Religions:
Muslim 94%, indigenous beliefs 1%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman
Catholic)
Languages:
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Literacy:
definition: age 15 and over can read and write
total population: 40.2%
male: 50%
female: 30.7% (2003 est.)
Government Senegal
Country name:
conventional long form: Republic of Senegal
conventional short form: Senegal
local short form: Senegal
local long form: Republique du Senegal
Government type:
republic under multiparty democratic rule
Capital:
Dakar
Administrative divisions:
10 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick,
Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor
note: there may be another region called Matam
Independence:
4 April 1960 (from France); complete independence was achieved upon
dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960
National holiday:
Independence Day, 4 April (1960)