Moving to Senegal: visas, cost of living & immigrant guide

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Population

15,736,368

Population Growth Rate

2.51%

Urban Population

42.500000

Population in Major Urban Areas

DAKAR (capital) 3.035 million

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Age Structure

41.850000

Median Age

18.200000

Birth Rate - births/1,000 population

36

Death Rate - deaths/1,000 population

8.85

Total Fertility Rate - children born/woman

4.61

Contraceptive Prevalance Rate - female 12-49

13.1%

Contraceptive Prevalence Rate - female 12-49

13.1%

Mean Age for Mother's First Birth (age 25-49)

21.4

Mother's mean age at first birth

21.4

Sex Ratio at Birth - male/female

1.030000

Net Migration Rate - migrant(s)/1,000 population

-1.74

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%

Nationality Noun

Senegalese (singular and plural)

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Literacy - total population

39.3%

Literacy - male

50%

Literacy - female

30.7%

Literacy Definition

age 15 and over can read and write

Education Expenditures - percent of GDP

5.6%

Total School Life Expectancy - (primary to tertiary)

8.000000

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Life Expectancy at Birth

60.570000

Infant Mortality Rate

53.930000

Infant Mortality Rate - total deaths/1,000 live births

53.930000

Maternal Mortality Rate - deaths/100,000 live births

370

Physicians Density - physicians/1,000 population

.06

Hospital Bed Density - beds/1,000 population

.3

Health Expenditures - percent of GDP

6%

Major Infectious Diseases - degree of risk

very high

Obesity - adult prevalence rate

6.8%

Drinking Water Source - percent of urban population improved

92.500000

Sanitation Facility Access - percent of urban population improved

67.100000

Underweight - percent of children under five years

14.4%

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Economic Overview

• Agriculture: Agriculture is a vital sector of the Senegalese economy, employing a significant portion of the population and contributing to food security and rural livelihoods. Key agricultural products include peanuts, millet, maize, rice, cotton, and fruits. However, the sector faces challenges such as land degradation, climate change, and low productivity.
• Fisheries: Senegal's coastal waters are rich in fish stocks, making fisheries an important sector for the economy. Fish and seafood products are major exports, providing revenue and employment opportunities. However, illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing remains a concern, threatening the sustainability of marine resources.
• Mining: Senegal has significant mineral resources, including phosphates, gold, iron ore, and zircon. The mining sector contributes to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings, but challenges such as infrastructure constraints, regulatory issues, and environmental concerns need to be addressed to fully harness its potential.
• Manufacturing: The manufacturing sector in Senegal is diverse and includes food processing, textiles, chemicals, and construction materials. The government has implemented industrial policies to promote value-added manufacturing and attract investment in key industries. However, the sector faces challenges such as high production costs, limited access to finance, and competition from imported goods.
• Services: The services sector is a significant contributor to Senegal's GDP, encompassing a wide range of activities such as tourism, transportation, telecommunications, banking, and commerce. Dakar, the capital city, serves as a regional hub for trade and finance, attracting investment and fostering economic growth.
• Tourism: Senegal's rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant music and arts scene make it a popular tourist destination in West Africa. Tourists are drawn to attractions such as the historic city of Saint-Louis, the beaches of Cap Skirring, and national parks like Niokolo-Koba. However, the tourism sector faces challenges such as infrastructure deficits, security concerns, and competition from neighboring countries. Infrastructure
• Development: Senegal has made investments in infrastructure projects such as transportation networks (roads, ports, airports), energy infrastructure (power generation, transmission), and water supply and sanitation. These investments are aimed at improving connectivity, facilitating trade, and enhancing the business environment. Foreign Aid and
• Remittances: Senegal receives significant inflows of foreign aid and remittances, which contribute to its economy and household incomes. Remittances from Senegalese living abroad, particularly in Europe and the United States, play a crucial role in supporting household consumption and investment.

Industries

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, construction materials

GDP - per capita (PPP)

$2,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.1%

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GDP - Gross Domestic Product (PPP)

$55,260,000,000 (USD)

GDP Per Capita

$2,500.00 (USD)

GDP - real growth rate

5.1%

GDP - official exchange rate

$13,990,000,000 (USD)

GDP - composition, by end use

• consumption: 76.5% government
• consumption: 15.2% investment in fixed
• capital: 25.7% investment in
• inventories: 0.9% exports of goods and
• services: 27% imports of goods and
• services: -45.3%

GDP by Sector- agriculture

17.1%

GDP by Sector- Industry

24.3%

GDP by Sector- services

58.6%

Industrial Growth Rate

3.8%

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Inflation Rate

1.2%

Currency Name and Code

CFA Franc BCEAO (XOF)

Fiscal Year

calendar year

Commercial Bank Prime Lending Rate

13.8%

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Labor Force

5,530,000

Unemployment Rate

48%

Major Industries

agricultural and fish processing, phosphate mining, fertilizer production, petroleum refining, construction materials

Agriculture Products

• peanuts, millet, corn, sorghum, rice, cotton, tomatoes, green vegetables
• cattle, poultry, pigs
• fish

Population Below Poverty Line

54%

Child Labor - # of children ages 5-14

657,216

Child Labor - % of children ages 5-14

22%

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Labor Force By Occupation - industry and services

22.5%

Labor Force By Occupation- agriculture

77.5%

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Annual Budget

$2,726,000,000 (USD)

Public Debt (% of GDP)

46.5%

Budget Surplus or Deficit - percent of GDP

-5.3%

Taxes and other revenues - percent of GDP

23.2%

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Full Country Name

Republic of Senegal

Country Name

Sénégal

Local - Long

Republique du Sénégal

Local - Short

Sénégal

Former Name

Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation

Etymology- history of name

• named for the Senegal River that forms the northern border of the country
• many theories exist for the origin of the river name
• perhaps the most widely cited derives the name from "Azenegue," the Portuguese appellation for the Berber Zenaga people who lived north of the river

Independence

4 April 1960 (from France); note - complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960

National Holiday

Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

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Government Type

presidential republic

Constitution

• history: previous 1959 (pre-independence), 1963; latest adopted by referendum 7 January 2001, promulgated 22 January 2001
• amendments: proposed by the president of the republic or by the National Assembly; passage requires Assembly approval and approval in a referendum; the president can bypass a referendum and submit an amendment directly to the Assembly, which requires at least three-fifths majority vote; the republican form of government is not amendable; amended several times, last in 2019

Legal System:

civil law system based on French law; judicial review of legislative acts in Constitutional Court

Executive Branch:

• chief of state: President Bassirou Diomaye FAYE (since 2 April 2024)
• head of government: Prime Minister Ousmane SONKO (since 2 April 2024)
• cabinet: Council of Ministers appointed by the president election/appointment
• process: president directly elected by absolute-majority popular vote in 2 rounds, if needed, for a single, renewable 5-year term most recent election
• date: 24 March 2024
• election results: 2024: Bassirou Diomaye FAYE elected president in first round; percent of vote - Bassirou Diomaye FAYE (PASTEF) 54%, Amadou BA (APR) 36%, other 10% 2019: Macky SALL reelected president in first round; percent of vote - Macky SALL (APR) 58.3%, Idrissa SECK (Rewmi) 20.5%, Ousmane SONKO (PASTEF) 15.7%, other 5.5% expected date of next
• election: March 2029

Legislative Branch:

• Description: unicameral National Assembly or Assemblée Nationale (165 seats; 112 members including 15 representing Senegalese diaspora directly elected by plurality vote in single- and multi-seat constituencies and 53 members directly elected by proportional representation vote in a single nationwide constituency; member term is 5-years)
• Elections: last held on 31 July 2022 (next scheduled to be held in July 2027)
• Election Results: percent of vote by party/coalition - BBY 46.6%, YAW 32.9%, WS 14.5%, other 6%; seats by party/coalition - BBY 82, YAW 42, WS 24, other 17;
• Composition: men 92, women 73, percent of women 44%

Judicial Branch:

• office: Supreme Court judges appointed by the president of the republic upon recommendation of the Superior Council of the Magistrates, a body chaired by the president and minister of justice; judge tenure varies, with mandatory retirement either at 65 or 68 years; Constitutional Council members appointed - 5 by the president and 2 by the National Assembly speaker; judges serve 6-year terms, with renewal of 2 members every 2 years
• subordinate courts: High Court of Justice (for crimes of high treason by the president); Courts of Appeal; Court of Auditors; assize courts; regional and district courts; Labor Court

Regions or States:

14 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaffrine, Kaolack, Kéedougou, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Sedhiou, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Political Parties and Leaders:

• Alliance for Citizenship and Work or ACT [Abdoul MBAYE]
• Alliance for the Republic-Yakaar or APR [Macky SALL]
• Alliance of Forces of Progress or AFP [Moustapha NIASSE]
• AND (National Alliance for Democracy) [Aissatou MBODJ]
• And-Jef/African Party for Democracy and Socialism or AJ/PADS [Landing SAVANE]
• ARC (Alternative for the next generation of citizens) [Anta Babacar NGOM]
• Awalé [Abdourahmane DIOUF]
• Benno Bokk Yakaar or BBY (United in Hope) [vacant] (coalition includes AFP, APR, BGC, LD-MPT, PIT, PS, and UNP)
• Bokk Gis Gis coalition [Pape DIOP]
• Citizen Movement for National Reform or MCRN-Bes Du Nakk [Mansour Sy DJAMIL]
• Coalition Mimi 2024 [Aminata TOURE]
• Dare the Future movement [Aissata Tall SALL]
• Democratic League-Labor Party Movement or LD-MPT [Mamadou NDOYE]
• Democratic Renaissance Congress [NA]
• Front for Socialism and Democracy/Benno Jubel or FSD/BJ [Cheikh Abdoulaye Bamba DIEYE]
• Gainde Centrist Bloc or BCG [Jean-Paul DIAS MENDES ]
• General Alliance for the Interests of the Republic or AGIR [Thierno BOCOUM]
• Grand Party or GP [Malick GAKOU]
• Gueum sa Bopp (Believe in yourself) [Bougane Dany GUEYE]
• Independence and Labor Party or PIT [Maguette THIAM]
• Jotna Coalition [Dr Abdoulaye NIANE]
• Liberate the People (Yewwi Askan Wi) or YAW [Ousmane SONKO, Déthié FALL, Cheikh Tidiane YOUM]
• Madicke 2019 coalition [Madicke NIANG]
• National Union for the People or UNP [Abdoul MBAYE]
• Only Senegal Movement [Pierre Goudiaby ATEPA]
• Party for Truth and Development or PVD [Cheikh Ahmadou Kara MBAKE]
• Party of Unity and Rally or PUR [Cheikh Mouhamadou Moustapha SY]
• Patriotic Convergence Kaddu Askan Wi or CP-Kaddu Askan Wi [Abdoulaye BALDE]
• PRP (Republican party for Progress) [Déthié FALL]
• Rewmi Party [Idrissa SECK]
• Save Senegal (Wallu Senegal Grand Coalition) or WS [Karim WADE] (coalition includes PDS, Jotna Coalition, Democratic Renaissance Congress)
• Senegalese Democratic Party or PDS [Karim WADE]
• Socialist Party or PS [vacant]
• Tekki Movement [Mamadou Lamine DIALLO]
• Réewum Ngor (Republic of Values) [Thierno Alassane SALL]
• Servants (Les Serviteurs) [Pape Djibril FALL]

Suffrage:

18 years of age; universal

Citizenship Criteria:

• birth: no citizenship by descent
• only: at least one parent must be a citizen of Senegal dual citizenship
• recognized: no, but Senegalese citizens do not automatically lose their citizenship if they acquire citizenship in another state residency requirement for
• naturalization: 5 years

Capital Name

Dakar

Capital - geographic coordinate

14 44 N, 17 38 W

Capital Time Difference

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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International Organization Participation:

• ACP
• AfDB
• AU
• CD
• CPLP (associate)
• ECOWAS
• EITI (candidate country)
• FAO
• FZ
• G-15
• G-77
• IAEA
• IBRD
• ICAO
• ICC (national committees)
• ICCt
• ICRM
• IDA
• IDB
• IFAD
• IFC
• IFRCS
• ILO
• IMF
• IMO
• IMSO
• Interpol
• IOC
• IOM
• IPU
• ISO
• ITSO
• ITU
• ITUC (NGOs)
• MIGA
• MONUSCO
• NAM
• OIC
• OIF
• OPCW
• PCA
• UN
• UNAMID
• UNCTAD
• UNESCO
• UNHCR
• UNIDO
• UNMIL
• UNMISS
• UNOCI
• UNOOSA
• UNWTO
• UPU
• WADB (regional)
• WAEMU
• WCO
• WFTU (NGOs)
• WHO
• WIPO
• WMO
• WTO

International Law Organization Participation:

accepts compulsory ICJ jurisdiction with reservations; accepts ICCt jurisdiction

Diplomatic Representation from US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Michael RAYNOR (since 10 March 2022); note - also accredited to Guinea-Bissau
• Embassy: Route des Almadies, Dakar
• Mailing Address: 2130 Dakar Place, Washington D.C. 20521-2130
• Telephone: [221] 33-879-4000
• Email: DakarACS@state.gov
• Website: https://sn.usembassy.gov/

Diplomatic Representation in the US:

• Chief of Mission: Ambassador Mansour Elimane KANE (since 6 January 2020)
• Chancery: 2215 M ST NW, Washington, D.C. 20037
• Telephone: [1] (202) 234-0540
• FAX: [1] (202) 332-6315; [1] (202) 629-2961
• Email: contact@ambasenegal-us.org
• Website: http://www.ambasenegal-us.org/index.php
• Consulate(s) General: Houston, New York

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Geographic Location

Africa

Geographic Coordinates

14 00 N, 14 00 W

Total Area

75,954 Square Miles 196,722 Square Kilometers

Land Area

74,336 Square Miles 192,530 Square Kilometers

Water Area

1,619 Square Miles 4,192 Square Kilometers

Land Boundaries

1,640 Miles 2,640 Kilometers

Border Countries

The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Coastline

330 Miles 531 Kilometers

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Terrain

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Highest Point

581 Meters

Highest Point Location

unnamed feature near Nepen Diakha 581 m

Lowest Point Location

Atlantic Ocean 0 m

Natural Resources

fish, phosphates, iron ore

Irrigated Land

462 Square Miles 1,197 Square Kilometers

Time Zone

UTC 0 (5 hours ahead of Washington, DC, during Standard Time)

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Climate

Senegal has two well-defined seasons: northeasterly winds produce the cool, dry winter season (November to June) and southwesterly winds produce the hot, humid summer (July to October).

During winter, Dakar days are invariably sunny with temperatures between 63 and 80° F.

During summer, the average temperature is 86° F to 96° F with high humidity.

Beginning in January, the harmattan brings dust and sand from the Sahara Desert for 2 or 3 months.

Between July and October, Dakar receives 16 - 20 inches of rainfall.

Precipitation increases farther south, exceeding 60 inches in parts of the Casamance Region in the southern part of the country.

Typically, Senegal is considered a dry, almost desert country with a pleasant climate along the coast and much higher temperatures inland.

Terrain

generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast

Location

Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania

Total Area

75,954 Square Miles 196,722 Square Kilometers

Border Countries

The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km

Environment - Current Issues

• wildlife populations threatened by poaching
• deforestation
• overgrazing
• soil erosion
• desertification
• overfishing

Environment - International Agreements

party to: Biodiversity, Climate Change, Climate Change-Kyoto Protocol, Desertification, Endangered Species, Hazardous Wastes, Law of the Sea, Marine Life Conservation, Ozone Layer Protection, Ship Pollution, Wetlands, Whaling signed, but not ratified: none of the selected agreements

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Exports

$2,112,000,000 (USD)

Imports

$4,474,000,000 (USD)

Major Exports

fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton

Major Imports

foods and beverages, capital goods, fuels

Top Export Partners

India 20.8%, France 13%, Mali 8.9%, Greece 7.7%, Italy 4.4%

Top Import Partners

France 25.6%, Nigeria 8.7%, Thailand 7.2%, US 5.4%, Germany 5.4%, Italy 4.5%

Export Partners

India 20.8%, France 13%, Mali 8.9%, Greece 7.7%, Italy 4.4%

Import Partners

France 25.6%, Nigeria 8.7%, Thailand 7.2%, US 5.4%, Germany 5.4%, Italy 4.5%

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Country Description

The Republic of Senegal is a developing West African country.

The capital is Dakar.

Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality.

The official language is French; English is not widely used.

Safety & Security

Public demonstrations, political gatherings, and student protests are relatively common in Senegal, both in Dakar and in outlying regions, particularly on Friday afternoons.

In the past, these events have sometimes turned violent.

Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.

The threat of terrorism in Senegal has increased due to the conflict in Mali.

It should be noted that Senegal shares porous borders in the north and east with both Mauritania and Mali.

Terrorist attacks involving members of Al-Qaeda in the Lands of the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM) have occurred in Mauritania and Mali in recent years.

In February 2013, AQIM made a public statement indicating that it regards Senegal as a hostile country for contributing to the African-led International Support Mission in Mali (AFISMA).

Thus far, Senegal has been spared any direct terrorist attacks, but does remain vulnerable due to porous borders, increased regional instability, and the increased terror activities of AQIM.

In December 2010, two members of AQIM were confronted along the border with Senegal as they were attempting to flee Mauritania and one member detonated his suicide vest prior to capture.

U.S. citizens planning to visit the border regions of Senegal are encouraged to exercise additional caution and to maintain situational awareness at all times.

Travelers planning overland trips to Mauritania or Mali should register with the respective Embassies and monitor the current security developments to appropriately assess the risks of the regional travel.

Lac Rose (Pink Lake) is a popular tourist destination in Senegal.

The Lac Rose area has a large number of tourists and isolated beach areas, but lacks multiple exit and entry points.

The U.S.

Embassy recommends that all visitors to Lac Rose and its surrounding beaches be particularly vigilant and do not travel alone.

Banditry occurs with some regularity on the main highways after dark, particularly in the central and eastern area of Senegal, including around Tambacounda and Matam.

Bandits often target RN2 (National Road) between Ndioum and Kidira and occasionally target RN1 between Kidira and Tambacounda.

The U.S.

Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel to the Casamance region west of the city of Kolda, except direct air or sea travel to the Cap Skirring resort area or to the city of Ziguinchor.

If travel is deemed essential, the U.S.

Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens carefully monitor the security situation before traveling.

If travel by road is essential, the U.S.

Embassy recommends that it be done during daylight hours only and, if possible, in convoy.

Violent clashes in the region between government forces and alleged members of the Movement of the Democratic Forces of the Casamance (MFDC) diminished following Presidential elections in March 2012, and the government and MFDC are in talks to bring a peaceful end to the Casamance conflict.

In the past, MFDC rebels targeted military installations, convoys, and personnel in an attempt to destabilize the region.

Civilians living and traveling in the Casamance are often targets of opportunity for the rebels and bandits that support the group.

The indiscriminate violence serves to perpetuate fear within the region.

Landmine explosions continue to plague inhabitants of the Casamance.

Several civilians and soldiers have been killed or injured by landmines during the past twelve months.

Since 1990, more than 1,000 people have been killed by land mines in the Casamance.

The U.S.

Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remain on well-traveled routes at all times.

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Crime

Minor street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in cities.

Most reported incidents involve pickpockets and purse-snatchers, who are especially active in large crowds and around tourists.

Aggressive vendors, panhandlers and street children may attempt to divert the victim’s attention while an accomplice carries out the crime.

To avoid theft, U.S. citizens should avoid walking alone in isolated areas or on beaches, particularly at night, lock their doors and close their windows when driving, and avoid public transportation.

U.S. citizens should not walk on dark streets at night, even in groups.

To minimize inconvenience in the event of theft, U.S. citizens should carry copies, rather than originals, of their passports and other identification documents.

U.S. citizens should carry a credit card only if it will be used soon, rather than carrying it as a routine practice.

There is traditionally an increase in crime before major religious holidays.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to use common sense and situational awareness to ensure personal safety and to reduce the risk of becoming a crime victim.

Always be aware of the surroundings, especially in large cities and crowded places such as markets and taxi parks.

Keep a low profile, remain vigilant, and avoid potential conflict situations.

Do not wear flashy clothing or jewelry, and be cautious about displaying any amount of currency in public.

Use common sense when faced with something out of the ordinary or if someone is following you.

Violent crimes and crimes involving the use of weapons are increasing.

There have been incidents in the past year of U.S. citizens in groups of two or three being robbed at knife-point.

Such robberies occur with some frequency along the Corniche d’Ouest, an area heavily frequented by tourists and westerners.

Walking on the Corniche D’Ouest during hours of darkness should be avoided.

If confronted by criminals, remember that cash and valuables can be replaced, but life and health cannot.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to walk away from a criminal confrontation no matter the material cost.

Break-ins at residential houses occur frequently.

Persons who plan to reside in Senegal on a long-term basis are advised to take measures to protect your dwellings by installating window grilles (fire safety issues should be considered), solid core doors with well-functioning locks, and an alarm system.

In the past year a number of U.S. citizen residences have experienced burglaries.

No violence or personal injuries have been reported in these cases, in which the burglars appear to have been exclusively seeking financial gain.

Fraud is prevalent in Senegal and U.S. citizens are often the target of scams that may cause both financial loss and physical harm.

Typically, business scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of West Africa.

The perpetrators of these scams often claim to be victims of various western African conflicts (notably refugees from Sierra Leone) or relatives of present or former political leaders.

There are many variations of these business scams.

In some cases, a series of “advance fees” must be paid in order to conclude the transaction, such as fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes.

In fact, the final payoff does not exist since the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees.

Another common variation consists of a request for the U.S. citizen's bank account information, purportedly to transfer money into the account.

Once the perpetrator obtains this information, however, he or she then simply transfers all money out of the victim's account.

Other scams extend an apparent job offer, but request upfront payment for “administrative” or visa processing.

Visa scams take advantage of people who wish to travel to the United States.

One

Criminal Penalties

While you are traveling in Senegal, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen.

Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own.

In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you.

In some places it is illegal to take pictures of certain buildings.

In Senegal specifically, it is forbidden to photograph Embassies, military installations and police stations.

For other buildings, such as government ministries, it is best to ask the security personnel guarding the building first before taking any pictures.

In some places driving under the influence could land you immediately in jail.

These criminal penalties will vary from country to country.

There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods.

Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States.

If you break local laws in Senegal, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution.

It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going.

If you are arrested in Senegal, you have the right to request authorities alert the U.S.

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Medical Facilities

Several hospitals and clinics in the capital, Dakar, can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses; however, medical facilities outside Dakar are extremely limited.

These facilities are not prepared to handle major injuries.

There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care and limited office-based psychiatric treatment in Dakar.

French medications are far more readily available than U.S. pharmaceuticals, and drugs in stock are often listed under the French trade name.

Medications may be obtained at pharmacies throughout Dakar and in other areas frequented by tourists, and are usually less expensive than in the United States – although more expensive than U.S. generics.

Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Senegal.

Travelers should consult their physician to discuss the benefits and risks of taking anti-malarial medication.

Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area, and up to one year after returning home, should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what anti-malarial medications they have been taking.

For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and anti-malarial drugs, visit the CDC Travelers' Health online.

Water supplies in Senegal are not consistently free of disease-causing microorganisms.

For this reason, the U.S.

Embassy recommends drinking filtered or boiled water, particularly for babies under one year of age.

Raw vegetables and fruits should be washed in a bleach solution before eating.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website.

Yellow fever vaccination is required for travelers coming from countries with a risk of yellow fever transmission, and recommended for all travelers over 9 months of age.

Rabies vaccine is recommended for prolonged stays, with priority for young children.

Tuberculosis is an increasingly serious health concern in Senegal.

Traffic Safety

While in a foreign country, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States.

The information below concerning Senegal is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving in Senegal is very different from driving in the United States.

Many U.S. citizens find the traffic in Senegal chaotic, particularly in Dakar.

Drivers tend to exceed speed limits, follow other vehicles closely, ignore lane markings, and attempt to pass even when facing oncoming traffic.

Many vehicles are not well-maintained; headlights may be either extremely dim or not used at all.

Roadways are poorly lit and poorly marked, and many sections have deteriorated surfaces.

Some roads have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic; others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk in or along the roadway.

Due to limited street lighting, pedestrians are difficult to see at night.

Drivers in both rural and urban areas may frequently expect to encounter and share the road with motorcycles, bicyclists, pedestrians, livestock, and animal carts.

Caution and defensive driving techniques are strongly recommended.

While most main roads in Senegal are in relatively good condition for daytime driving, smaller roads are poor by U.S. standards.

During the rainy season, many roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles.

Travelers may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where their vehicles and luggage may be searched.

Service stations are available along main roads.

Due to poor road conditions and the risk of crime, driving outside major cities at night is not recommended.

Due to language barriers (outside Dakar, relatively few Senegalese speak French) and the lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult in the event of distress.

For safety reasons, the U.S.

7 facts — expand for details.

Airports - total

20

Airports with Paved Runways

9

Railways

563 Miles 906 Kilometers

Roadways- total

8,704 Miles 14,008 Kilometers

Roadways- paved

2,547 Miles 4,099 Kilometers

Waterways

621 Miles 1,000 Kilometers

Ports and Terminals

Dakar, Kaolack, Matam, Podor, Richard Toll, Saint-Louis, Ziguinchor

2 facts — expand for details.

Pipelines: Gas

27 Miles 43 Kilometers

Pipelines: Refined Products

5 Miles 8 Kilometers

7 facts — expand for details.

Telephones

278,800

Cell Phones

4,123,000

Internet Users

820,000

Internet Country Code

.sn

Internet Hosts

241

Broadcast Media

• state-run Radiodiffusion Television Senegalaise (RTS) operates 2 TV stations
• a few private TV subscription channels rebroadcast foreign channels without providing any local news or programs
• RTS operates a national radio network and a number of regional FM stations
• many community and private-broadcast radio stations are available
• transmissions of at least 2 international broadcasters are accessible on FM in Dakar

Telephone System

• assessment: good system with microwave radio relay, coaxial cable and fiber-optic cable in trunk system
• domestic: above-average urban system with a fiber-optic network; nearly two-thirds of all fixed-line connections are in Dakar where a call-center industry is emerging; expansion of fixed-line services in rural areas needed; mobile-cellular service is expanding rapidly
• international: country code - 221; the SAT-3/WASC fiber-optic cable provides connectivity to Europe and Asia while Atlantis-2 provides connectivity to South America; satellite earth station - 1 Intelsat (Atlantic Ocean)

6 facts — expand for details.

Electricity Consumption- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,384,000,000

Electricity Production- Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

1,880,000,000

Natural Gas Consumption - Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

20,000,000

Natural Gas Production- Cubic Meters (cu m)

20,000,000

Oil Consumption- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

40,600

Oil Imports- Barrels Per Day (bbl/day)

15,500

3 facts — expand for details.

Anthem History

• name: "Pincez Tous vos Koras, Frappez les Balafons" (Pluck Your Koras, Strike the Balafons)
• lyrics/music: Leopold Sedar SENGHOR/Herbert PEPPER
• note: adopted 1960; lyrics written by Leopold Sedar SENGHOR, Senegal's first president; the anthem sometimes played incorporating the Koras (harp-like stringed instruments) and Balafons (types of xylophones) mentioned in the title

Anthem Lyrics

Pincez tous vos coras, frappez vos balafons Le lion rouge a rugi.

Le dompteur de la brousse D'un bond s'est élancé dissipant les ténèbres Soleil sur nos terreurs, soleil sur notre espoir.

Refrain : Debout frères voici l'Afrique rassemblée Fibres de mon cœur vert épaule contre épaule Mes plus que frères.

O Sénégalais, debout !

Unissons la mer et les sources, unissons La steppe et la forêt.

Salut Afrique mère.

Sénégal, toi le fils de l'écume du lion, Toi surgi de la nuit au galop des chevaux, Rends-nous, oh ! rends-nous l'honneur de nos Ancêtres Splendides comme l'ébène et forts comme le muscle !

Nous disons droits — l'épée n'a pas une bavure.

Sénégal, nous faisons nôtre ton grand dessein : Rassembler les poussins à l'abri des milans Pour en faire, de l'est à l'ouest, du nord au sud, Dressé, un même peuple, un peuple sans couture, Mais un peuple tourné vers tous les vents du monde.

Sénégal, comme toi, tous nos héros, Nous serons durs, sans haine et les deux bras ouverts, L'épée, nous la mettrons dans la paix du fourreau, Car notre travail sera notre arme et la parole.

Le Bantou est un frère, et l'Arabe et le Blanc.

Mais que si l'ennemi incendie nos frontières Nous soyons tous dressés et les armes au poing : Un peuple dans sa foi défiant tous les malheurs ; Les jeunes et les vieux, les hommes et les femmes.

La mort, oui !

Nous disons la mort mais pas la honte.

Anthem Lyrics English

• Chorus: Fibres of my green heart, Shoulder to shoulder, my more than brothers, O Senegalese, arise! Join sea and springs, join steppe and forest! Hail mother Africa, hail mother Africa. Senegal, you the son of the lion's froth, Sprung from the night to the gallop of horses, Give us, oh! give us the honour of our ancestors, Splendid as ebony and strong as muscle, We say it clearly - the sword has no flaw. Senegal, we take on your great
• work: To shelter the chicks from the falcons, To make, from east to west, north to south, Arisen, one single people, a people without seams, But a people turned to all the winds of the earth. Senegal, like you, like all our heroes, We will be hard without hatred, with open arms. The sword in peace-time we will store in the scabbard, As work and words will be our weapon. The Bantu is a brother, and so is the Arab and the White. But if the enemy burns our borders We will be risen with weapons in our
• hands: One people defying all sorrows with its faith, Young and old, men and women. Death, yes! We say death, but not shame.