SENEGAL

Compiled from the June 2003 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:
Republic of Senegal

PROFILE
GEOGRAPHY
PEOPLE
HISTORY
GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS
DEFENSE
ECONOMY
FOREIGN RELATIONS
U.S.-SENEGALESE RELATIONS
TRAVEL

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 196,840 sq. km. (76,000 sq. mi.), about the size of South Dakota.

Cities: Capital—Dakar. Other cities—Diourbel, Kolda, Kaolack, Louga, Saint-Louis, Thies, Tambacounda, Ziguinchor.

Terrain: Flat or rising to foothills.

Climate: Tropical/Sahelian—desert or grasslands in the north, heavier vegetation in the south and southeast.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Senegalese (sing. and pl.).

Population: (est. 1995) 9.7 million.

Annual growth rate: 2.8%.

Ethnic groups: Wolof 43%; Fulani (Peulh) and Toucouleur 23%; Serer 15%; Diola, Mandingo, and others 19%.

Religions: Muslim 95%, Christian 4%, traditional 1%.

Languages: French (official), Wolof, Pulaar, Serer, Diola, Mandingo, Soninke.

Education: Attendance—primary 58%, secondary 16%. Literacy—38%.

Health: Infant mortality rate—69/1,000. Life expectancy—52 yrs.

Work force: (4.0 million) Agriculture —70% (subsistence or cash crops). Wage earners (350,000) private sector 61%, government and parapublic 39%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: April 4, 1960.

Constitution: March 3, 1963, last amended in 2001.

Branches: Executive—President (chief of state, commander in chief of armed forces). Legislative—National Assembly (single chamber with 120 deputies). Judicial—Constitutional Council (appointed by the President from senior magistrates and eminent academics and attorneys), Court of Final Appeals, Council of State.

Administrative subdivisions: 10 regions, 30 departments, 320 rural councils.

Political parties: 65 political parties are registered, the most important of which are the Democratic Party of Senegal (PDS), Socialist Party (PS), the Alliance of Forces for Progress (AFP), "AND JEF/PADS," the Union for Democratic Renewal (URD), the Senegalese Liberal Party (PLS), the Citizens Party (PPC), "JEF JEL," the National Democratic Rally (RND), and the Independence and Labor Party (PIT).

Suffrage: Universal adult, over 18.

Central government budget: (2000) $875 million.

Defense: (2000 est.) $70 million.

National holiday: April 4, Independence Day.

Economy

GDP: (2001) $4.1 billion.

Real annual growth rate: 5%.

Per capita GDP: (2001) $453.

Natural resources: Fish, peanuts, phosphate, iron ore, gold, titanium.

Primary sector: 18.5% of GDP, of which agriculture represents 9.5% of GDP: Products—peanuts, millet, sorghum, manioc, rice, cotton.

Secondary sector: 20.7% of GDP, of which industry and mining represent 14% of GDP. Types—fishing; agricultural product processing; light manufacturing; mining including energy, oil mining, and construction.

Tertiary sector: 60.9% of GDP of which services represent 39.7% of GDP and trade 21.2% of GDP.

Trade: (2000) Exports—$908.1 million (fish products, peanut products, phosphate products). Major markets —France, other European Union, West African CFA zone. Imports—$1.2 billion (food, consumer goods, petroleum, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, computer equipment). Major suppliers—France, Nigeria, Cameroon, United States.

Exchange rate: Fixed to French franc (FF)—African Financial Community (CFA) franc 100=1 FF.

Economic aid received: (2000) $361 million from all sources, $24.7 million from the U.S.

GEOGRAPHY

Senegal is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean, Mauritania, Mali, Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The Gambia penetrates more than 320 kilometers (200 mi.) into Senegal. Well-defined dry and humid seasons result from northeast winter winds and southwest summer winds. Dakar's annual rainfall of about 61 centimeters (24 in.) occurs between June and October when maximum temperatures average 27°C (82°F); December to February minimum temperatures are about 17°C (63°F). Interior temperatures are higher than along the coast, and rainfall increases substantially farther south, exceeding 150 centimeters (60 in.) annually in some areas.

PEOPLE

About 70% of Senegal's population is rural. In rural areas, density varies from about 77 per square kilometer (200 per sq. mi.) in the west-central region to 2 per square kilometer (5 per sq. mi.) in the arid eastern section. About 50,000 Europeans (mostly French) and Lebanese reside in Senegal, mainly in the cities. French is the official language but is used regularly only by the literate minority. All Senegalese speak an indigenous language, of which Wolof has the largest usage.

HISTORY

Archaeological findings throughout the area indicate that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. Islam established itself in the Senegal River valley in the 11th century; 95% of Senegalese today are Muslims. In the 13th and 14th centuries, the area came under the influence of the Mandingo empires to the east; the Jolof Empire of Senegal also was founded during this time.

In January 1959, Senegal and the French Soudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960, as a result of the independence and the transfer of power agreement signed with France on April 4, 1960. Due to internal political difficulties, the Federation broke up on August 20, 1960. Senegal and Soudan (renamed the Republic of Mal i) proclaimed independence. Leopold Sedar Senghor, internationally known poet, politician, and statesman, was elected Senegal's first president in August 1960.

After the breakup of the Mali Federation, President Senghor and Prime Minister Mamadou Dia governed together under a parliamentary system. In December 1962, their political rivalry led to an attempted coup by Prime Minister Dia. Although this was put down without bloodshed, Dia was arrested and imprisoned, and Senegal adopted a new constitution that consolidated the President's power. In 1980, President Senghor decided to retire from politics, and he handed power over in 1981 to his handpicked successor, Abdou Diouf.

Abdou Diouf was president from 1981-2000. He encouraged broader political participation, reduced government involvement in the economy, and widened Senegal's diplomatic engagements, particularly with other developing nations. Domestic politics on occasion spilled over into street violence, border tensions, and a violent separatist movement in the southern region of the Casamance. Nevertheless, Senegal's commitment to democracy and human rights strengthened. Diouf served four terms as President. In the presidential election of 2000, he was defeated, in a free and fair election, by opposition leader Abdoulaye Wade. Senegal experienced its second peaceful transition of power, and its first from one political party to another.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Senegal is a secular republic with a strong presidency, weak legislature, reasonably independent judiciary, and multiple political parties. Senegal is one of the few African states that has never experienced a coup d'état. As noted above, power was transferred peacefully, if not altogether democratically, from Senghor to Diouf in 1981, and once again, this time in fully democratic elections, from Diouf to Wade in March 2000.

The President is elected by universal adult suffrage to a 5-year term. The unicameral National Assembly has 120 members, who are elected separately from the President. The Socialist Party dominated the National Assembly until April 2001, when in free and fair legislative elections, President Wade's coalition won a majority (89 of 120 seats). The Cour de Cassation (Highest Appeals Court, equivalent to the U.S. Supreme Court) and the Constitutional Council, the justices of which are named by the President, are the nation's highest tribunals. Senegal is divided into 10 administrative regions, each headed by a governor appointed by and responsible to the President. The law on decentralization, which came into effect in January 1997, distributed significant central government authority to regional assemblies.

Senegal's principal political party was for 40 years the Socialist Party (PS). Its domination of political life came to an end in March 2000, when Abdoulaye Wade, the leader of the Senegalese Democractic Party (PDS) and leader of the opposition for more than 25 years, won the presidency. Under the terms of the 2001 constitution, future presidents will serve for 5 years and be limited to two terms. Wade was the last President to be elected to a 7-year term.

President Wade has advanced a liberal agenda for Senegal, including privatizations and other market-opening measures. He has a strong interest in raising Senegal's regional and international profile. The country, nevertheless, has limited means with which to implement ambitious ideas. The liberalization of the economy is proceeding, but at a slow pace. Senegal continues to play a significant role in regional and international organizations. President Wade
has made excellent relations with the United States a high priority.

There are presently some 65 political parties, most of which are marginal and little more than platforms for their leaders. The principal political parties, however, constitute a true multiparty, democratic political culture, and they have contributed to one of the most successful democratic transitions in Africa, even among all developing countries. A flourishing independent media, largely free from official or informal control, also contributes to the democratic politics of Senegal. The country's generally tolerant culture, largely free from ethnic or religious tensions, has provided a resilient base for democratic politics.

Principal Government Officials
Last Updated: 2/12/04

President: Wade, Abdoulaye

Prime Minister: Seck, Idrissa

Min. of Agriculture & Water: Sy, Habib

Min. of Animal Husbandry: Diallo, Ahmeth

Min. of Civil Service, Labor, & Professional Organizations: Deh, Yero

Min. of Commerce: Agne Pouye, Aicha

Min. of Culture & Communication: Diop, Saphietou

Min. of Decentralization & Regional Planning: Ba, Soukeyna Ndiaye

Min. of Defense: Diop, Becaye

Min. of Economy & Finance: Diop, Abdoulaye

Min. of Education: Sourang, Moustapha

Min. of Environment & Conservation: Diagne, Modou

Min. of Expatriates: Diop, Abdoul

Min. of Family & National Solidarity: Kebe, Awa Gueye

Min. of Fisheries: Diouf, Papa

Min. of Foreign Affairs: Gadio, Cheikh Tidiane

Min. of Habitat & Construction: Ba, Salif

Min. of Health, Hygiene, & Prevention: Samb, Issa

Min. of Industry & Handicrafts: Savane, Landing Min. of Information & Pan-African Cooperation: Diop, Mamadou

Min. of Infrastructure, Public works, & Transportation: Seck, Mamadou

Min. of Interior: Sall, Macky

Min. of Justice: Diop, Serigne

Min. of Mining & Energy: Niang, Madicke

Min. of Parliamentary & African Union Relations: Dia, Bakar

Min. of Planning: Ndiaye, Opah

Min. of Scientific Research: Diatta, Christian Sina

Min. of Small & Medium-size Enterprises & Micro-Finance: Ndir, Maimouna

Min. of Social Development: Ndir, Maimouna Sourang

Min. of Sports: Ndiaye, Youssoupha

Min. of Tourism: Ndiaye, Ousmane Masseck

Min. of Urban & Regional Planning: Sall, Seydou Sy

Min. of Women's Entrepreneurism: Ndiaye, Marieme

Min. of Youth: Sow, Aliou

Min. With Special Responsibility for the Budget: Soumare, Cheick

Min. With Special Responsibility for Children: Diop, Ndeye

Min. With Special Responsibility for Technical & Professional Teaching: Tendeng, Georges

Ambassador to the US: Ba, Amadou

Permanent Representative to the UN, New

York: Badji, Paul

Senegal maintains an embassy in the United States at 2112 Wyoming Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008 (tel. 202-234-0540), and a Mission to the United Nations at 392 Fifth Avenue, 9th floor, New York, NY 10018 (tel. 212-517-9030).

DEFENSE

Senegal has well-trained and disciplined armed forces consisting of about 19,000 personnel in the army, air force, navy, and gendarmerie. The Senegalese military force receives most of its training, equipment, and support from France and the United States. Germany also provides support but on a smaller scale. Military noninterference in political affairs has contributed to Senegal's stability since independence. Senegal has participated in many international and regional peacekeeping missions. Most recently, in 2000, Senegal sent a battalion to the Democratic Republic of Congo to participate in MONUC, the UN peacekeeping mission, and agreed to deploy a U.S.-trained battalion to Sierra Leone to participate in UNAMSIL, another UN peacekeeping mission. A Senegalese contingent deployed on a peacekeeping mission to the Central African Republic in 1997, and in 1994, Senegal sent a battalion-sized force to Rwanda to participate in the UN peacekeeping mission there. In 1992 Senegal sent 1,500 men to the ECOMOG peacekeeping group in Liberia, and in 1991, it was the only Sub-Saharan nation to send a contingent to participate in Operation Desert Storm. In August 1981, the Senegalese military was invited into The Gambia by President Dawda Kairaba Jawara to put down a coup attempt. In August 1989, Senegalese-Gambian military cooperation, which began with the joint Senegalese-Gambian efforts during the 1981 coup attempt, ceased with the dissolution of the Senegambian Confederation. Senegal intervened in the Guinea-Bissau civil war in 1998 at the request of former President Vieira.

ECONOMY

The former capital of French West Africa, Senegal is a semi-arid country located on the westernmost point of Africa. Predominantly rural and with limited natural resources, the country earns foreign exchange from fish, phosphates, peanuts, tourism, and services. Its economy is highly vulnerable to variations in rainfall and changes in world commodity prices. Senegal depends heavily on foreign assistance, which in 2000 represented about 32% of overall government spending — including both current expenditures and capital investments—or CFA 270.8 billion (U.S.$361.0 million).

Since the January 1994 CFA franc devaluation, the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and other multilateral and bilateral creditors have been supporting the Government of Senegal's structural and sectoral adjustment programs. The broad objectives of the program have been to facilitate growth and development by reducing the role of government in the economy, improving public sector management, enhancing incentives for the private sector, and reducing poverty.

With an external debt of $2,495 million, and with its economic reform program on track, Senegal qualified for the multilateral debt relief initiative for heavily indebted poor countries (HIPC). Progress on structural reforms is on track, but the pace of reforms remains slow, as delays occur in implementing a number of measures on the privatization program, good governance issues, and the promotion of private sector activity. However, macroeconomic indicators show that Senegal turned in a respectable performance in meeting IMF targets in 2000: annual GDP growth increased to 5.7%, compared to 5.1% in 1999. Inflation was reported to be 0.7% compared to 0.8% in 1999, and the current account deficit (excluding transfers) was held at less than 6% of GDP.

The fishing sector has replaced the groundnut sector as Senegal's export leader. Its export earnings reached $239 million in 2000. The industrial fishing operations struggle with high costs, and Senegalese tuna is rapidly losing the French market to more efficient Asian competitors.

Phosphate production, the second major foreign exchange earner, has been steady at about $95 million. Exports of peanut products reached $79 million in 2000 and represented 11% of total export earnings. Receipts from tourism, the fourth major foreign exchange earner, have picked up since the January 1994 devaluation. In 2000, some 500,000 tourists visited Senegal, earning the country $120 million.

Senegal's new Agency for the Promotion of Investment (APIX) plays a pivotal role in the government's foreign investment program. Its objective is to increase the investment rate from its current level of 20.6% to 30%.

Currently, there are no restrictions on the transfer or repatriation of capital and income earned, or investment financed with convertible foreign exchange. Direct U.S. investment in Senegal remains about $38 million, mainly in petroleum marketing, pharmaceuticals manufacturing, chemicals, and banking. Economic assistance, about $350 million a year, comes largely from France, the IMF, the World Bank, and the United States. Canada, Italy, Japan, and Germany also provide assistance.

Senegal has well-developed though costly port facilities, a major international airport serving 23 international airlines, and direct and expanding telecommunications links with major world centers.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

President Senghor advocated close relations with France and negotiation and compromise as the best means of resolving international differences. To a large extent, the two succeeding presidents have carried on Senghor's policies and philosophies. Senegal has long supported functional integration among French-speaking West African states through the West African Economic and Monetary Union. Senegal has a high profile in many international organizations and was a member of the UN Security Council in 1988-89. It was elected to the UN Commission on Human Rights in 1997. Friendly to the West, especially to France and to the U.S., Senegal also is a vigorous proponent of more assistance from developed countries to the Third World.

Senegal enjoys mostly cordial relations with its neighbors. In spite of clear progress on other fronts with Mauritania (border security, resource management, economic integration, etc.), there remains the problem of an estimated 30,000 Afro-Mauritanian refugees living in Senegal.

U.S.-SENEGALESE RELATIONS

Senegal enjoys an excellent relationship with the United States. The Government of Senegal is known and respected for its able diplomats and has often supported the U.S. in the United Nations, including with troop contributions for peacekeeping activities. The United States maintains friendly relations with Senegal and provides considerable economic and technical assistance. About 300 Senegalese students come to the United States each year for study. President Diouf paid his first official visit to Washington, D.C., in August 1983 and traveled several times to the U.S. thereafter. In June 2001, President Wade met President Bush at the White House. Senegal hosted the Second African-African American Summit in 1995. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton began her trip to Africa in March 1997 with a visit to Senegal, and President Clinton visited Senegal in 1998. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Walter Kansteiner, visited Senegal in August 2001. Foreign Minister Gadio met Secretary of State Colin Powell in September and November 2001. Senegal took a strong position against terrorism in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks against the U.S., and in October 2001 hosted a conference establishing an African Pact Against Terrorism.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) implements the U.S. Government's development assistance program. USAID's strategy focuses on the following objectives: sustainable increase in privatesector income-generating activities; more effective, democratic, and accountable local management of services and resources; and increased and sustainable use of reproductive health services in the context of decentralization. There also are two short-term objectives related to supporting the peaceful resolution of the armed conflict in the Casamance in southern Senegal and increased girls' access and retention in targeted primary and vocational schools. USAID provided $24.7 million in development assistance to Senegal in fiscal year 2001.

The Peace Corps program in Senegal involves 135 volunteers, engaged in forestry, health, and small business development. The cultural exchange program consists of three Fulbright professors and about 20-30 international visitor grants per year.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Dakar (E), B.P. 49, Avenue Jean XXIII, Tel [221] 823-4296 or 823-7384, Fax 822-2991; AID Tel 869-6100, Fax 869-6101; E-mail user last name and initials, i.e. [email protected]

Last Modified: Wednesday, September 24, 2003

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet
January 8, 2004

Country Description: Senegal is a developing West African country.

Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality.

Entry Requirements: A passport is required. For American passport holders, a visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. Senegalese health officials will ask to see a WHO vaccination card with current yellow fever and cholera vaccinations, if the traveler is arriving from an endemic area.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel from the parent(s) or legal guardian present. Having such documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

Travelers should obtain the latest information on entry requirements from the Embassy of Senegal, 2112 Wyoming Avenue N.W., Washington, D.C., 20008, telephone (202) 234-0540. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate.

Safety and Security: Although there has been a decrease in fighting between Casamance separatists and the Senegalese military over the past three years, the U.S. Embassy in Dakar advises U.S. citizens to plan carefully all travel to the city of Ziguinchor and the area of Cap Skirring and to defer non-essential travel to other parts of the Casamance region of southern Senegal. Throughout the history of the insurgency, there have been few incidents of fighting within the city of Ziguinchor and the resort area of Cap Skirring. In recent years, however, rural areas have been the sites of sporadic violent attacks on Senegalese military and civilian personnel and, on rare occasions, tourists.

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Casamance area are urged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar for the latest safety and security information. U.S. Government personnel are periodically subject to clearance by both U.S. and Senegalese authorities prior to travel the Casamance area. In addition to a prolonged insurgency, armed bandits and land mines present a threat to American citizens in rural areas of the Casamance. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens not drive in the Casamance outside of Ziguinchor. Two airlines operate flights between Dakar and Ziguinchor, and charter flights are available to Cap Skirring from Europe.

Due to the potential for violence, U.S. citizens should avoid political gatherings and street demonstrations, and maintain security awareness at all times.

Crime Information: Street crime in Senegal poses high risks for visitors. Most reported incidents involve pick-pockets, purse-snatchers, and street scam artists, who are especially active in large crowds and around tourists. In Dakar, there has been an increase in purse snatchings and pickpocketing in the downtown area.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, A Safe Trip Abroad, for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.gpoaccess.gov, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Business Fraud: Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including Americans. While such fraud schemes in the past have been largely associated with Nigeria, they are now prevalent throughout western Africa, including Senegal. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. Recently, an increasing number of American citizens have been the targets of such scams.

Typically, these scam operations begin with an unsolicited communication (usually by e-mail) from an unknown individual who describes a situation that promises quick financial gain, often by assisting in the transfer of a large sum of money or valuables out of the country. A series of "advance fees" must then be paid in order to conclude the transaction: for example, fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist; the purpose of the scam is simply to collect the advance fees. One common variation of this scheme involves individuals claiming to be refugees or other victims of various western African conflicts (notably Sierra Leone) who contact U.S. citizens to request their help in transferring large sums of money out of Senegal. Another typical ploy has persons claiming to be related to present or former political leaders who need assistance to transfer large sums of cash. Other variations include what appear to be legitimate business deals requiring advance payments on contracts.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud is common sense-if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. Any unsolicited business proposal originating from Senegal should be carefully checked out before any funds are committed, any goods or services are provided, or any travel is undertaken. For additional information, single copies of the Department of State's brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams, are available at no charge by sending a self-addressed, stamped envelope to the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4811, Department of State, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

Medical Facilities: Several hospitals and clinics in the capital, Dakar, can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses. There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care, though there is very good office-based psychiatry. Public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards, but several private clinics are at the level of small European hospitals, and even approach U.S. community hospital standards. The Embassy maintains a list of physicians and other health care professionals who may see U.S. citizen patients. The Embassy does not guarantee their services or recommend any of the physicians. Medical facilities outside Dakar are limited.

French medications are far more readily available than American drugs, and the limited selection of American drugs in stock are often listed under the French trade name. Medications may be obtained at pharmacies throughout Dakar and in other areas frequented by tourists, and are usually less expensive than those in the U.S. Travelers should carry a supply of any needed prescription medicines, along with copies of the prescriptions, including the generic name for the drugs, and a supply of preferred over-the-counter medications.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses incurred. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad, available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page.

Other Health Information: Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747), fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Senegal. Chloroquine resistant P. falciparum malaria is a severe form of the disease that is found in many parts of western Africa, including Senegal. Because travelers to Senegal are at high risk for contracting malaria they should take one of the following antimalarial drugs: mefloquine (Lariam™), doxycycline, or atovaquone/proguanil (Malarone™). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have determined that a traveler who is on an appropriate antimalarial drug has a greatly reduced chance of contracting the disease. In addition, other personal protective measures, such as the use of insect repellents, help to reduce malaria risk. Travelers who become ill with a fever or flu-like illness while traveling in a malaria-risk area and up to one year after returning home should seek prompt medical attention and tell the physician their travel history and what antimalarials they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarials, visit the CDC travelers' health web-site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel/malinfo.htm.

Other vaccines may be recommended for travel to Mali. Please visit the CDC's website for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct service to the U.S. by Senegalese-registered carriers, or economic authority to operate such service between the U.S. and Senegal, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Senegal's Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international aviation safety standards. Air carriers from countries meeting international safety standards are allowed, however, to conduct direct flights from Senegal to the U.S. As such, direct commercial air service to the U.S. provided by South African Airways began in Jan. 2003. (The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of South Africa has been assessed by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration as Category 1 - in compliance with international safety standards.) For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign air carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. For information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Senegalese law, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Senegal are strict and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

Consular Notification and Access: The U.S. Embassy does not always receive timely notification by Senegalese authorities of the arrest of U.S. citizens. U.S. citizens are encouraged to carry a copy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so that, if questioned by local officials, proof of identity and U.S. citizenship are readily available. If arrested, U.S. citizens should always ask to be allowed to contact the U.S. Embassy (See Registration/Embassy Location below).

Customs Regulations: Several types of items — including computers and computer parts, video cameras and players, stereo equipment, tape players, auto parts, and various tools and spare parts — cannot be brought into Senegal without clearance by Senegalese customs officials. Airport customs officials may hold such items if brought in as baggage or carry-on luggage. Travelers should check with the Embassy of Senegal in Washington, DC regarding these restrictions. (See Entry Requirements Section above for contact information.)

Senegalese customs authorities encourage the use of an ATA (Admission Temporaire/Temporary Admission) Carnet for the temporary admission of professional equipment, commercial samples, and/or goods for exhibitions and fair purposes. ATA Carnet Headquarters, located at the U.S. Council for International Business, 1212 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY 10036, issues and guarantees the ATA Carnet in the United States. For additional information call (212) 354-4480, send an e-mail to [email protected], or visit www.uscib.org for details.

Currency: Travelers can obtain cash from some ATM machines in Senegal. Travelers can obtain cash and/or traveler's checks through international credit cards, such as Master Card, Visa, and American Express, by presenting their credit card at a local financial institution sponsoring their card.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction issues, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/children's_issues or telephone (202) 736-7000.

Embassy Location and Registration: U.S. citizens living in or visiting Senegal are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar, and to obtain updated information on travel and security in Senegal. The mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 823-4296; after-hours (221) 823-4604. Embassy website is http://dakar.usembassy.gov/.