Fascinating Facts

• Dakar, Senegal is home of the tallest statue in Africa called the African Resistance Monument. 

• Senegal is the home of the 2022 Olympic Games and the first African country ever to host. 

• Senegal has seven United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNSECO) sites. 

• Peanuts and fish are the two largest exports in Senegal 

• Senegal has never experienced a coup d’état 

Religion and Ethnic Groups

• Muslim (95.9%), Christian (4.1%) 
   
• Wolof 37.1%, Pular 26.2%, Serer 17%, Mandinka 5.6%, Jola 4.5%, Soninke 1.4%, other 8.3% (mostly Europeans and Lebanese descent). 

Greetings 

• It’s respectful to greet a person first before asking for information such as directions or purchases. 
   
• It’s courteous to ask about your welfare and well-being during a lengthy right handshake when greeting someone. A greeting in Senegal may last up to 10 minutes or more. 
   
• A minority of Senegalese called Ibado, who are strict Muslims, are prohibited from touching the opposite sex. 

General social etiquette  

• Use your right hand when giving money or shaking hands. Handshakes are very common, regardless of how many times you meet.  
   
• With the main religion being Islam, it’s recommended to dress modestly.  
   
• Smoking is not allowed in select public locations.  

Eating  

• When arriving to a meal, you must wait to be shown where to sit. You will be directed to wash your hands with a washing bowl before receiving your meal.  
   
• Men and women at times eat a different tables or even different rooms.  
   
• Sit cross-legged at a low table or on the floor and don’t touch the foot mat with your feet. 
   
• Make sure the elder man is eating before taking your first bite. 
   
• Eat the food that’s closet to you on your plate and refrain from reaching across your plate for food. In addition, eat with your right hand.  
   
• Try each dish and be prepared to receive second offers for food. Leaving some food on your plate when dinner concludes shows you’ve had sufficient food.  
   
• After you’re done eating, it’s recommended to stay for 30 minutes or more to conversate and build relationships.  

Getting Around

Due to hectic traffic, it’s recommended to not purchase a rental car. Instead, it’s best to hire a driver to guide you for your travels at an affordable cost.  

For air travel, Air Senegal provides domestic flights around the country and about 45-minute travel time. The airline gives you a chance to travel to Dakar to Ziguinchor and Cap Skirring.  

Taxis are accessible with metered fares with rates increasing after midnight. Cost is lower when you wave down a taxi on the street rather than arrange for one at your hotel. Be sure to negotiate prices with your taxi driver.  

Another great way to adventure around Senegal is with bikes. The best location to find bikes is at beaches or Cap Skirring. Dakar also offers motorbikes or scooters for rent.  

Minibuses and buses are available in Dakar and are known for their bright blue and yellow colors.  

Lastly, water travel is available with ferry lines.  

Key Phrases  

Good morning: Jaam nga fanane 

Good afternoon: Ngoonu jamm 

Good evening: Naka ngon si 

Goodnight: Nu fanaan jamm 

Yes: Waaw  

No: Deedeet 

Good: Hao  

Bad: Bu hao 

Please: Qing 

Excuse me: Bu hai yisi 

Sorry: Jeggalu 

Hello: Salaamaalikum 

Goodbye: Zaijian 

See you later: Ba ci kanam 

My name is: Maa ngi tudd 

Too expensive:  

Make it cheaper:  

How are you?: Na nga def? 

Nice to meet you?:  

I am fine: Maa ngi sant 

My name is: Maa ngi tudd 

I don’t understand: Degg naa 

I understand: Degguma 

I don’t know: Zamu mako 

Sorry: Jeggalu 

Help!: Ndimba! 

Excuse me: Jeggal ma