A former very old French colony, being part of French West Africa, Senegal obtained its internal administrative autonomy and became a member of the French Community in 1958 and later achieved its full independence on April 4, 1960. Senegal is a republic.

About 80% of the population is engaged in agriculture and stock raising. Dakar is an important seaport, handling 4,000 ships annually. There are important deposits of calcium and aluminium phosphates. Developing industries include food processing, chemicals, cement.

A sizeable tourist industry brings about 500,000 visitors every year. The main sites include the natural reserves of Djoudj National Park, Niokolo Koba National Park, Gorée Island, and the Saloum and Casamance regions, as well as the Touba mosque.