Diola 9%, Mandingo 9%, European and Lebanese 1%, other 2%

Religions: Muslim 92%, indigenous beliefs 6%, Christian 2% (mostly
Roman Catholic)

Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Diola, Mandingo

Literacy: age 15 and over can read and write (1995 est.)
total population: 33.1%
male: 43%
female: 23.2%

Government
----------

Name of country:
conventional long form: Republic of Senegal
conventional short form: Senegal
local long form: Republique du Senegal
local short form: Senegal

Data code: SG

Type of government: republic under multiparty democratic rule

Capital: Dakar

Administrative divisions: 10 regions (regions, singular - region);
Dakar, Diourbel, Fatick, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Saint-Louis,
Tambacounda, Thies, Ziguinchor

Independence: 20 August 1960 (from France; The Gambia and Senegal
signed an agreement on 12 December 1981 that called for the creation
of a loose confederation to be known as Senegambia, but the
agreement was dissolved on 30 September 1989)

National holiday: Independence Day, 4 April (1960)

Constitution: 3 March 1963, revised 1991

Legal system: based on French civil law system; judicial review of
legislative acts in Supreme Court, which also audits the
government's accounting office; has not accepted compulsory ICJ
jurisdiction

Suffrage: 18 years of age; universal

Executive branch:
chief of state: President Abdou DIOUF (since 1 January 1981) was
elected for a seven-year term by universal suffrage; election last
held 21 February 1993 (next to be held NA February 2000); results -
Abdou DIOUF (PS) 58.4%, Abdoulaye WADE (PDS) 32.03%, other 9.57%
head of government: Prime Minister Habib THIAM (since 7 April 1991)
was appointed by the president
cabinet: Council of Ministers was appointed by the prime minister in
consultation with the president

Legislative branch: unicameral
National Assembly (Assemblee Nationale): elections last held 9 May
1993 (next to be held NA May 1998); results - PS 70%, PDS 23%, other
7%; seats - (120 total) PS 84, PDS 27, LD-MPT 3, Let Us Unite
Senegal 3, PIT 2, UDS-R 1

Judicial branch: Supreme Court (Cour Supreme)

Political parties and leaders: Socialist Party (PS), President
Abdou DIOUF; Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS), Abdoulaye WADE;
Democratic League-Labor Party Movement (LD-MPT), Dr. Abdoulaye
BATHILY; Independent Labor Party (PIT), Amath DANSOKHO; Senegal