Country information

Area: 197 000 sq km
Population: 11.6 million (2005 UN estimate)
Capital City: Dakar (2.1 million, 2005 UN estimate)
People and language: Senegal is made up of numerous ethnic groups, including the Wolof, Pular, Serer and the Diola. French is the official Language, while Malinke, Wolof, Serere, Soninke and Peul (Pular) are 'national languages'. African languages (most commonly Wolof) are widely spoken.
Religion(s): Around 95% of Senegalese are Muslim. Christianity and indigenous Africa religions are also practised.
Currency: CFA Franc. €1=656 Francs
Major political parties: The two largest parties are the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS) and the Socialist Party (PS). Other political parties include the African Party for Democracy and Socialism (AJ/PADS); Alliance of Forces of Progress (AFP); Democratic League-Labour Party Movement (LD-MPT); Independence and Labour Party (PIT); and the Union for Democratic Renewal (URD).
Head of State: President Abdoulaye Wade
Prime Minister/Premier: Cheik Hadjibou Soumare
Membership of international groupings/organisations: African Development Bank (AFDB), Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), Economic and Monetary Union of West Africa (UEMAO), African Union (AU), Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

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