SENEGAL Facts at a glanceFull name: Republic of Senegal
Population: 10.6 million (UN, 2005)
Capital: Dakar
Major languages: French (official), Wolof
Major religion: Islam
Life expectancy: 54 years (men), 57 years (women) (UN)
Monetary unit: 1 CFA (Communaute Financiere Africaine) franc = 100 centimes
GNI per capita: US $710 (World Bank, 2006) [Source: BBC News] Senegal is famous for both its natural and urbane beauty. Amongst the larger African cities, Dakar is many a travellers' favourite with its entourage of internationally known musicians. The country has one of the region's more stable economies. Poverty is widespread and unemployment is high. Money sent home by Senegalese living abroad is a key source of revenue. In Senegal the most important staple food is rice. It is usually served with a sauce, such as yassa poulet (marinated and grilled chicken) or mafé (a peanut-based stew). The queen of all national dishes is tiéboudienne, rice cooked in a fish and tomato sauce and served with a selection of fried fish and vegetables. Local drinks include bissap (made from hibiscus) or bouyi (made from the fruits of the baobab). | 
