Languages in Senegal French is the official language , spoken at least by all those who enjoyed several years in the educational system that is of French origin (Koranic schools are even more popular, but Arabic is not widely spoken outside of the context of recitation). French is used by the government to make public announcements and is the language of instruction in public schools. One of the primary minority languages is Portuguese. Located at the westernmost point of the continent and served by multiple air and maritime travel routes, Senegal is known as the ‘Gateway to Africa.’ Read here to learn more about the geography, people, economy, and history of Senegal. Senegal is located along the coast of western Africa, where it occupies a total area of 75,951 square miles. Senegal has French as its official language, although only 12% of the population can speak it. Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. One of the primary minority languages is Portuguese. Even so, the country suffered an economic decline in the 20th century, owing in some measure to external forces such as the fall in value of the African Financial The most important city in Senegal is its capital, Senegal is home to several internationally renowned musicians and artists.

During European expansion into Africa, Senegal came under the control of various countries, including the Netherlands, Portugal, Great Britain, and France. Smoking is prohibited in some public places (especially mosques).The official language is French.

In addition to the large number of national languages spoken in Senegal, the country is also home to a number of minority languages. Of these, 11 are designated as national languages, with Wolof being the most commonly spoken throughout the country. This creole language is closely related to the Cape Verdean Creole language. Life expectancy figures for Senegal, averaging about 61 years for both men and women, are among the highest in sub-Saharan Africa.

It was originally used by the Lebu people. Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.The region today known as Senegal was long a part of the ancient Although Senegal traditionally has been dependent on peanuts (groundnuts), the government has had some success with efforts to diversify the country’s economy.

This language is considered the native tongue of the Wolof people, who inhabit the western region of Africa and make up 40% of the population of Senegal. Author of Updated every day by a dedicated global editorial team, the portal logs 1 million+ unique users monthly.© Columbus Travel Media Ltd. All rights reserved 2020 Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.Some 39 languages are spoken in Senegal, including French (the official language) and Arabic. A comprehensive guide to the world’s best travel destinations, its print heritage stretches back more than 30 years, with the online portal reaching its 20-year anniversary in 2019. The use of the language can be traced back to Portugal's colonization of the Casamance region, which was once a principal economic hub for Portugal. The lower Casamance area is covered by dense vegetation of the Guinean type. The Guinea Creole dialect, based on Portuguese is also spoken in that region. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. Senegal, a country in western Africa. When data is available, the languages spoken in each country are broken down according to the percent of the total population speaking each language as a first language. Other aspects of Senegalese culture have traveled into the larger world as well, most notably Senghor’s espousal of Trade with the Arabs was active and soon Islam arrived by the 11th century, although many local people still retained an element of animism.
By 1677, France had complete control of the region.As a result of this period of French rule, which lasted until 1960, the French language became and remains the official language of Senegal.

Jola (Diola) is a main language in the Casamance region. Get 30% your subscription today. Angaben beziehen sich nur auf die Sprecher innerhalb des Landes, zu etlichen der 39 Sprachen existieren auch alternative Bezeichnungen: The population is heavily weighted toward the young, as are most African populations, with more than two-fifths under 15 years of age. Professor of History, University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Senegal has been part of many kingdoms and empires historically, including the kingdoms of Ghana and Djolof prior to the 15th century. This language, although more widely spoken in the past, is currently spoken near the River Sénégal, to the south of Mauritania, by the Zenaga people. Britannica Premium: Serving the evolving needs of knowledge seekers. Léopold Sédar Senghor, a renown poet and politician, became Senegal's first president and ruled for 20 years.Senegal has played a prominent role in African politics since its independence. This difference reflects the vast gender inequalities residents of this country experience, particularly in the formal education sector. Trade with the Arabs was active and soon Islam arrived by the 11th century, although many local people still retained an element of animism.Europeans arrived in the 16th century.


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