Mike in Senegal

When Mike joined the Peace Corps, he first traveled to Thiés in Senegal, which is just east of Dakar, the capital, located on the western coast [see map]  He stayed in Senegal from July 1st to August 26th, 1999.  He lived with a host family while in Thiés, consisting of a father, mother, a 19-year old sister named Awa, a 16-year old brother Pape, and a baby sister.  While in Senegal, Mike spent 10 hours a day in classes, learning French, the regional language Wolof, and training on what his duties would be once he began his volunteer work at his final destination in Ditinn, Guinea.

Information on Senegal, from Counterpart's website.
 

Map of Senegal

General Information on the Republic of Senegal
Data has been updated for 2005-2006 unless otherwise noted.

Geography

Area:  196,190 sq km (75,955 sq mi). Slightly smaller than South Dakota.
Capital: Dakar, pop. 1,729,800
Climate: Tropical.  Two seasons:  Dry season (December to April) dominated by hot, dry, harmattan wind, and Hot, humid; rainy season (May to November) has strong southeast winds;
Terrain: Generally low, rolling, plains rising to foothills in southeast.

Transportation

Roads, Railroads, Airports, Water Transportation

People

Population:  11,987,121
Infant Mortality: 52.94 deaths/1,000 live births
Life Expectancy: 50.9 years (2000)
Religion: Muslim 94%, Christian 5% (mostly Roman Catholic), indigenous beliefs 1%.
Ethnic Groups: Wolof 43.3%, Pular 23.8%, Serer 14.7%, Jola 3.7%, Mandinka 3%, Soninke 1.1%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 9.4%
Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Jola, Mandinka
Literacy: 40.2% (definition: age 15 and over can read and write)

Government

Form of Government:  Republic. 
Capital: Dakar
Independence: April 4, 1960 (from France). Note: complete independence was achieved upon dissolution of federation with Mali on August 20, 1960.
Constitution: new constitution adopted January 7, 2001
Flag Description: Three equal vertical bands of green (hoist side), yellow, and red with a small green five-pointed star centered in the yellow band; uses the popular pan-African colors of Ethiopia.

Economy

Trade:  Exports: fish, groundnuts (peanuts), petroleum products, phosphates, cotton. Imports: food and beverages, capital goods, fuels.
Main Trading Partners: Exports (2005 figures): Mali 16.9%, India 13.1%, France 9.5%, Spain 6.1%, Italy 5.5%, Gambia 4.6%. Imports (2005 figures): Mali 16.9%, India 13.1%, France 9.5%, Spain 6.1%, Italy 5.5%, Gambia 4.6%.
Per Capita Income:  $1,800 US (2005 estimate)