Senegal

Senegal is a country on the westernmost tip of Africa. It is known for its lively music, colorful fashion, and the tradition of teranga, which means hospitality. Senegal has beautiful beaches and a rich culture.

Land and People

About 17 million people live in Senegal. The capital is Dakar. Senegal has a long Atlantic coast, savannas, and the Sahel region near the Sahara. The Gambia, a small country, cuts right through the middle of Senegal.

Plan of an old fort on an island near Senegal.
Plan of an old fort on an island near Senegal. (Awnsham Churchill / John Churchill / Wikimedia Commons)

Culture and Fun Facts

Senegalese wrestling called laamb is the national sport and wrestlers are treated like superstars. Thieboudienne, fish and rice, is the national dish. Senegalese music, especially mbalax, has fans worldwide. People dress in beautiful, brightly colored clothes.

Fun Facts

  • Senegal is the westernmost country on the African mainland.
  • Traditional wrestling is the most popular sport in Senegal.
  • Lake Retba near Dakar is naturally pink because of special bacteria in the water.

Did You Know?

Lake Retba near Dakar, Senegal is bright pink! The pink color comes from tiny organisms that live in the very salty water. People collect salt from the lake and rub shea butter on their skin to protect it from the salt. It looks like a lake made of strawberry milk.