SENEGAL

Compiled from the January 2006 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

Area:

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

Cities:

Capital—Dakar. Other cities—Diourbel, Kaolack, Kolda, Louga, Rufisque, 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 (2002 est.):

10 million.

Annual growth rate:

1.9%.

Ethnic groups:

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

Religion:

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

Language:

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

Education:

Attendance—primary 75.8%, middle school 26.5%, secondary 11% (estimated). Literacy—50.7%.

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:

11 regions, 34 departments, 320 rural councils.

Political parties:

72 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), "JEF JEL", the National Democratic Rally (RND), and the Independence and Labor Party (PIT).

Suffrage:

Universal adult, over 18.

Central government budget (2004):

$887.5 billion African Financial Community (CFA).

Defense (2004 est.):

$56.8 billion CFA.

National holiday:

April 4, Independence Day.

Economy

GDP (2002):

$4.9 billion.

Real annual growth rate:

4.8%.

Per capita GDP (2003):

$700. In terms of purchasing power parity (PPP) $1,510 (2002).

Natural resources:

Fish, peanuts, phosphate, iron ore, gold, titanium, oil and gas, cotton.

Primary sector:

Agriculture represents 19.2% of GDP. Products—peanuts, millet, sorghum, manioc, rice, cotton, vegetables and flowers, fruit.

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 (2002):

Exports—$1.05 billion (fish products, peanut products, phosphate products). Major markets—France, other European Union, West African CFA zone. Imports—$1.85 billion (food, consumer goods, petroleum, machinery, transport equipment, petroleum products, computer equipment). Major suppliers—France, Nigeria, Cameroon, United States.

Exchange rate:

Fixed to the euro. African Financial Community (CFA) 656 CFA =1 euro.

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 27ºC (82ºF); December to February minimum temperatures are about 17ºC (63ºF). 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 51% 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 Mali) 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 over power 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. Parliamentary and presidential elections are scheduled for 2006 and 2007, respectively.

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'etat. 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 11 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 Democratic 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: 11/2/2005

President: Abdoulaye WADE
Prime Minister: Macky SALL
Senior Min. of Agriculture & Water Resources: Habib SY
Min. of Animal Husbandry: Oumou Khairy Gueye SECK
Min. of Armed Forces: Becaye DIOP
Min. of Civil Service, Labor, & Professional Organizations: Yero DEH
Min. of Commerce: Mamadou Diop DECROIX
Min. of Culture & Communication: Birame DIOUF
Min. of Decentralization & Regional Planning: Aminata TALL
Min. of Economy & Finance: Abdoulaye DIOP
Min. of Education: Moustapha SOURANG
Min. of Environment & Conservation: Thierno LO
Min. of Expatriates: Abdoul DIOP
Min. of Family & National Solidarity: Aida MBODJ
Min. of Fisheries: Djibo LEYTI KA
Min. of Foreign Affairs: Cheikh Tidiane GADIO
Min. of Habitat & Construction: Omar SA
Min. of Health, Hygiene, & Prevention: Issa SAMB
Min. of Industry & Handicrafts: Landing SAVANE
Min. of Information & Government Spokesperson: Bacar DIA
Min. of Information & Pan-African Cooperation: Mamadou DIOP
Min. of Infrastructure, Public Works, & Transportation: Mamadou SECK
Min. of Institutional Relations: Bineta Samb BA
Min. of Interior: Ousmane NGOM
Min. of Justice: Serigne DIOP
Min. of Labor: Adame SALL
Min. of Mining & Energy: Madicke NIANG
Min. of Planning: Opah NDIAYE
Min. of Scientific Research: Christian Sina DIATTA
Min. of Small & Medium-Size Enterprises & Micro-Finance: Maimouna NDIR
Min. of Social Development: Maimouna Sourang NDIR
Min. of Sports: Youssoupha NDIAYE
Min. of Tourism: Ousmane Masseck NDIAYE
Min. of Urban & Regional Planning: Seydou Sy SALL
Min. of Women's Entrepreneurism: Marieme NDIAYE
Min. of Youth: Aliou SOW
Min. With Special Responsibility for the Budget: Cheick SOUMARE
Min. With Special Responsibility for Children: Ndeye DIOP
Min. With Special Responsibility for Technical & Professional Teaching: Georges TENDENG
Ambassador to the US: Amadou BA
Permanent Representative to the UN, New York: Paul BADJI

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).

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 African Financial Community (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 $3,919 million, and with its economic reform program on track, Senegal reached its Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) debt relief completion point in April 2004. Senegal will apply for cancellation of approximately $850 million in debt from Paris Club and other donors. 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. Senegal continues to lead the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) countries in macro-economic performance. For 2003, inflation was at -0.5%, and in most indicators, Senegal surpassed the WAEMU monetary convergence criteria with a tax revenue to gross domestic product (GDP) ratio of 18.3%, public investment to tax revenue ratio of 24.4%, and a current account deficit at 4.3%.

The fishing sector has replaced the groundnut sector as Senegal's export leader. Its export earnings reached $298.1 million in 2003. 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 $230 million. Exports of peanut products reached $63 million in 2003. Receipts from tourism, the fourth major foreign exchange earner, have picked up since the January 1994 devaluation. Although final figures are not yet available, some 400,000 tourists were expected to visit Senegal in 2003-04, earning the country approximately $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, an international airport serving 28 international airlines that serves as a regional hub, and advanced telecommunications infrastructure, including a fiber optics backbone and cellular phone penetration approaching 10% of the population.

DEFENSE

Senegal has well-trained and disciplined armed forces consisting of about 17,000 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 peace-keeping missions. Its history of participation in peacekeeping is impressive. Most recently, Senegal provided peacekeeping forces for the African Union (AU) mission in Darfur, Sudan (AMIS), the UN mission in Liberia (UNIMIL), and the UN mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOMCI), with General P.K. Fall, who is now Chief of Defense of the Senegalese Armed Forces, acting as overall Force Commander. 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 peace-keeping mission. A Senegalese contingent was 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 the Middle East.

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.

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, DC, in August 1983 and traveled several times to the U.S. thereafter. Senegal was President George W. Bush's first stop in his July 2003 visit to Africa. 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 Bill 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, 2001 terrorist attacks against the U.S., and in October 2001 hosted a conference establishing the African Pact Against Terrorism. On July 20, 2005, Secretary Rice attended the fourth annual African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) Forum held in Dakar, Senegal. This year's Forum focused on increasing investment initiatives and facilitating economic and political development in Africa.

The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) implements the U.S. Government's development assistance program. USAID's strategy focuses on promoting economic growth/private sector development by expanding microfinance and business development services and commercializing natural and non-traditional products; improving local delivery of services and sustainable use of resources; increasing use of decentralized health services; and improving middle school education, especially for girls. In addition, there is a conflict resolution and rehabilitation program to improve conditions for peace in Senegal's two southern regions known as the "Casamance". USAID will provide $29.9 million in development assistance to Senegal in fiscal year 2005.

The Peace Corps program in Senegal has over 100 volunteers serving in agriculture, forestry, health, and small business development. The program was expected to expand to 170 volunteers by 2005. The U.S. Embassy's Cultural Affairs Section administers the Fulbright, Humphrey, and International Visitor exchange programs. The Fulbright teacher, researcher, and lecturer programs are two-way exchanges, hence the section also supports American grantees in Senegal during their stay. In addition to exchanges, the section organizes numerous programs for the Senegalese public including U.S. speaker programs, fine arts programs, film festivals, and a book club. Finally, the section organizes an annual regional colloquium for American Studies professionals, journalists, and civic leaders from over 15 countries in Africa.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

DAKAR (E) Address: Ave. Jean XXIII, P.O. Box 49; APO/FPO: 2130 Dakar Place, Dulles, VA 20189-2130; Phone: 221-823-4296; Fax: 221-822-2991; INMARSAT Tel: 761-359-425; Workweek: M-Th, 0800-1730 F 0800-1300; Website: usembassy.state.gov/dakar.

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

September 14, 2005

Country Description:

Senegal is a developing West African country. The capital is Dakar. Facilities for tourists are widely available but vary in quality.

Entry/Exit Requirements:

A passport is required. For American passport holders, a visa is not required for stays of less than 90 days. Senegalese health officials may ask to see a WHO vaccination card with current yellow fever and cholera vaccinations if the traveler is arriving from an endemic area. 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, and at the Senegal Tourism Authority's official web site, http://www.senegal-tourism.com. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Senegalese embassy or consulate.

Safety and Security:

Over the past several years, there has been a substantial decrease in fighting between Casamance separatists (MFDC) in southern Senegal and the Senegalese military. In December 2004, the Government of Senegal and members of the insurgency instituted an end to hostilities and agreed to negotiate with the goal of achieving a definitive end to the armed conflict in the Casamance. While most of the Casamance region is calm, notably the major towns and areas frequented by tourists, there are still pockets of armed rebels and bandits in the countryside, particularly along the borders with The Gambia and Guinea-Bissau. The U.S. Embassy recommends that U.S. citizens avoid non-essential travel south of the Cap Skirring road and Highway 6, and avoid travel off of the paved highways in the northern part of the Casamance along the Gambian border. U.S. citizens are encouraged to limit driving outside of towns to daylight hours only.

In 2004, Handicap International, a non-governmental organization, recorded at least 17 incidents involving unexploded land mines in the Casamance. No serious study has been carried out in the Casamance to map out mined areas. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens remain on well-traveled routes at all times.

U.S. citizens contemplating travel to the Casamance area are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy in Dakar at [email protected] for the latest safety and security information.

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

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, Travel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found.

Crime:

Minor street crime is very common in Senegal, particularly in cities. Most reported incidents involve pickpockets, purse-snatchers, and street scam artists, who are especially active in large crowds and around tourists. To avoid theft, U.S. citizens should avoid walking alone in isolated areas, particularly at night, lock their doors and close their windows when driving, and avoid public transportation.

Perpetrators of business fraud often target foreigners, including U.S. citizens. The scams pose a danger of both financial loss and physical harm. 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 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, such as fees to open a bank account, or to pay certain taxes. In fact, the final payoff does not exist since 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.

Another common business scam is an offer to sell a foreigner gold at a very low price. The seller usually presents real gold that can be verified. Once the buyer agrees to make the purchase, the seller provides fake gold and disappears with the payment.

The best way to avoid becoming a victim of advance-fee fraud or business scam is common sense – if it seems too good to be true, it probably is. You should carefully check out any unsolicited business proposal originating in Senegal before you commit any funds, provide any goods or services, or undertake any travel. For additional information, the Department of State's brochure, Advance Fee Business Scams is available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

The Government of Senegal recently created a tourist police unit. Americans who are victims or witnesses of a crime are encouraged to report crimes to the police by telephoning "17", Senegal's police hotline.

Information for Victims of Crime:

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, please 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.

Medical Facilities and Health Information:

Several hospitals and clinics in the capital, Dakar, can treat major and minor injuries and illnesses. There is inadequate inpatient psychiatric care, and limited office-based psychiatry. Public hospitals do not meet U.S. standards. 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 is 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.

Malaria is a serious risk to travelers in Senegal. 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 anti-malarial medications they have been taking. For additional information on malaria, protection from insect bites, and antimalarial drugs, visit the CDC Travelers'' Health website at http://www.cdc.gov/malaria/faq.htm.

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) 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 (WHO) website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith.

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.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions:

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Senegal is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Due to safety concerns, we recommend against the use of motorbikes, van taxis, and public transportation. They can be dangerous due to overloading, inadequate maintenance, and careless drivers. Regulated orange-striped sedan auto taxis are safer, but make sure you agree on a fare before beginning the trip. Driving outside major cities at night is not recommended. Roadways are poorly lit and many sections have deteriorated surfaces. Due to possible language barriers and the lack of roadside assistance, receiving help may be difficult.

Excessive speed, careless driving, and the lack of basic safety equipment on many vehicles are hazards on Senegal's roads. Many vehicles are not maintained well and headlights are either extremely dim or not used. Drivers tend to speed and pass other cars with little discretion. Some streets in the cities have sidewalks or sufficient space for pedestrian traffic. Others do not, and pedestrians are forced to walk along the roadway. With limited street lighting, drivers often have difficulty seeing pedestrians.

Drivers frequently have unexpected encounters with cyclists, pedestrians and livestock. While the main roads in Senegal are in relatively good condition, during the rainy season many side roads are passable only with four-wheel drive vehicles. Travelers may be stopped at police roadblocks throughout the country, where their vehicles and luggage may be searched. Service stations are available along main roads.

In Senegal, one drives on the right-hand side. As of January 2005, cars within traffic circles have the right of way. Before that, cars entering traffic circles had the right-of-way. This recent change is not well known, so drivers should exercise extreme caution at traffic circles. Third-party insurance is required and will cover any damages if you are involved in an accident resulting in injuries and you are found not to have been at fault. If you are found to have caused the accident, the penalty ranges from five months to two years in prison, with a possible fine. If you cause an accident that results in a death, the penalty can be as high as five years in prison.

U.S. citizens in Senegal are expected to carry the following documents in their vehicles and present them at the request of the police if requested at a checkpoint or scene of an accident: (1) valid driver's license; (2) valid insurance papers; (3) vehicle ID card ("carte grise") with a valid "visite technique"; (4) "tignette" tax disc for the current year; (5) valid ID. If Americans carry a copy of their U.S. passport, the copy must be clear enough to identify the driver of the vehicle.

Visit the website of the country's national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.senegal-tourism.com/.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Senegal as not being in compliance with ICAO international aviation safety standards for the oversight of Senegal's air carrier operations.

There is no direct service to the U.S. by Senegalese-registered carriers, but airlines from countries meeting international safety standards are allowed 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 January 2003. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873.

Special Circumstances:

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.

You may not bring several types of items into Senegal without clearance by Senegalese customs officials: these include computers and computer parts, video cameras and players, stereo equipment, tape players, auto parts, and various tools and spare parts. 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 email to [email protected], or visit http://www.uscib.org for details.

Travelers can obtain cash from some ATMs in Senegal. Travelers can get 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.

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 offences. Persons violating Senegal laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Senegal are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in illicit sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues:

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://www.travel.state.gov/family/family_1732.html.

Registration/Embassy Location:

Americans living or traveling in Senegal are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Senegal. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Avenue Jean XXIII, Dakar; the mailing address is B.P. 49, Dakar, Senegal. The telephone number is (221) 823-4296; after-hours (221) 823-4604. The U.S. Embassy website is http://usembassy.state.gov/dakar.