African Lion
The lion is the national symbol of Senegal and appears on the country's coat of arms, representing courage and strength.
Flag of Senegal
Field Report
Senegal is a country on the western tip of Africa, right where the continent reaches closest to the Americas across the Atlantic Ocean. It is a land of red desert dunes, busy fishing villages, and lively cities, home to about 18 million people who speak dozens of different languages. Most people in Senegal follow Islam and have not yet heard the message of Jesus, which is why Christians around the world pray for this place.
From the Field Notebook
African Lion
The lion is the national symbol of Senegal and appears on the country's coat of arms, representing courage and strength.
Pink-Backed Pelican
Thousands of pelicans nest in the wetlands of the Djoudj National Bird Sanctuary, one of the largest bird sanctuaries in the world.
Nile Crocodile
Nile crocodiles can still be found in the rivers and wetlands of Senegal, where they wait motionless along the banks before lunging for fish or other prey.
Thiéboudienne
This hearty dish of rice cooked in tomato sauce with fish and vegetables is considered Senegal's national dish and is eaten by families nearly every day.
Yassa Poulet
Chicken marinated in lemon juice and onions, then slow-cooked until tender, giving it a tangy, savory flavor that fills the whole house with its aroma.
Bissap
A deep-red drink made from dried hibiscus flowers, lightly sweetened, that tastes something like tart cranberry juice and is served at celebrations and everyday meals alike.
Senegal wraps almost entirely around a smaller country called The Gambia, which follows the path of a single river — making it one of the most unusual national borders in the world.
Senegal is home to Lac Rose, a lake so salty it turns a striking pink color due to tiny algae that thrive in the briny water.
The city of Dakar once marked the finish line of the famous Paris-Dakar Rally, one of the world's most grueling off-road races stretching thousands of miles across deserts.
Senegal has never had a military coup since its independence in 1960, which makes it one of the most politically stable countries in all of Africa.
Wrestling called Laamb is the most popular sport in Senegal — wrestlers train for years and are treated like celebrities, with matches drawing enormous crowds.
Daily Life
69
Years life expectancy
50%
Can read and write
75%
Kids go to school
Missions Field Report
Senegal is home to 54 distinct people groups — 28 of them haven’t yet heard about Jesus.
Most Senegal's people follow Islam (90.1%). Less than 1% of people in Senegal are Evangelical Christians.
What People Believe
Unreached People Groups
These are communities of people who haven’t had the chance to hear about Jesus yet. They need missionaries — and they need kids like you to pray for them.
Wolof
6,250,000 people
Fulani, Fulakunda
2,092,000 people
Maninka, Western
1,684,000 people
Fuuta Torro
1,651,000 people
Mandinka
1,080,000 people
Prayer Journal
Tick each one as you pray. God hears every word.