Senegal: flag, capital, currency and history

Senegal, officially the Republic of Senegal, is a country in Western Africa, Africa. Its capital is Dakar. The currency is the West African CFA franc. Languages spoken include French.

Quick facts about Senegal

Official name: Republic of Senegal
Capital: Dakar
Region: Africa, Western Africa
Currency: West African CFA franc (XOF, Fr)
Languages: French
Calling code: +221
Internet domain: .sn
Area: 196,722 km² (75,955 sq mi)
Land borders: Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Mauritania
Demonym: Senegalese
National day: Independence Day, April 4

Flag of Senegal

Download the flag of Senegal as a scalable SVG or as a PNG in three sizes. The flag emoji is 🇸🇳.

SVG (vector)

History of Senegal

The area of present-day Senegal was part of early West African states, including the kingdom of Takrur and later the Jolof Empire. Portuguese traders arrived in the fifteenth century, and the coast became a centre of the Atlantic slave trade, with the island of Gorée an important site. The French founded Saint-Louis in 1659 and gradually extended control, making Senegal a key part of French West Africa. After the Second World War, political participation widened. Senegal gained independence in 1960, first within the Mali Federation and then as a separate republic, and has since experienced several peaceful transfers of power.

Key dates

800sThe kingdom of Takrur is established along the Senegal River.
1444Portuguese navigators reach the Senegalese coast.
1659The French found Saint-Louis at the mouth of the Senegal River.
1895Senegal becomes part of the federation of French West Africa.
1960Independence is achieved within the Mali Federation, which dissolves later that year.
1982Senegal and The Gambia form the Senegambia Confederation, which ends in 1989.

A short overview, not a full history. Dates are given for well-documented events only.