Information About Senegal

People of Senegal

referred to as Senegalese, most of the population of Senegal is made up of Senegalese natives. However, most of them are divided into0 different tribes and clans. Of them the most populous one is the people of the Wolof clan, who have ruled the land for centuries. The other clans that come close are the Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka, Soninke and Sereres. This does not mean that there no foreign population. The population of Senegal has considerable number of people from Lebanon and other European countries.

Arts, Culture and Music of Senegal

Art: the artistic practices in the country of Senegal are age old traditions. They include weaving fabric; embroidering; pottery making; making jewellery from various metals like steel, iron, bronze, gold, silver and copper, or even wood or beads, seeds and clay; woodcarvings are another popular form of art; carving masks; painting glass; and sculpting statues out materials like wood and stone.

Culture: the culture of Senegal is a fine blend of French traits with traditional African, and more particularly Wolof, practices. The other factor that influences the culture of Senegal is the religious practices of the people.

Music: the chief musical genre in Senegal is called the "Sabar" which is always accompanied with dancing. In fact most of the musical traditions in the country are dance based; in the sense that they are composed for dance. The other types of music are the "Nguel" and the "Wango". The popular musical instruments of the country are the different types of drums like "Neunde", "Thiol", "Jembe", "calabash" and "Riti". Aside of these there is a xylophone like instrument called the "Balafons".

Flag of Senegal

the Senegalese flag is rectangular in shape and is made up of a color-scheme that is typically Ethiopian. Even the colors of green, yellow and red that dominate the flag are essentially pro-African colors. The colors appear in three equal vertical stripes with green to the left, yellow in the middle and red in the right. In the central yellow stripe is a green centrally located five-point star.

Economy of Senegal

Senegal's economy is primarily based on agriculture. The chief crop of the country is peanuts which are grown in the drought prone regions. Peanut is also an important export commodity. The other agricultural products are millet, corn, cotton and sorghum. Aside of agriculture the other important industry in Senegal is that of fishing. The naturally available resources in the country are phosphates and iron ore. All these together make a substantial export list.

More Information About Senegal

Profile of African Countries