or meat).
Day 4-5: Head south to the Saloum Delta National Park. This stunning park is home to a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, and hippos. Take a boat tour through the mangrove forests and witness the scenic beauty of the area.
Day 6-7: Travel to Saint-Louis, a charming colonial city located on the northern coast of Senegal. Wander through the colorful streets of the city and take a horse-drawn carriage ride through its historic center. Visit the Djoudj Bird Sanctuary, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is home to over 400 species of birds.
Week 2:
Day 8-10: Explore the pink lakes of Retba and Dakar. These unique bodies of water get their pink hue from a type of algae that grows in them. Take a dip in the lake and admire the stunning colors of the water.
Day 11-13: Make your way to the Casamance region in southern Senegal. This region is known for its beautiful beaches and lush forests. Visit Cap Skirring, a popular beach resort town, and soak up the sun on its pristine beaches. Take a guided tour of the Djibidione waterfalls to experience the natural beauty of the area.
Day 14: End your trip in Tambacounda, a small town located in eastern Senegal. This area is known for its traditional architecture and rich cultural heritage. Visit the Bandafassi rock formations, one of the most stunning natural wonders of Senegal.
I hope you enjoy this itinerary and have a wonderful time exploring all that Senegal has to offer!
Culture
Senegal is well known for the West African tradition of storytelling, which is done by griots, who have kept West African history alive for thousands of years through words and music. The griot profession is passed down generation to generation and requires years of training and apprenticeship in genealogy, history and music. Griots give voice to generations of West African society.
The African Renaissance Monument built in 2010 in Dakar is the tallest statue in Africa. Dakar also hosts a film festival, Recidak.
The Islamic festival of Eid al-Fitr, known locally as Tabaski, is popularly celebrated by Senegalese people. Despite being predominantly Muslim, the Christian festival of Christmas is also popularly observed, with Christmas trees and decorations lining up the city of Dakar.
Because Senegal borders the Atlantic Ocean, fish is very important. Chicken, lamb, peas, eggs, and beef are also used in Senegalese cooking, but not pork, due to the nation's largely Muslim population. Peanuts, the primary crop of Senegal, as well as couscous, white rice, sweet potatoes, lentils, black-eyed peas and various vegetables, are also incorporated into many recipes. Meats and vegetables are typically stewed or marinated in herbs and spices, and then poured over rice or couscous, or eaten with bread.
Popular fresh juices are made from bissap, ginger, buy (pronounced 'buoy', which is the fruit of the baobab tree, also known as "monkey bread fruit"), mango, or other fruit or wild trees (most famously soursop, which is called corossol in French). Desserts are very rich and sweet, combining native ingredients with the extravagance and style characteristic of the French impact on Senegal's culinary methods. They are often served with fresh fruit and are traditionally followed by coffee or tea.
Senegal is known across Africa for its musical heritage, due to the popularity of mbalax, which originated from the Serer percussive tradition especially the Njuup, it has been popularized by Youssou N'Dour, Omar Pene and others. Sabar drumming is especially popular. The sabar is mostly used in special celebrations like weddings. Another instrument, the tama, is used in more ethnic groups. Other popular international renowned Senegalese musicians are Ismael Lô, Cheikh Lô, Orchestra Baobab, Baaba Maal, Akon Thione Seck, Viviane, Fallou Dieng Titi, Seckou Keita and Pape Diouf.
Hospitality, in theory, is given such importance in Senegalese culture that it is widely considered to be part of the national identity. The Wolof word for hospitality is "teranga" and it is so identified with the pride of Senegal that the national football team is known as the Lions of Teranga.
Senegalese play many sports. Wrestling and football are the most popular sports in the country. Senegal will host the 2026 Summer Youth Olympics in Dakar, making Senegal the first African country to host an Olympic event.
Senegalese wrestling is the country's most popular sport and has become a national obsession. It traditionally serves many young men to escape poverty and it is the only sport recognized as developed independently of Western culture.
Football is a popular sport in Senegal. In 2022 the national team beat Egypt to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, and they were runners-up in 2002 and 2019. They became one of only four African teams to ever reach the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup, after Cameroon in 1990 and before Ghana in 2010, defeating holders France in their first game in 2002. Senegal qualified for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, and for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Senegal has traditionally been one of Africa's dominant basketball powers. The men's team performed better than that of any other African nation at the 2014 FIBA World Cup, where they reached the playoffs for the first time. The women's team won 19 medals at 20 African Championships, more than twice as many medals as any competitor. When the country hosted the 2019 FIBA Women's AfroBasket, 15,000 fans flocked to the Dakar Arena which is registered as a record attendance for basketball in Africa. Senegal was one of the continent's pioneers in basketball as it established one of Africa's first competitive leagues.
In 2016, the NBA announced the launch of an Elite's Academy in Africa, and more precisely in Senegal.
The country hosted the Paris–Dakar rally from 1979 until 2007. The Dakar Rally was an off-road endurance motorsport race which followed a course from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal. The competitors used off-road vehicles to cross the difficult geography. The last race was held in 2007, before the 2008 rally was canceled a day before the event due to security concerns in Mauritania. The Ocean X-Prix of the electric off-road championship Extreme E was also hosted in Senegal.
Religion
Senegal is a secular state, although Islam is the predominant religion in the country, practiced by 96.6% of the country's population; the Christian community, at 3.3% of the population, is comprised mostly of Roman Catholics but there are also diverse Protestant denominations. Less than one percent has animist beliefs, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. Some Serer people follow the Serer religion.
According to a 2012 Pew demographic study, 55% of the Muslims in Senegal are Sunni of the Maliki madhhab with Sufi influences, whilst 27% are non-denominational Muslims. Islamic communities in Senegal are generally organized around one of several Islamic Sufi orders called tariqas, headed by a khalif (xaliifa in Wolof, from Arabic khalīfa), who is usually a direct descendant of the group's founder; the study found that 92% of Senegalese Muslims belonged to a Sufi order. The two largest and most prominent Sufi tariqas in Senegal are the Tijaniyya, whose largest Senegalese sub-groups are based in the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack and has broad following in West Africa outside of Senegal, and the Murīdiyya (Murid), who are based in the city of Touba and has a follower base mostly limited to within Senegal. The Halpulaar (Pulaar-speakers), composed of Fula people, a widespread group found along the Sahel from Chad to Senegal, and Toucouleurs, represent 23.8 percent of the population. Historically, they were the first to become Muslim. Many of the Toucouleurs, or sedentary Halpulaar of the Senegal River Valley in the north, converted to Islam around a millennium ago and later contributed to Islam's propagation throughout Senegal. Success was gained among the Wolofs, but repulsed by the Serers.
Most communities south of the Senegal River Valley, however, were not thoroughly Islamized. The Serer people stood out as one of this group, who spent over one thousand years resisting Islamization (see Serer history). Although many Serers are Christians or Muslim, their conversion to Islam in particular is very recent and came of free will rather than by force, after forced conversion had been unsuccessfully tried centuries earlier (see Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune).
The spread of formal Quranic school (called daara in Wolof) during the colonial period increased largely through the effort of the Tidjâniyya. In Murid communities, which place more emphasis on the work ethic than on literary Quranic studies, the term daara often applies to work groups devoted to working for a religious leader. Other Islamic groups include the much older Qādiriyya order and the Senegalese Laayeen order, which is prominent among the coastal Lebu. Today, most Senegalese children study at daaras for several years, memorizing as much of the Qur'an as they can. Some of them continue their religious studies at councils (majlis) or at the growing number of private Arabic schools and publicly funded Franco-Arabic schools.
Small Catholic communities are mainly found in coastal Serer, Jola, Mankanya and Balant populations, and in eastern Senegal among the Bassari and Coniagui. The Protestant churches are mainly attended by immigrants but during the second half of the 20th century Protestant churches led by Senegalese leaders from different ethnic groups have evolved. In Dakar Catholic and Protestant rites are practiced by the Lebanese, Cape Verdean, European, and American immigrant populations, and among certain Africans of other countries as well as by the Senegalese themselves. Although Islam is Senegal's majority religion, Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, was a Catholic Serer.
Serer religion encompasses a belief in a supreme deity called Roog (Koox among the Cangin), Serer cosmogony, cosmology and divination ceremonies such as the annual Xooy (or Khoy) ceremony presided over by the Serer Saltigues (high priests and priestesses). Senegambian (both Senegal and the Gambia) Muslim festivals such as Tobaski, Gamo, Koriteh, Weri Kor, etc., are all borrowed words from the Serer religion. They were ancient Serer festivals rooted in Serer religion, not Islam.
The Boukout is one of the Jola's religious ceremonies.
There are a small number of members of the Bani Israel tribe in the Senegalese bush that claim Jewish ancestry, though this is disputed. The Mahayana branch of Buddhism in Senegal is followed by a very tiny portion of the ex-pat Vietnamese community. The Bahá'í Faith in Senegal was established after 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the religion, mentioned Africa as a place that should be more broadly visited by Bahá'ís. The first Bahá'is to set foot in the territory of French West Africa that would become Senegal arrived in 1953. The first Bahá'í Local Spiritual Assembly of Senegal was elected in 1966 in Dakar. In 1975 the Bahá'í community elected the first National Spiritual Assembly of Senegal. The most recent estimate, by the Association of Religion Data Archives in a 2005 report details the population of Senegalese Bahá'ís at 22,000.
Demographics
Senegal has a population of around million, about 42 percent of whom live in rural areas. Density in these areas varies from about 77 PD/km2 in the west-central region to 2 /km2 in the arid eastern section.
Senegal ratified the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, as well as the additional protocol. Senegal is also a signatory of the African Charter of Human and People's Rights, which was adopted during the 2003 African Union Summit. However, feminists have been critical of the government's lack of action in enforcing the protocols, conventions and other texts that have been signed as a means of protecting women's rights.
Senegal has a wide variety of ethnic groups and, as in most West African countries, several languages are widely spoken. The Wolof are the largest ethnic group in Senegal at 36%; the Fula and Toucouleur (also known as Halpulaar'en, literally "Pulaar-speakers") (30%) are the second biggest group, followed by the Serer (14.7%), then others such as Jola (4%), Mandinka (3%), Maures or (Naarkajors), Soninke, Bassari and many smaller communities (9%). (See also the Bedick ethnic group.)
About 50,000 Europeans (mostly French) reside in Senegal. Smaller numbers of other migrants, namely Lebanese Mauritanians and Moroccans reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities and some retirees who reside in the resort towns around Mbour. The majority of Lebanese work in commerce. Most of the Lebanese originate from the Lebanese city of Tyre, which is known as "Little West Africa" and has a main promenade that is called "Avenue du Senegal".
The country experienced a wave of immigration from France in the decades between World War II and Senegalese independence; most of these French people purchased homes in Dakar or other major urban centers. Also located primarily in urban settings are small Vietnamese communities as well as a growing number of Chinese immigrant traders, each numbering perhaps a few hundred people. There are also tens of thousands of Mauritanian refugees in Senegal, primarily in the country's north.
According to the World Refugee Survey 2008, published by the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants, Senegal has a population of refugees and asylum seekers numbering approximately 23,800 in 2007. The majority of this population (20,200) is from Mauritania. Refugees live in N'dioum, Dodel, and small settlements along the Senegal River valley.
French is the official language, spoken by all those who have spent several years in the educational system, in which French is used as the medium of instruction (Koranic schools are also popular, but Arabic is less widely spoken outside of the context of recitation). Overall, speakers of French were estimated to make up 26% of the population in 2022. During the 15th century, many European territories started to engage in trade in Senegal. In the 19th century, France increased its colonial influence in Senegal and thus the number of French-speaking people multiplied continuously. French was ratified as the official language of Senegal in 1960 when the country achieved independence.
Most people also speak their own ethnic language while, especially in Dakar, Wolof is the lingua franca. Pulaar is spoken by the Fulas and Toucouleur. The Serer language is widely spoken by both Serers and non-Serers (including President Sall, whose wife is Serer); so are the Cangin languages, whose speakers are ethnically Serers. Jola languages are widely spoken in the Casamance. Overall Senegal is home to around 39 distinct languages. Several have the legal status of "national languages": Balanta-Ganja, Arabic, Jola-Fonyi, Mandinka, Mandjak, Mankanya, Noon (Serer-Noon), Pulaar, Serer, Soninke, and Wolof.
English is taught as a foreign language in secondary schools and many graduate school programs, and it is the only subject matter that has a special office in the Ministry of Education. Dakar hosts a couple of Bilingual schools which offer 50% of their syllabus in English. The Senegalese American Bilingual School (SABS), Yavuz Selim, and The West African College of the Atlantic (WACA) train thousands of fluent English speakers in four-year programs. English is widely used by the scientific community and in business, including by the Modou-Modou (illiterate, self-taught businessmen).
Portuguese Creole, locally known as Portuguese, is a prominent minority language in Ziguinchor, regional capital of the Casamance, spoken by local Portuguese creoles and immigrants from Guinea-Bissau. The local Cape Verdean community speak a similar Portuguese creole, Cape Verdean Creole, and standard Portuguese. Portuguese was introduced in Senegal's secondary education in 1961 in Dakar by the country's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor. It is currently available in most of Senegal and in higher education. It is especially prevalent in Casamance as it relates with the local cultural identity.
A variety of immigrant languages are spoken, such as Bambara (70,000), Mooré (37,000), Kabuverdiano (34,000), Krio (6,100), Vietnamese (2,500), and Portuguese (1,700), mostly in Dakar.
While French is the sole official language, a rising Senegalese linguistic nationalist movement supports the integration of Wolof, the common vernacular language of the country, into the national constitution.
Senegalese regions of Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies and Ziguinchor are members of the International Association of Francophone regions.
Dakar, the capital, is by far the largest city in Senegal, with over two million residents. The second most populous city is Touba, a de jure communaute rurale (rural community), with over half a million people.
Senegal is a secular state, although Islam is the predominant religion in the country, practiced by 96.6% of the country's population; the Christian community, at 3.3% of the population, is comprised mostly of Roman Catholics but there are also diverse Protestant denominations. Less than one percent has animist beliefs, particularly in the southeastern region of the country. Some Serer people follow the Serer religion.
According to a 2012 Pew demographic study, 55% of the Muslims in Senegal are Sunni of the Maliki madhhab with Sufi influences, whilst 27% are non-denominational Muslims. Islamic communities in Senegal are generally organized around one of several Islamic Sufi orders called tariqas, headed by a khalif (xaliifa in Wolof, from Arabic khalīfa), who is usually a direct descendant of the group's founder; the study found that 92% of Senegalese Muslims belonged to a Sufi order. The two largest and most prominent Sufi tariqas in Senegal are the Tijaniyya, whose largest Senegalese sub-groups are based in the cities of Tivaouane and Kaolack and has broad following in West Africa outside of Senegal, and the Murīdiyya (Murid), who are based in the city of Touba and has a follower base mostly limited to within Senegal. The Halpulaar (Pulaar-speakers), composed of Fula people, a widespread group found along the Sahel from Chad to Senegal, and Toucouleurs, represent 23.8 percent of the population. Historically, they were the first to become Muslim. Many of the Toucouleurs, or sedentary Halpulaar of the Senegal River Valley in the north, converted to Islam around a millennium ago and later contributed to Islam's propagation throughout Senegal. Success was gained among the Wolofs, but repulsed by the Serers.
Most communities south of the Senegal River Valley, however, were not thoroughly Islamized. The Serer people stood out as one of this group, who spent over one thousand years resisting Islamization (see Serer history). Although many Serers are Christians or Muslim, their conversion to Islam in particular is very recent and came of free will rather than by force, after forced conversion had been unsuccessfully tried centuries earlier (see Battle of Fandane-Thiouthioune).
The spread of formal Quranic school (called daara in Wolof) during the colonial period increased largely through the effort of the Tidjâniyya. In Murid communities, which place more emphasis on the work ethic than on literary Quranic studies, the term daara often applies to work groups devoted to working for a religious leader. Other Islamic groups include the much older Qādiriyya order and the Senegalese Laayeen order, which is prominent among the coastal Lebu. Today, most Senegalese children study at daaras for several years, memorizing as much of the Qur'an as they can. Some of them continue their religious studies at councils (majlis) or at the growing number of private Arabic schools and publicly funded Franco-Arabic schools.
Small Catholic communities are mainly found in coastal Serer, Jola, Mankanya and Balant populations, and in eastern Senegal among the Bassari and Coniagui. The Protestant churches are mainly attended by immigrants but during the second half of the 20th century Protestant churches led by Senegalese leaders from different ethnic groups have evolved. In Dakar Catholic and Protestant rites are practiced by the Lebanese, Cape Verdean, European, and American immigrant populations, and among certain Africans of other countries as well as by the Senegalese themselves. Although Islam is Senegal's majority religion, Senegal's first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, was a Catholic Serer.
Serer religion encompasses a belief in a supreme deity called Roog (Koox among the Cangin), Serer cosmogony, cosmology and divination ceremonies such as the annual Xooy (or Khoy) ceremony presided over by the Serer Saltigues (high priests and priestesses). Senegambian (both Senegal and the Gambia) Muslim festivals such as Tobaski, Gamo, Koriteh, Weri Kor, etc., are all borrowed words from the Serer religion. They were ancient Serer festivals rooted in Serer religion, not Islam.
The Boukout is one of the Jola's religious ceremonies.
There are a small number of members of the Bani Israel tribe in the Senegalese bush that claim Jewish ancestry, though this is disputed. The Mahayana branch of Buddhism in Senegal is followed by a very tiny portion of the ex-pat Vietnamese community. The Bahá'í Faith in Senegal was established after 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the son of the founder of the religion, mentioned Africa as a place that should be more broadly visited by Bahá'ís. The first Bahá'is to set foot in the territory of French West Africa that would become Senegal arrived in 1953. The first Bahá'í Local Spiritual Assembly of Senegal was elected in 1966 in Dakar. In 1975 the Bahá'í community elected the first National Spiritual Assembly of Senegal. The most recent estimate, by the Association of Religion Data Archives in a 2005 report details the population of Senegalese Bahá'ís at 22,000.
Life expectancy at birth was estimated to be 66.8 years in 2016 (64.7 years male, 68.7 years female). Public expenditure on health was at 2.4 percent of the GDP in 2004, whereas private expenditure was at 3.5 percent. Health expenditure was at US$72 (PPP) per capita in 2004. The fertility rate ranged 5 to 5.3 between 2005 and 2013, with 4.1 in urban areas and 6.3 in rural areas, as official survey (6.4 in 1986 and 5.7 in 1997) point out. There were six physicians per 100,000 persons in the early 2000s (decade). Infant mortality in Senegal was 157 per 1,000 live births in 1950., but since then it has declined five-fold to 32 per 1,000 in 2018. In the past five years infant mortality rates of malaria have dropped. According to a 2013 UNICEF report, 26% of women in Senegal have undergone female genital mutilation.
In March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic began in Senegal, which led to the imposition of a curfew in the country.
In July 2021, Senegal experienced a significant increase in cases of coronavirus disease.
In June 2021, Senegal's Agency for Universal Health launched sunucmu.com (SunuCMU), a website that the agency hopes will streamline health care in the country. The website is a part of the Minister of State Mohammad Abdallah Dionne's plan for digitalization. He aims to make Senegal's health care system effective and sustainable. Using SunuCMU, Senegal hopes to achieve 75 percent coverage within two years of the launch.
Articles 21 and 22 of the Constitution adopted in January 2001 guarantee access to education for all children. Education is compulsory and free up to the age of 16. The Ministry of Labor has indicated that the public school system is unable to cope with the number of children that must enroll each year. Portuguese is taught at schools at the secondary high school level, given the large Cape Verdean community, and also from Guinea Bissau. There are sizeable Portuguese creole and standard Portuguese speaking communities in Zinguichor and Dakar.
Illiteracy is high, particularly among women. The net primary enrollment rate was 69 percent in 2005. Public expenditure on education was 5.4 percent of the 2002–2005 GDP. Senegal was ranked 105th in the Global Innovation Index in 2021, down from 96th in 2019.
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