National Day of the Republic of Senegal

APRIL 4 marks Senegal’s 59th Independence Day commemorating the day the country became independent from France (April 4, 1960) as part of the short-lived Federation of Mali. During this holiday, schools are closed and most Senegalese spend the day visiting family and friends. The celebration is highlighted with parades by drill teams and color guards of Senegal’s military and police forces marching down the streets of Dakar, the country’s largest and capital city.

Located on the western coast of Africa, Senegal on the Atlantic Ocean is bordered by Mauritania in the north, by Mali in the east, Guinea in the southeast, and Guinea-Bissau in the south. Due to its accessibility to air and maritime travel routes, the country is considered the “Gateway

to Africa.” Its ecological boundary where grassland, oceanfront, and tropical rainforest converge makes the country a home to a wide variety of plants and animals.

Senegal is popular for its rich natural and cultural heritage. Across Africa, it is popular for its music. It is recognized as a model of democracy in Africa. Its economy is growing rapidly. It has great potential for tourism. Its museums, art galleries, parks, landmarks, and shopping malls are attracting tourists. Its exports such phosphoric acid, peanuts, non-monetary gold, fresh fish and crustaceans and molluscs grew in January, 2019 by 48.5%.

We congratulate the people and government of the Republic of Senegal led by President Macky Sall and Prime Minister Mahammed Dionne, on the occasion of its National Day.