Senegal: population
A young and dynamic population Eighteen million inhabitants, with different cultures and traditions, live in harmony. The population of Senegal is young (those under 20 represent 55% of the population) and growing rapidly (2.8% per year). Dakar has about 4 million inhabitants. Next come the cities of Touba, Thiès and Kaolack, then Saint-Louis, Rufisque, Ziguinchor and Diourbel. There are many ethnic groups, each with their own culture, traditions and language, even if French is the national language. The Wolofs are the most represented (about 40%). They are present throughout the country, particularly in the center, in the North and along the Dakar Saint-Louis coast. Traditionally farmers and traders, they are mostly Muslim. The Lebous, established in fishing communities on the Cap-Vert peninsula and in Saint-Louis are related to them. The Wolof language is spoken by three-quarters of the population. The Pulaar (composed of Foulbés, Peuls and Toucouleurs, 25% of the population) are very active in the fields of trade, livestock breeding and irrigated agriculture, of which the north of Senegal, Fouta Toro, the historical center of the propagation of Islam in Senegal, constitutes their cultural cradle. They populate the Senegal River valley as well as the Ferlo area. The Sereres (16%) live in Sine Saloum, along the Petite Côte, in the center of the country and in the northwest of Gambia. They can be Christian or Muslim. Most of the Diolas (5%) live in Casamance, but also in Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. Rather oriented towards rice growing, they are mainly animists or Christians in Lower Casamance (Ziguinchor, Oussouye, Cap Skirring), Muslims further north and east. Apart from these large ethnic groups, we find the Mandingo in eastern Senegal, the Bassaris and Bedik on the Guinean border and around the Niokolo Koba park. All live in harmony without inter-ethnic conflict. The most widely spoken language in daily exchanges is Wolof, but you will also be able, after a while, to recognize those who speak Pulaar or Serer.
Senegal religion
Religion, the reign of tolerance Nearly 95% of the Senegalese population is Muslim. The country’s Islamization dates back to the 11th century, when the Almoradives (Berber warrior monks) conquered northern Senegal. The appearance of Christianity is much more recent. Often mixed with its two religions, animism, with its rites and beliefs, is still very present. The particularity of the Muslim religion in Senegal is the existence of important brotherhoods led by marabouts who have a great influence on their followers. We can notably cite the Qadria, founded by Abdoul Qadir Al-Jilali of Baghdad in the 15th century, the oldest; the Tidjana which owes its rise to El Hadj Malick Sy, settled in Tivaouane, who attaches great importance to cultural and educational aspects; the Mouride brotherhood founded by Amadou Bamba Mbacké (1853-1927), whose departure into exile is celebrated each year in Touba on the occasion of the Magal, which welcomes more than a million faithful. The Catholic religion appeared in the middle of the 19th century with the arrival of the first French missionaries. Evangelization was accompanied by the construction of the first schools. The parish of Mont-Rolland, in the Thiès region, was created in 1893 and owes its name to the Jesuit college of the same name located in Dole (Jura). The Cathedral of African Remembrance, in Dakar, was inaugurated in 1929. Go there on Sunday to attend the sung mass. Every year, at Pentecost, the pilgrimage of Popenguine takes place, where thousands of young people walk to the basilica and the sanctuary. Most animists have in common a set of beliefs and practices, both religious and cultural. The belief in a single god, creator and master of the world is shared by all. This divinity is assisted by a messenger and by the spirits of the ancestors. There are places reserved for worship, where libations are practiced. Agrarian rites, accompanied by music and dance, take place at the end of the harvests.Senegal is known for its great religious tolerance. It is not uncommon to have Catholics and Muslims in the same family and mystical beliefs often mix with religious practices.As the first president of Senegal Léopold Sedar Senghor so aptly said: 95% Muslims, 5% Christians, 100% animists.
Senegal arts and culture
Art and culture: diversity and openness Senegal is a crossroads of civilizations and influences, Senghor advocated very early on the rooting and openness and the Senegalese have known how to take advantage of their cultural diversity and their openness to the world while keeping traditions, customs and traditions. They have distinguished themselves in various contemporary arts, music, sculpture, fashion or cinema. Even today, Senegalese youth are bringing out talented artists Crafts have developed in pottery, sculpture practiced by the Laobés, dyeing, weaving (woven loincloths). Painting under glass (suweer or fixes), a Senegalese specialty, represents scenes of daily life you will find them in many markets. Many blacksmiths produce very beautiful wrought iron pieces. The art of jewelry has also developed strongly. Senegalese artists have been able to stand out at the international level. Among other children of the country we can cite in the field of plastic arts Ousmane Sow (sculptor), Vieux Diba (plastic artist), Yélimane Fall, Seyni Gadiaga etc.. and in the field of cinema Ousmane Sembène, Moussa Séne Absa, and Alain Gomis recently rewarded for his film « Tey ». Music was once the domain of griots who transmitted epics, war stories and legends of Senegal. Contemporary artists are numerous: Youssou Ndour of course, who made the world known mbalax, traditional music, but also Baba Maal, Coumba Gawlo, Ismaël Lô Viviane Chedid.etc … But today the succession is being ensured by young wolves with long teeth like Wally Ballago Seck, Keba Seck, Sisy Diop among others. The hip hop generation is not left out with artists like Nuit Doof, Dof Ndeye Ngaka blind who pushed into retirement (Positive Black Soul) Didier Awadi, Daara J or even Nix.
Snenegal : climate
Senegal in brief climate Two main seasons mark the climate regime: the rainy season from July to October: (called wintering) is dominated by the monsoon flow which softens the high temperatures and brings greenery to the landscape. The maximum rainfall is in August, even September. The dry season lasts from November to June, with a predominance of trade winds, maritime (in the North-West) and continental (inland). It is on the maritime coast to the west of the country that the temperatures are the most temperate. In the East and the center, the climate is continental with higher temperatures during the day and nights that can be cooler in certain seasons. On the northern coast, we find moderate temperatures (between 20 and 30 °C) which can rise to 40 °C in the central-eastern area of Ferlo (Linguère, Matam).
Senegal : Geography
The Republic of Senegal is located in the far west of the African continent, with its capital being the city of Dakar, on the narrow peninsula of Cape Verde. With an area of 196,722 km2, the country is bordered to the west by 700 km of coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, by Mauritania to the north, Mali to the east, Guinea Conakry and Guinea Bissau to the south and finally, landlocked in its center, Gambia extends over a little over 300 km between the regions of Kaolack, Kolda and Ziguinchor. Senegal is crossed by five rivers, two of which have their source in the Fouta Djallon in Guinea, Senegal to the north, Gambia, Sine, Saloum in the center and the Casamance River to the south. Located between the Sahel in the North and the great tropical forest, Senegal is a flat country (200 m altitude on average), composed of mostly sandy soils. Rare accidents in the relief: the volcanic peninsula of Cap-Vert, the cliff of Thiès and the first foothills of the Fouta Djallon massif in the South-East. The maritime region extends along the ocean, from Saint-Louis to Gambia. From Dakar to Saint-Louis, the coast is formed by alignments of dunes, separated by fertile lowlands called Niayes. South of the volcanic peninsula of Cap Verde, the coast is more jagged and the cliffs of Toubab Diallao then give way to the mangrove, where the arms of the Sine and Saloum penetrate the land in an inextricable labyrinth. The subtropical zone of Lower Casamance has very dense vegetation: huge trees, rice fields, palm trees, fruit trees characterize the landscapes. The Sudanian zone, to the north and east of Lower Casamance, is a landscape of open forest, then wooded savannah. Ferlo is the northeastern zone of the country: it is a semi-desert steppe, populated by Fulani shepherds.
Why Sénégal?
Senegal remains, more than ever, a welcoming country where it is good to live and travel: close to Europe, sunny all year round, a haven of peace, with a wealth of culture and tourism. The destination Senegal is alive and well and is becoming competitive thanks to an improvement in the international context and strong measures. This is evidenced in particular by the removal of an entry visa, a proactive tourism promotion policy and the development of structuring infrastructures. But the construction of coastal protection dikes to bring back the lost beaches of yesteryear and especially the advent of the new tourist center of Pointe Sarène-Mbodienne on the small coast are major assets for the new dynamism of Senegalese tourism. Why Senegal Senegal is beautiful, colorful, mixed, diverse, messy. It moves, it invents, it teems, it gets by, there are smells. People smile. Senegal is alive. Guaranteed sunshine all year round With more than 3,000 hours of sunshine per year, Senegal is one of the sunniest countries in the world. Its exceptional climate is one of the good reasons for its tourist numbers. In the dry season, from November to June, temperatures range from 22 °C to 30 °C, with significant variations between the coast, which is cooler, and the interior of the country, which is warmer and drier. The rainy season, from July to October, should not be scary: big storms quickly give way to bright sunshine and the colors are magnificent. So you can enjoy Senegal all year round. A welcoming and tolerant people The famous Senegalese teranga, hospitality, is not an empty word. Here you are welcomed with a smile, we like to talk even to those we do not know, we say hello, we invite you to drink tea. All religions and beliefs live side by side in good harmony, Muslims, Christians and those who believe in somewhat mystical things are often part of the same family. If you only have one memory of Senegal, it is undoubtedly the quality of human relations. Tourism for all Senegal on vacation is not just about relaxing on a beach under the coconut trees, taking a walk in a pirogue in the labyrinth of the Saloum bolongs, deep-sea fishing or handlining, cycling in the rice fields of Casamance, riding a horse-drawn carriage in the old town of Saint-Louis, going up the Senegal River to Podor on a boat, quad biking on the beach of Lac Rose, a camel ride in the Loumpoul desert, tree climbing in the baobabs or Accro baobabs, the Lion Ranch in the Bandia reserve, observing hyenas in Palmarin, hippos on the Gambia River, thousands of birds in Djoudj or discovering lost villages in Bassari country. A change of scenery guaranteed. Nature and ecotourism From the North to the South of the country, the parks and reserves of Senegal, which extend over approximately 8% of the territory, offer landscapes and animals that are still wild and that today form a complete network representative of the different natural ecosystems of West Africa: thousands of birds in the Djoudj National Park in the North of the country, large mammals in Niokolo Koba, extraordinary ornithological walks in Sine Saloum, in Somone, in Popenguine, etc. Many camps will allow you to be as close as possible to the populations and to make encounters that you will not forget. Receptives for all budgets From the grand luxury hotel for busy businessmen to homestay accommodation, the choice is vast in terms of accommodation Everywhere, there are many receptives of different standing according to your desires. Note the significant development of accommodation in guest houses which allows you to integrate more easily and to get to know the inhabitants better. The vast majority of the country is connected to the internet and you will very easily find Wi-Fi connections almost everywhere note the significant development of accommodation in guest houses which allows you to integrate more easily and to get to know the inhabitants better. The vast majority of the country is connected to the internet and you will very easily find Wi-Fi connections. A safe destination At a time when the whole world had gone crazy, when the fear of terrorist attacks had made tourists flee from many countries. Senegal had remained calm and was miraculously spared from all attacks thanks to the quality of its internal security: a safe destination. The brotherhood organization of Islam, whose marabouts are affiliated for their vast majority to Sufism, is the best bulwark against fundamentalism. And Senegal is a true democracy, which peacefully elected its third, fourth and fifth president of the Republic Abdoulaye Wade in 2000, Macky Sall in 2012 and finally Bassirou Faye in 2024. People read newspapers, can criticize the government and have the right to demonstrate, women have the same rights as men and enjoy parity in elected positions in institutions Senegal is alive Senegal is moving and inventing, it’s a bit chaotic, but it’s alive. There are festivals, concerts, music and dance, traditions, artists. In all regions. You can see exhibitions, learn to dance, try your hand at painting under glass or beating the djembe, take part in a dinner debate with intellectuals, admire a fashion show…
Pratical informations
Destination Senegal, country of hospitality called Teranga Welcome to Senegal, land of Africa where hospitality is lived every day. The welcome of the inhabitants, our Teranga is a major asset. Our artistic and cultural wealth, the diversity of our ecosystems, our political and socio-economic stability also make the charm and interest of our country. Senegal has a rich range of varied and cultural tourist offers. Culture occupies a place of choice because it plays a very important role in the development of tourism. We attach particular importance to the natural and human, cultural and economic potential of our country. We also ensure the protection and promotion of the diversity of cultural expressions, a factor of peace and social cohesion. The very many meetings and events, organized throughout the year, testify to this. Some practical information. All major airlines and several charters provide regular air links with Dakar. Allow five to six hours of flight from Europe and a round trip price starting at 500 euros. Coming to Senegal by road The great adventure trip where crossing the desert was inevitable has become ancient history. Paris-Dakar is today 6,000 km of good asphalt on which any type of vehicle can venture. Only a no man’s land of 4 kilometers between Morocco and Mauritania will force you to put your tires in the sand. No more convoy, track or impassable desert, a direct route is feasible in less than 8 days for those in a hurry: all you need is a valid passport and a small budget (between 500 and 700 euros for fuel and 300 to 500 euros for your travel and administrative expenses). When to come? It depends on what you want to find! During the dry season, from November to February, the temperature remains quite cool, as does that of the ocean! Between March and May, the climate remains dry, but temperatures rise, especially inland. Ideal for relaxing by the sea. The rainy season, which stretches from June to October, may pose transport problems in certain regions, but it is the one where the vegetation comes back to life. The rain generally only lasts a few hours. Note that the best season to observe animals in the parks and reserves is from November to March. Formalities and health The biometric visa required to enter Senegal, introduced on July 1, 2013, was abolished on May 1, 2015. All you need is a valid passport. The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter Senegal only for passengers coming from yellow fever endemic areas. However, it is recommended, as well as the yellow fever and hepatitis A and B vaccine. Anti-malarial treatment is recommended. For those venturing towards the Gambian borders, the Senegalese and Gambian police can obtain the yellow fever card. Getting around: road network, infrastructure, ferries Senegal has about 18,000 kilometers of paved roads allowing you to travel quickly between the different regional capitals of the country. The largest Senegalese cities are connected by paved roads. In recent years, the Senegalese road network has developed considerably with one of the best road networks in West Africa. The Dakar-AIBD airport highway then AIBD to Touba has given a big breath of fresh air to serve the North-East (Matam, Bakel) and also the South-East (Tambakoou de, Kedougou). Even if the signs are rare, you can travel quite easily in all regions. Tour operators generally offer organized tours by bus and minibus, but you can also opt for a car rental from the many agencies existing in most cities. If your trip is limited to the main cities, a sedan is more than enough. If you want to explore the Niokolo Koba park, discover the Bassari country around Kédougou, the villages of Casamance and the depths of Saloum or simply get lost in the bush tracks, it is best to choose a 4×4. A driver is often useful, especially if you have no sense of direction and if you do not know how to drive in Africa. He will serve as your guide and interpreter if necessary and it is a good way to better understand the culture of the country. Most agencies offer them and you will pay a supplement of between 20 and 30 euros per day. In practice Getting to Casamance By plane The Transair company makes two rotations per day between Ziguinchor and Dakar (two planes of 50 and 17 seats, baggage allowance 20 kg. 35 ma flight). The Larifs are 180 euros for a round trip. By ferry Three ferries now provide the Dakar-Zi guinchor rotations with a stopover in Karabane. The Aline Sitoe Diatta (500 passengers, several dozen vehicles and 450 tons of freight, the Diambogne and the Aguene, more modest, which only offer armchairs. Departures from Dakar on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m., arrival at 10 a.m. the next day. Prices from 15 to 40 euros depending on the category. No possibility of booking online, you must go to the Dakar pier to get your ticket. By road The Transgambienne Dakar Kaolack Gambia -Ziguinchor is only 450 km, but it takes 10 hours of driving taking into account the police and customs formalities in Gambia. Crossing the new Farafegni bridge is a godsend for travelers, reducing the four-hour wait for the ferry to…30 seconds of real magic Money The currency of Senegal is the CFA franc, which has a fixed parity with the euro: 1 euro 655.957 CFA francs The CFA franc is guaranteed in euros by the French Treasury. but is not convertible outside the territory of the African countries that are members of the franc zone. You will therefore have to change your euros on site. It is possible to withdraw money from banks and ATMs with a checkbook or credit card. Exchange fees are between 3 and 5% depending on the establishment. Some merchants accept credit cards and euro checks. The notes are 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 F and 500 FCFA. The coins are 500, 250, 200, 100, 50, 25, 10.5
What can we do in Senegal?
What can you do once in Senegal? Beaches and water sports From North to South, there are 700 km of coastline that border Senegal and a few hundred kilometers of bolongs in Sine Saloum and Casamance, enough to laze around, walk along the water or practice a multitude of activities. The fine sand beach of Cap Skirring is one of the most beautiful in Africa and the Petite Côte offers many possibilities for water sports. Surfing is practiced around Dakar all year round and schools and surf camps are now numerous. During the trade winds from December to May, kite surfing and windsurfing are practiced all along the coast Hunting and fishing Hunting is practiced from December to the end of April. Eastern Senegal, eastern Casamance but also Sine Saloum and the Saint-Louis region are home to several structures specialized in this activity. The fauna is rich and very varied with around 169 species of mammals, 23 of which can be hunted, and 625 species of birds, 45 of which can be hunted or captured. Francolins, pigeons and sandgrouse are the most hunted birds, the warthog the most popular mammal among hunters. Tourist hunters must have hunting permits, as well as temporary permits to possess weapons. It is imperative to contact a structure for the formalities. Senegal is one of the most fish-rich countries in the world and fishing is possible all year round along the coast, in the bolongs and in the rivers. The techniques vary depending on the season. From July to November, big game and surface fishing are practiced: marlin, swordfish, dolphin fish, barracuda and tuna are the most popular. The rest of the year, longline fishing, surf casting or small trolling are practiced. Nature and ecotourism Senegal offers many different areas where travelers in search of nature can discover very different landscapes: from the dune desert to the tropical forest, including the steppe, the mangrove and the long sandy beaches. Off the beaten track, ecotourists will easily find reception facilities and associations sharing the same passion. The marine protected areas, reserves and national parks are home to a significant amount of flora and fauna throughout the country. Senegal is one of the destinations appreciated by ornithologists from all over the world (more than 680 species) and original hiking and discovery trips are organized by many tour operators. History and heritage History and anthropology enthusiasts, ethnology and sociology enthusiasts will find Senegal a country rich in discoveries: the remains of ancient civilizations, colonial architecture and memories of the slave trade, but also traces of the great figures of Islam and traditional rites, some of which are still very present. Some places like Saint-Louis and the river valley, Eastern Senegal, Saloum and Casamance are full of important built and intangible heritage. The Ministry of Culture and Heritage regularly organizes events intended to raise awareness of the cultural heritage of each region. Meetings and culture Senegal is the country of meetings and the discovery of a rich and diverse culture, of multiple inspirations, which mixes ancestral know-how and contemporary creation. Observing everyday life, visiting markets and villages immerses you in an original and sometimes disconcerting atmosphere. Here everyone is creative, invents or copies, paints and decorates. Everything is color: the fabrics that dress men and women, the fast buses and piroques, the market stalls and the walls of the cities. Music plays an important role and many neighborhoods and villages have their own rhythms and dance troupes. You will have to make your choice from a large artisanal and artistic creation: paintings, sculptures and pottery, jewelry and trinkets, objects made of wood, sheet metal or recycled materials. Are you an eco-tourist? Did you know? Despite protective measures, the diversity of Senegal’s ecosystems is now under threat. In this country, social and economic development is intrinsically linked to the wealth of natural resources. To cope with a galloping population growth, Senegal has drawn excessively on its marine and forest resources. Fishing and agriculture are the two dominant economic activities that allow communities to work, generate income and feed themselves. Necessary for the survival of future generations, natural resources are currently overexploited. During their stay, tourists must adopt responsible behaviors that will help to safeguard the natural wealth on which local populations depend so much. What do you buy as souvenirs? Buying souvenirs is often an integral part of the trip. Local crafts are relatively well developed and mainly consist of wooden art objects. However, this sector contributes to the deforestation of the country. For example, a tree is needed to make a djembe. Due to increasing demand from tourists, the dimb (Cordyla pinnata), the tree used to make this very popular percussion instrument, is in danger of extinction in the region. The same is true for ebony wood, which is increasingly rare but increasingly in demand by tourists. It is therefore important when traveling to think about buying responsibly, to limit this scourge that is eating away at Senegal. What fish do you eat? Remember to ask the restaurant owner… Senegalese fishermen used to enjoy some of the most fish-rich waters in West Africa. However, unsustainable fishing techniques (overexploitation, destructive gear, failure to respect breeding periods and sexual maturity sizes) threaten the sustainability of fish resources.Income from the fishing sector and average fish consumption by communities have decreased, increasing the social and economic precariousness of local populations and food insecurity. Fish, especially thiofs, are caught too small, before they have had time to reproduce. Restaurant owners continue to serve portioned fish, which is more suited to tourist demand but contributes to the extinction of the species. By avoiding consuming thiof that is too young, tourists contribute to the survival of this fish and the ecosystem that surrounds it. Refuse plastic bags whenever possible Pollution and the lack of waste management contribute to the destruction of the natural habitats of marine and forest species, which are consequently tending to disappear. In particular, plastic bags, which take more than 300 years
What can you do in Senegal?
From North to South, there are 700 km of coastline that border Senegal and a few hundred kilometers of bolongs in Sine Saloum and Casamance, enough to laze around, walk along the water or practice a multitude of activities. The fine sand beach of Cap Skirring is one of the most beautiful in Africa and the Petite Côte offers many possibilities for water sports. Surfing is practiced around Dakar all year round and schools and surf camps are now numerous. During the trade winds from December to May, kite surfing and windsurfing are practiced all along the coast
Que peut on faire une fois au Sénégal ?
Que peut-on faire une fois au Sénégal ? Plages et sports nautiques Du Nord au Sud, ce sont 700 km de côtes qui bordent le Sénégal et quelques centaines de kilomètres de bolongs dans le Sine Saloum et en Casamance, de quoi paresser, se promener au fil de l’eau ou pratiquer une multitude d’activités. La plage de sable fin du Cap Skirring est une des plus belles d’Afrique et la Petite Côte offre de nombreuses possibilités de sports nautiques. Le surf se pratique autour de Dakar toute l’année et les écoles et surf camps sont désormais nombreux. Pendant les alizées de décembre à mai, le kite surf et le windsurf se pra- tiquent sur tout le littoral Chasse et pêche La chasse se pratique de décembre à fin avril. Le Séné gal oriental, l’Est de la Casamance mais aussi le Sine Saloum et la région de Saint-Louis abritent plusieurs structures spécialisées dans cette activité. La faune est riche et très variée avec environ 169 espèces de mam- mifères, dont 23 peuvent être chassées, et 625 espèces d’oiseaux, dont 45 peuvent être chassées ou capturés. Les francolins, pigeons et gangas sont les oiseaux les plus chassés, le phacochère le mammifère le plus prisé des chasseurs. Les touristes chasseurs doivent obligatoirement avoir des permis de chasse, ainsi que des permis temporaires de détention d’arme. II est impératif de se rapprocher d’une structure pour les formalités. Le Sénégal est un des pays le plus poissonneux du globe et on y pêche toute l’année sur tout le littoral, dans les bolongs et dans les fleuves. Les techniques sont différentes en fonction de la saison. De juillet à novembre se pratique la pêche au gros et aux poissons de surface: marlins, espadons, coryphènes, barracudas et thons sont les plus prisés. Le reste de l’année, on pratique la pêche à la palangrotte, le surf casting ou la petite traîne. Nature et écotourisme Le Sénégal offre de nombreux espaces différents où les voyageurs en quête de nature pourront découvrir des paysages fort très différents: du désert de dune à la forêt tropicale en passant par la steppe, la mangrove et les longues plages de sable. Hors des sentiers battus, l’écotouriste trouvera facilement des structures d’accueil et associations partageant la même passion. Les aires marines protégées, réserves et parcs nationaux abritent dans tout le pays une faune et flore importante. Le Sénégal fait partie des destinations appréciées des ornithologues du monde( plus de 680 espèces) entier et des séjours originaux de randonnées et découvertes sont organisées par de nombreux tours opérateurs. Histoire et patrimoine Les amateurs d’histoire et d’anthropologie, les passionnées d’ethnologie et de sociologie trouveront au Sénégal un pays riche en découvertes: les vestiges de civilisations anciennes, l’architecture coloniale et les souvenirs de la traite négrière, mais aussi les traces des grandes figures de l’islam et les rites traditionnels, dont certains sont encore très présents. Certains lieux comme Saint-Louis et la vallée du fleuve, le Sénégal Oriental, le Saloum et la Casamance regorgent d’un patrimoine bâti et immatériel important. Le ministère de la Culture et du Patrimoine organise régulièrement des événements destinés à mieux faire connaître le patrimoine culturel de chaque région. Rencontres et culture Le Sénégal est le pays des rencontres et de la décou- verte d’une culture riche et diversifiée, d’inspiration multiple, qui mêle savoir-faire ancestral et création contemporaine. Observer la vie de tous les jours, visiter les marchés et les villages vous immerge dans une ambiance originale et parfois déroutante. Ici tout le monde est créateur, invente ou recopie, peint et décore. Tout est couleur : les tissus qui habillent hommes et femmes, les cars rapides et les piro- ques, les étals des marchés et les murs des villes. La müsique tient une place importante et de nombreux quartiers et villages ont leurs propres rythmes et troupes de danse. Il vous faudra faire votre choix dans une importante création artisanale et artistique: pein- tures, sculptures et poteries, bijoux et bibelots, objets en bois, en töle ou en matériaux de récupération. Étes-vous un éco-touriste? Le saviez-vous? Malgré les mesures de protection, la diversité des écosystèmes du Sénégal est aujourd’hui menacée. Dans ce pays, le développement social et écono mique est intrinsèquement lié à la richesse des res sources naturelles. Pour faire face à une démographie galopante, le Sénégal a puisé excessivement dans ses ressources marines et forestières. La pêche et l’agriculture sont les deux activités économiques dominantes permettant aux communautés de travailler, de générer des revenus et de se nourrir. Nécessaires à la survie des générations futures, les ressources naturelles sont actuellement surexploitées. Pendant son séjour, le touriste doit adopter des comportements responsables qui contribueront à sauvegarder les richesses naturelles dont dépendent tant les populations locales. Qu’achetez-vous comme souvenirs? L’achat de souvenirs fait souvent partie intégrante du voyage. L’artisanat local est relativement bien déve loppé et se compose majoritairement d’objets d’art en bois. Pour autant, cette filière contribue à la déforesta- tion du pays. Par exemple, il faut un arbre pour fabri- quer un djembé. En raison de la demande croissante des touristes, le dimb (Cordyla pinnata), arbre servant à la fabrication de cet instrument de percussion très populaire, est en voie d’extinction dans la région. Il en est de même pour le bois d’ébène de plus en plus rare mais toujours plus demandé par les touristes. Il est donc important lors de son voyage de penser à acheter responsable, pour limiter ce fléau qui ronge le Sénégal. Quel poisson mangez-vous? Pensez à le demander au restaurateur… Les pécheurs sénégalais bénéficiaient d’une des eaux les plus poissonneuses d’Afrique de l’Ouest. Pour autant, les techniques de pêche non durables (surexploitation, engins destructeurs, non respect des périodes de reproduction et des tailles de maturité sexuelle) menacent la pérennité des ressources halieutiques.Les revenus liés au secteur de la pêche et la consom mation moyenne de poisson par les communautés ont diminué, accentuant la précarité sociale et éco- nomique des populations locales et l’insécurité ali- mentaire. Les poissons, en particulier les thiofs, sont pêchés trop petits, avant qu’ils