Senegal
Motto:
Un peuple, un but, une foi
(One people, one goal, one faith)
Language:
French (Official), Wolof
Population:
10.6 million (UN 2005 est)
Brief history:
Senegal is the western-most country in Africa. The history back as far as the 8th Century when Senegal was part of the Kingdom of Ghana. There are about 17 different ethnic groups in Senegal. The three biggest groups are the Wolofs, the Toucouleurs, and the Sereres.
Senegal gained its independence from France in 1960. French is the official language of Senegal. Senegalese are best known for their hospitality, or "Teranga" in Wolof.
Below Unieros friend Mamadou recommends Senegalese music, film, food, and shares customs from Senegal:
Movies:
Flm by Ousmane SembeneFilm 1 - "Mandabi" 1968 Directed by Ousmane Sembene
Film 2 - "Camp de Thiaroye" 1987 Directed by Ousmane Sembene
Film 3 - "Borom Sarete"
Film Description - The first movie deals with the painful past of colonization in a World War II context, while the other two deal with every day life in Senegal.
Books:
Senegalese literature is best embodied by former president Leopold Sedar Senghor. A philosopher and poet who later became the country's first president. Along with Aime Cesaire (a French West Indian), he started a very popular literary movement called "Negritude" in 1930's France. His most famous work is "Ethiopiques". Other writers include, Cheikh Anta Diop, David Diop, and Abdoulaye Sadji.
World Music:
Musician 1: Yossou N'Dour
Musician 2 - Baba Maal
Musician 3 - Orchestra Baobab
Youssu N'Dour
I Bring What I Love is a music-infused cinematic journey about the power of one man’s voice to inspire change. The film chronicles N’Dour, a devout Sufi Muslim, as he releases a deeply personal and religious album called Egypt in the hope of promoting a more tolerant face of Islam. Director Chai Vasarhelyi follows N’Dour for over two years—filming in Africa, Europe, and America—to tell the story of how he faces these challenges and eventually wins over audiences both at home and abroad.
Food:
The staple in Senegal is "Thiebou Djene", which literally means rice and fish. It's a delicate blend of spices, veggies, and fresh fish. Other dishes are "Yassa" and "Thiou". They are equally succulent!!
Influential People:
Famous people who have shaped Senegal include Leopold Senghor, Lamine Gueye, and Valdiodio Ndiaye. They were all instrumental in securing independence from France without bloodshed.
Ethnic Groups:
There are about 17 different ethnic groups in Senegal. The three biggest groups are the Wolofs, the Toucouleurs, and the Sereres.
French is the official language of Senegal. Senegalese are best known for their hospitality, or "Teranga" in Wolof.
Exports:
Fish, peanuts, petroleum products, phosphates, cotton
