The independent, English-speaking state of The Gambia, straddling the Gambia River, penetrates into Senegal for over 320 km (220 mi).
The dominant ethnic group is the Wolof, who constitute about 43% of the population and whose language, Wolof, is widely spoken throughout Senegal. About 24% of the Senegalese are Pular, with the remainder belonging to other ethnic groups, including the Serer, the Jola, the Mandinka, and the Soninke. Ninety-two percent of the Senegalese are Muslim, with 6% practicing indigenous beliefs and the remaining 2% practicing Christianity. The national currency is the Communauté Financière Africaine (CFA) franc. Per capita gross domestic product (GDP) was estimated at US$1,580 in 2001. Agricultural production includes peanuts, cotton, millet, sorghum, and rice. Fish are caught along the Atlantic coast.
Political Background
Senegal is a functional democracy with a strong presidency, prime minister, and a 120-seat national assembly. The 7 March 1963 Constitution was revised six times between 20 June 1967 and 24 April 1981. It was revised again on 7 January 2001. In the referendum, 94% of those voting approved Wade's revisions to the Constitution including a reduction in the presidential term of office from seven to five years; transfer of some powers from President to Prime Minister; abolition of the Senate; a reduction in the number of National Assembly seats from 140 to 120; and partial proportional representation for the Parliament with 65 seats elected according to single member districts (first past the post) and 55 seats chosen proportionally from party lists.
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