The Republic of Senegal is a former French colony. It is located in Western Africa and is divided into fourteen regions. It shares borders with Gambia, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mauritania. The most important regions are Dakar, Thiès, and Diourbel. With a surface area of 196,712 square kilometers, the country is Africa's 34th biggest, ranking among the continent's medium-sized nations. Its climate is tropical hot and humid, with two distinct seasons: dry and rainy. In the southeast, the topography consists of low rolling plains with foothills. The total population is more over 17.9 million individuals. Dakar serves as the country's capital and most populous city. Touba, Thies, and Kaolack are some of the country's other major cities. The largest airport is Blaise Diagne International Airport (DSS). It connects the country to destinations throughout the world. It is named after Blaise Diagne, the first black African elected to the French Parliament. The Republic of Senegal won independence from France in 1960. Its culture is shaped by a combination of customs and French ancestry. The country is religiously diverse, with Muslims constituting the large majority and Christians following closely behind. The official language of the nation is French. The legal system is based on French civil law. The government is a presidential republic, with President Macky Sall chosen as chief of state and head of government. Elections are held every five years, and the president is elected with an absolute majority. The official currency of the country is the West African CFA franc (XOF), with a current exchange rate of XOF 609 to the USD. Senegal has an open economy, with a GDP of around $66.4 billion. This places it as the 19th largest economy in Africa. Its per capita income is $3,675. The primary GDP contributors are services and industries. Senegal's principal exports include phosphate, fertilizer, fish, peanuts, millet, and grain. The country is also looking into chances to extract oil, though such projects are still years away from completion. Senegal is a developing tourism destination with numerous tourist attractions. It is renowned for its fauna and old colonial cities. There are 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The primary tourist attractions are beaches and wildlife excursions. Some of the most popular destinations include Goree Island, the capital Dakar, Pink Lake, St. Louis, Cap Skirring, and the Senegal River. The country received approximately 1.3 million visitor visits per year on average.
