Portugal first established a settlement in Senegal in 1445. Control over the coast of Senegal alternated between France and England from 1693 to 1814, when it became under the sole control of France. Senegal has been an independent state since 1960.
French is the common language for seven ethnic groups, each of which has its own language. The population is 90 percent Muslim. Life expectancy is 57 years (US is 76 years). The country is predominantly flat and semi-arid. About three fourths of the people are engaged in agriculture, peanuts being the major cash crop. Other economic activity is related to fishing, manufacturing, and foreign aid. Per capita GNP is $570 (US is $28,000).
