As in many African countries, the ethnic origin of the Senegalese people is also diverse. There are many ethnic groups that make up the population of Senegal. 43% of them are Wolof-Serer, 24% are Pular, 15% are Jola, the rest are Mandinga, Soninke, Europeans, Lebanese and other ethnic groups.
92% of the country is composed of Muslims, the rest are Christians and members of indigenous beliefs. The official language of the country is French, but many people speak native languages such as Wolof, Pulaar, Jola or Mandinka. Senegal is one of the developed economies of West Africa. The reforms implemented in recent years and the stable political structure have been effective in this. In the country where the economy is based on agriculture, natural resources are limited. The agricultural sector provides employment for 70% of the labor force.
The main problems of the national economy; post-colonial traumas, limited educational
opportunities, non-diversification of exports, current account deficit, high unemployment and poverty. Due to unemployment and poverty, there are migrations to European countries. In Senegal, a significant portion of the cultivated areas are devoted to peanuts.
The most advanced industries are peanut oil processing and fish conservation. Tourism is the most important foreign currency generating sector for the country. Dakar, Thiès and Ziguinchor are the areas where tourism is active. The majority of tourists are European and more than half are French. Relations of Senegal with Turkey shows revival in recent years. Turkey’s embassy in Senegal opened in the history of the country gained its independence in 1960, Senegal has opened its embassy in our country in 2006. The highest level of visits takes place between the two countries.
Finally, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Senegal in March 2018. In addition, mutual visits are frequently made at the level of ministries and various delegations. THY has direct flights between Istanbul and Dakar.
CENTER FOR AFRICAN STUDIES
Center for Africa Studies (AFRAM) which located in Ankara, is an organization facilitating under the administration of African Affairs Council (AFAC). It makes various researches about Africa to enhance economic and cultural bounds between Africa and Turkey. AFRAM’s publishings has been shared with different institutions as they require to obtain.
AFRICA OBSERVATORY
Africa Observatory is one the publishing of AFRAM and it has been published each two weeks. It has been delivered to different institutions via e-mail.
