The West African country of Senegal covers an area of 196 712 km². The population is 18.3 million and the capital is Dakar. The country gained independence from French rule in 1960 and, as a colonial legacy, the official language is French. English is poorly spoken. People make their living from agriculture; the country produces nuts, cotton and sugar cane. Fishing and phosphate resources also provide a livelihood for many, as does tourism today.
Climate: Senegal has a tropical climate. On the coast, the rainy season lasts from June to October, with August being the wettest month. Winter is a dry season and in January temperatures can drop as low as 17 degrees Celsius. Towards the rainy season, temperatures rise and in May temperatures reach over 25 degrees Celsius. In the northern parts of the country, temperature differences are greater; for example, in May it can be over 40 degrees Celsius. During the rainy season, temperatures can reach 35 degrees Celsius. The south of Senegal enjoys a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with more rainfall in the rainy season than in the rest of the country.
Security: Senegal is a safe country to visit, but in large crowds it's a good idea to beware of pickpockets.
Visa: Most Westerners have visa-free access to Senegal. Please note that visa policies and prices are subject to change without notice. Passports must be valid for three months from the date of entry.
Currency: Senegal uses the West African CFA franc (XOF) as its currency, which is pegged to the euro. One euro is worth around 656 francs. You should take euro banknotes with you and exchange them on arrival or withdraw cash from an ATM.
Vaccinations and malaria: Senegal requires a certificate of yellow fever vaccination if you arrive from a country with yellow fever risk. In addition, hepatitis a and b vaccinations are recommended. Please ensure that your basic vaccinations are up to date. Senegal is affected by malaria throughout the year, so anti-malaria medication is recommended.
Travel insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended.