Republic of Senegal, (République du Sénégal)

General Information:

Location: Western Africa
Capital: Dakar
Language: French (official), Wolof, Soninke
Population: 16,705,608
Total Area: 196,722 sq km
Currency: CFA Franc
Curious Alcohol Fact: Although Senegal is a Muslim nation, getting a chilled bottle of beer is not a big deal.
>Annual Average Liquor Consumption: 0.60 liter
Most Popular Drink: Senegalese beer and locally-brewed drinks – best enjoyed with our Senegal shot glass souvenirs

Senegal Travel Video

Video Courtesy: Sky Travel

The Country

The Republic of Senegal is located at the westernmost region of the continent, and it got its name from a river of the same name. Also, ‘Senegal’ is a Wolof word meaning ‘our canoe’ and researchers believe that the word was first used in reference to the groups that inhabited the riverine areas of the country. To add, Senegal was colonized by France and got its independence in 1960.

Also, an interesting feature with the geography of Senegal is that another nation (The Gambia) is enclosed within it. Also, to the west of the country is the blissful Atlantic Ocean and the coastline is just a few hundred kilometers away from the Cape Verde Islands.

The People

Like in many of the other West African nations I visited, Senegal is ethnically diverse and there are various groups. Also, the largest ethnic group is the Wolof and almost half of the Senegalese population belongs to this group. Other groups include the Serer, Fula, Soninke and the Mandinka.

In addition to these, there are many more groups but irrespective of the group you visit, one thing that you will always notice is the warm nature of the people and their pleasant disposition towards tourists and foreigners. Also, some citizens like Leopold Sedar Senghor are known all over the world.

Eating

For me, the best time in Senegal was during the meals. Africans are known to prepare delicious meals but the Senegalese have taken it further by making some of the most tantalizing meals. Also, as a tourist, I was offered some of the finest meals around. In addition, I can recall the specially-prepared dish of rice called thieb.

Also, while in the capital, I enjoyed a plate of thieboudienne, a rice-based dish that included vegetables and fresh fish. To add, in various parts of Senegal, there are farming communities. Delicacies are always prepared in one village or the other. Also, the only problem you will have as a tourist when it comes to food in Senegal is choice. However, you should not that rejecting an offer of food by your Senegalese host is considered an insult.

Drinking

Although Senegal is a predominantly Muslim nation, alcohol is widely available and in the capital city of Dakar, there are breweries producing beer for the populace. Thus, Senegalese beer is consumed all over the country. Also, in the rural areas, locally-brewed drinks are made using maize and sorghum.

Senegal souvenirs

Moreover, Senegal, with its several iconic symbols and landmarks, has always been and remains one of the most popular places to purchase souvenirs. However, among the many options of Senegal-themed souvenirs, shot glasses are considered particularly and intriguing items for collecting or gifting.

Story By World By Shotglass
Contact: info@worldbyshotglass.com
©2025 World By Shotglass. All Rights Reserved
Special thanks to our contributors:
Adebayo Ahmed Adebola (Ilorin, Nigeria)