10 Interesting facts about Senegal

Senegal, officially known as the Republic of Senegal is a unitary presidential republic found in West Africa. Dakar serves as Senegal's economic and political capital. Senegal has a population of about 15 million people. Discover Senegal through this lens.

1. Senegal allegedly derives its name from the Wolof phrase "Sunuu Gaal", which means "our boat".

2. Senegal is home to seven World Heritage Sites: Saloum Delta, Goree Island, Saint-Louis Island, Bassari Country, Niokolo-Koba National Park, and Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary.

3. Senegal has a pink lake, Lac Rose, which derives its pinkish hue from the non-harmful bacteria in the lake that produce a red pigment to absorb sunlight.

4. Dakar - the Senegalese capital is home to Africa's tallest statue - the 49-meter African Renaissance Monument.

5. Wrestling is Senegal's most popular sport. Other popular sports in Senegal include football and basketball.

6. Some drivers in Senegal attach goat tails to their taxis for good luck.

7. Sunday is spa day for sheep in Senegal. The sheep are led into the ocean to soak for several minutes, then scrubbed on the shore with soap and brush. They are then encouraged to have a swim before returning to their grazing.

8. Senegal has a man-made shell island called Joal-Fadiouth. Seashell Island is built atop millions of shells that accumulated over generations.

9. Senegal is building a wall of trees, with the aim of holding back the encroaching Sahara Desert. The Great Green Wall will stretch across the Sahel, from Senegal in the West, to Djibouti in the East.

10. Senegal is considered one of the safest countries in Africa.

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