History

Time before the colonialisation

African Warrior

The population of Senegal can be traced back for about 100.000 years. Stone and metal implements show a very old culture.
Around 900 AD the Ghana Empire stretched over the territory of today's Senegal. After the downfall of the Ghana Empire the region belonged to the Mali Empire, which existed until the 15th century. In the 11th century began the Islamisation of the country.

Up to 1800:

The first Europeans (Portuguese, Englishman and Dutchman) landed in the 15th centuryGoree Island on the coast of Senegal. The French have then occupied the area from the 17th century on. Until the beginning of the 19th century the Goree Island and Saint-Lois, which was founded by the French in 1659, have been the main centres for the slave trade of whole West Africa. Today they both belong to UNESCO's World Heritage programme.

From 1800:

The French have been expanding their colonial regimen over the whole area of today's Senegal until around 1890. In 1895 Dakar became the capital city for the whole of West Africa occupied by the French.

From 1900:

In 1946 all citizens of Senegal have received the French citizenship. Under the leadership of President Abdoulaye WadeLeopold Sedar Senghor, Senegal has obtained its independence from France on the 20th August 1960.

2006:

President Abdoulaye Wade, who won the presidential election in 2000 against his predecessor Abdou Diouf, has been given the Felix-Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize in Mai 2006 for his mediation in multiple African conflicts and the peaceful changeover of power in his home country.