James Baquet

The Republic of Senegal seems not to have a tourism slogan, so I have shared their inspiring national motto: “One People, One Goal, One Faith.”

The “People” in question are the Senegalese, actually an amalgam of numerous tribal peoples. Just over 40 percent are Wolof. No other group attains more than 20 percent, including the Fula (18 percent), Serer (16 percent), and Mandinka (14 percent), as well as several others under 5 percent each. French is the official language, with Wolof a lingua franca (and a push is on to have it made official, too). Numerous tribal languages and Arabic are also recognized. Declaring such a mix to be “One People” is an excellent if somewhat optimistic move toward unity.

The “One Goal” is less easy to fathom, but Senegal’s first president was something of a philosopher. Leopold Sedar Senghor was educated in France, and took office when independence from France was attained in1960, serving for 20 years. He created the framework for the nation’s 1963 constitution, as well as writing Senegal’s national anthem. A pro-African socialist, he believed in sharing economic resources in a traditional African way. This might be part of the “goal.”

As for the “One Faith,” Senegal is 92 percent Muslim, though tolerance is shown to the handful of Roman Catholics, Protestants, and even animists in the country.

Located in West Africa, Senegal — the name of which is Wolof for “Our Boat” — is bordered by Mauritania on the north, Mali (with which it has historic ties) on the east, and Guinea and Guinea-Bissau on the south. The Gambia occupies land along the Gambia River, partially bisecting Senegal and separating portions of the country’s north and south. Cape Verde is located to the west, in the Atlantic Ocean. Senegal is the westernmost country on the Afro-Eurasian landmass, once known as the “Old World.”

Dakar, the nation’s capital and largest city, was in most years from 1978 to 2007 the finishing point of the Dakar Rally, a cross-country car race which usually began in Paris. Security concerns regarding neighboring Mauritania caused the rally to be moved; since 2009 it has been held along various routes in South America.

Vocabulary:

Which word above means:

1. an effort is being made;

2. outline;

3. acceptance; open-mindedness;

4. mixture, combination;

5. common language used mostly in trade;

6. people who worship aspects of nature;

7. comprehend; understand;

8. long-distance sports car race;

9. hopeful; expectant;

10. cutting in half