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Senegal is the westernmost tip in Africa. It somewhat smaller than South Dakota, surrounds Gambia on three sides and is surrounded on the north by Mauritania, on the east by Mali, and on the south by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau. Senegal is mainly a low-lying country, with a partially desert area in the north and northeast and forests in the southwest. The largest rivers include the Senegal in the north and the Casamance in the southern hot climatic region. Gorée Island became a major center for the Atlantic slave trade through the 1700s, and millions of Africans were shipped from there to the New World. The British took parts of Senegal at various times, but the French gained control in 1840 and made it part of French West Africa in 1895. Senegal became an abroad province of France.

Although Senegal is neither a large nor an intentionally located country, it has nonetheless played a well-known role in African politics since its independence. As a black nation that is more than 90% Muslim, Senegal has been a diplomatic and cultural bridge between the Islamic and black African worlds. Senegal has also maintained closer economic, political, and cultural ties to France than probably any other former French African colony.

There are some fine beaches in Senegal and resort facilities have been developed in two main areas, the Casamance in the south on the area centred on Mbour, between Dakar and Joal. In these areas watersports facilities are plentiful. Wolof is the native language of some Senegalese people, but you will find that almost everyone speaks it. Knowing the basic Wolof greetings and phrases will go a long way in getting you better service and prices. The Senegalese people learn French in school and it is a very useful language for travelers to know. While some Senegalese merchants speak English, most business is conducted in French or Wolof. Other languages used in Senegal include Sereer, Soninke, Pulaar, Jola, and Mandinka are spoken.