April 4: Independence Day in Senegal
Prayer Idea
Pray for the people and government of Senegal.
History Note
The country of Senegal is located on the western coast of Africa. The capital, Dakar, is located on the Cape Verde peninsula, which is the westernmost point of the continent.
People have lived in Senegal since ancient times. The Fulani and Tukulor were two major ethnic groups in the area in medieval times. Beginning in the 1400s, the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and British all conducted trade there, particularly buying and selling enslaved persons. France gained full control of the region in 1816.
Senegal gained independence from France in 1960 as part of an entity known as the Mali Federation. Senegal and Mali separated that year to become independent countries.
Senegal has became a relatively stable presidential republic with a population of more than 18 million. The country contains a variety of ethnic groups who speak different languages, though French is still the official language. About 97% of the people are Muslim and most of the rest Roman Catholic.
The people of Senegal celebrate independence day on April 4 with fireworks, parades, and food.
Fadiouth, Senegal, is a community built on an island
made of shells. Photo by Curioso.Photography / Shutterstock.com.
Learn More
Senegal’s first president, Léopold Sédar Senghor, composed the lyrics for "Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons.” Herbert Pepper of France composed the music. The kora is a type of harp and the balafon is a wooden xylophone used in traditional Senegalese music. Senegal adopted this song as its national anthem in 1960.
Find other resources about Senegal at Homeschool History.
