Located in the far west of the African Union, Senegal has an area of about 197,000 square kilometers with a population of approximately 16.7 million people. This country is known as the "land of teraanga", in which teraanga in the language of the indigenous Wolof means hustiring.
Let's explore unique and interesting things that not everyone knows about this beautiful country:
The first African country to host the Olympic Games
In 2026, athletes from all over the world will travel to Senegal to compete in the Youth Olympic Games. This is a great time for the international community to explore the " Teraanga Land".
The Youth Olympic Games will center around three cities: Dakar - the capital of Senegal, Diamniadio and the coastal town of Saly.
Senegal has 7 locations recognized by UNESCO
You can't visit Sensible without visiting famous places of important cultural and natural significance. The country has 7 UNESCO-recognized sites including: Goree Island, Niokolo-Koba National Reserve, Saint- Louis Island, Djoudj National bird Reserve, Southeast Senegal's Natural Wonders, Senegambia's Red circle and Saloum Border.
If you have the chance, come here and admire the scenery of these famous wonders. Because no photo can fully depict their true beauty.
Annual pilgrimage with over 1 million West Africans participating
Every October, followers from all over West Africa will join the journey to the infamous religious capital Touba and pray. Before the event, major cities will host a week-long festival with full food and rituals. In addition, there is another prominent holiday known by many people as Tabaski.
93% of the population is convert to Islam
Senegal is among the countries with the highest rate of converts to Islam in the world. However, there is also an interesting truth: the first president of Senegal - Mr. leopold Sedar Senghor (term from 1960 to 1980) was a Catholic.
Senegalese's most popular sport is not football
Although football is considered the national sport of Senegal, their biggest sport is boxing. When an important match takes place in Senegal, tens of thousands of spectators will fill the stadiums to cheer for their favorite capital.
The farthest point on the African continent is the capital of Senegal
Almadies neighborhood of Dakar capital, Senegal is the westernmost point of the African continent. Around the area, you can try local seafood and shop at a craft village. Mamelles Lighthouse is an ideal nearby destination for architectural sightseeing and Dakar viewing from above.
The homeland of more than 20 ethnic groups
Senegal is an ethnically diverse country with communities of people who have developed their own cultures and languages. Senegalese people often speak more than one language and follow customs even after leaving their homeland. Notable ethnic groups here include the Wolof and Pulaar.
Dakar accounts for more than 30% of the total population of Senegal
There are about 5 million Senegalese people living in Dakar. Due to its many political and economic activities, the capital of Senegal is the center of everything important.
Despite the development of her main agencies, companies, and trading companies, most Dakar people live a simple life by producing goods and selling them in markets.
Senegalese's two largest exporters are peanuts and fish
Most of Senegalese workers are involved in growing peanuts and fishing. Peanuts production accounts for 40% of the cultivated land in Senegal and at one point farmers produced more than a million tons of unprocessed peanuts in a year.
Senegalese location along the Atlantic coast has made fishing a popular activity for locals. Fishing towns have been formed and many fishermen are proud of their homemade fishing boats.
Goats and sheep are everywhere in Senegal
You know you are in Senegal when you see goats and sheep walking everywhere, through houses and markets. These animals have spiritual significance for the people here.
On Tabaski Day, families offer a male Lamb to the Lord in exchange for spiritual satisfaction. In addition, many taxi drivers will hang the ends of the sheep at the ends of the taxis as a way of praying for luck.
Senegalese unofficial dessert is thiakry
Thiakry (ch-ak-ree) is a dish served during Senegalese festivals and sometimes after dinner. This dish is a mixture of vanilla yogurt and millet, which can add sugar.
Thiakry is very popular in markets and is very popular with local people.
Own a pink lake
Moving east of the capital Dakar for about 1 hour, you will reach Lac Retba - also known as Red Lake. The reason the lake's water is pink is due to its high salt concentration. The reservoir of bacteria can only survive in this special condition and give off pink color when absorbed by sunlight.
December and January are the times when Senegal is going through the dry season. This is also the best time to admire the roses.
