Boats flying the Senegal flag on Lac Rose (Pink Lake).
A young country, Senegal celebrates its 59th year of independence on April 4th.
In the 1500’s, various European nations were vying for control of the ports and trade in western Africa. In the end it was the French who would control Senegal for nearly 300 years.
During WWII, France promised its African colonies political independence in exchange for their service in the French military. In 1960, Senegal, along with 13 other colonies, gained its independence. (Click here for more on Senegal’s road to independence.)
Senegal’s first president, Leopold Senghor, with US President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Photo Credit: Abbie Rowe. White House Photographs. John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, Boston
The political structure of Senegal can be described as democratic with presidential elections held every five years. Since 1960 there have been four presidents. Senegal recently held presidential elections where sitting President Macky Sall was elected for a second term.