Tag Archives: Senegal

According to collegesanduniversitiesinusa, Senegal has a long history of education that dates back to the 19th century when it was part of French West Africa. Education in Senegal was initially limited to primary education, which was provided by religious institutions and missionary schools. By the beginning of the 20th century, there were a few higher education institutions, including the University of Dakar which was founded in 1920. Since then, Senegal’s educational system has grown and expanded significantly. In 1960, it became an independent nation and began to place more emphasis on education as a way to improve economic development and reduce poverty. Primary school enrollment increased from just over 1 million students in 1960 to over 6 million students today. Secondary school enrollment also grew significantly during this time period and now stands at over 3 million students. The Senegalese Government has invested heavily in improving access to secondary education, providing tuition subsidies for low-income families and investing in infrastructure such as schools, libraries, and laboratories. In addition to primary and secondary education, Senegal also has several universities where students can pursue higher education degrees such as bachelor’s degrees or master’s degrees. These universities include the University of Dakar (which is now divided into four other universities), Cheikh Anta Diop University in Dakar, Gaston Berger University in Saint-Louis, Mame Diarra Bousso University in Thiès and Université de Ziguinchor among others. The Senegalese government has taken steps towards making higher education more accessible by offering scholarships for qualified students who cannot afford tuition fees or other costs associated with attending university. It is estimated that about 10% of all university students receive some form of scholarship or financial aid from the government each year. Overall, Senegal’s educational system has made great strides since independence but there is still much room for improvement; especially when it comes to access to higher education for low-income families or those living outside urban areas where most universities are located. The government is continuing to invest in education and to make higher education more accessible for all Senegalese citizens. In 2009, Senegal was a democracy and the country was led by President Abdoulaye Wade. The president was elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2007, making him the longest-serving president in Senegal’s history. He was also the leader of the Senegalese Democratic Party (PDS). The PDS had been in power since 2000, but faced significant opposition from other political parties such as the United Front for Democracy (UFD) and the Socialist Party of Senegal (PSS). Senegal is bordered by Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Mali and Guinea to the north and east; Gambia to the south; and Atlantic Ocean to its west. In 2009, it had a population of over 12 million people spread across 12 regions. The capital of Senegal is Dakar which is located on the Atlantic coast. Senegal has traditionally maintained good relations with its African neighbors including Mali, Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania and Gambia. It has also been a strong supporter of regional integration through organizations such as ECOWAS and ECASS. In 2009, Senegal signed an agreement with neighboring countries to create an economic community known as the West African Economic Community (WAEC). This agreement aimed to promote trade between member states by reducing tariffs and other barriers to trade within WAEC member states. The country also maintained strong ties with its former colonial master France as well as other European countries such as Germany, Italy and Belgium. It also enjoyed close relations with Arab countries such as Saudi Arabia which invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Senegal during this time period. Internationally, Senegal was a member of many international organizations including the United Nations (UN), World Bank Group (WBG), International Monetary Fund (IMF), African Union (AU) and Economic Community Of West African States (ECOWAS). It was also actively involved in various peacekeeping missions around the world including those undertaken by UN forces in Burundi, Somalia and Liberia. Check naturegnosis for Senegal in 2001.