Independent from France in 1960, Senegal joined with The Gambia to form the nominal confederation of Senegambia in 1982. However, the envisaged integration of the two countries was never carried out, and the union was dissolved in 1989. Despite peace talks, a southern separatist group sporadically has clashed with government forces since 1982. Senegal has a long history of participating in international peacekeeping.
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania
Head of State: President Macky SALL (since 2 April 2012)
Head of government: Prime Minister Abdoul MBAYE (since 3 April 2012)
Capital: Dakar
Population: 13,300.410 (July 2013est.)
Population growth rate: 2.51% (2013 est.)
Ethnic groups: Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Religions: Muslim 94%, indigenous beliefs 1%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic)
Independence: 4 April 1960 (from France); complete independence was achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960
Currency: Communaute Financiere Africaine franc (XOF); note - responsible authority is the Central Bank of the West African States