Description flag of Senegal
three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia
Local names
Republique du Senegal (long)
Senegal (short)
Former name
Senegambia (along with The Gambia), Mali Federation
Nationality
Senegalese (singular and plural) (noun) Senegal (adjective)
Languages spoken
French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Population
12,853,259 ranked 70, (data 2008)
Geography
westernmost country on the African continent; The Gambia is almost an enclave within Senegal. The lowest point is Atlantic Ocean 0 m.
Land borders
2,640km, The Gambia 740 km, Guinea 330 km, Guinea-Bissau 338 km, Mali 419 km, Mauritania 813 km.
Administrative divisions
11 regions (regions, singular - region); Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Matam, Saint-Louis, Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor
Independence
4 April 1960 (from France)
complete independence achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on 20 August 1960