Senegal is not a highly reported on country in the western world, and many people know very little about it (I knew nothing before beginning my research). Despite this apparent lack of knowledge of it from the western world, Senegal faces the danger of being classed as the stereotypical African country. You know the stereotypes, poverty-stricken, diseased, tribal and out of touch with the modern world.
A quick google (let alone a thorough investigation) of Senegal will separate the nation from this myth. It is in fact, a unique and vibrant country that is safe and has a stable political system which allows for the freedom of the people.
Firstly, Senegal is a completely safe place to travel. Robberies and crime committed against travellers in Senegal is quite uncommon. It boasts one of the most stable political systems in Africa, with a functioning democracy, and has been this way since its peaceful transition to independence from the French in 1960.
Senegal does have its fair share of poverty, especially in rural areas which rely on an unpredictable agriculture industry. Despite this, Senegal has an improving economy with optimistic predictions for the future.
Despite often being categorised within the African country stereotype; Senegal is most certainly its own country. It has a beautiful landscape where plains meet the ocean, with an ever-growing surfing scene gracing its shores. Its cities, namely Dakar, have a growing urban culture and art scene which is fast becoming a global attraction (as touched on in my previous blog) and those who have travel there speak of the incredible hospitality and warmth of the Senegalese people.
Senegal is its own, independent place that will reward those who look further than an African stereotype to truly see what it consists of.
Reference list (in order):
- https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/africans-are-all-poor-and-15-other-myths/
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/destinations/africa/senegal/articles/things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-senegal/
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/senegal/overview
- https://borgenproject.org/poverty-rate-in-senegal/
- https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/senegal/overview
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CXe0KLj9tE0
- https://senegaldaily.wordpress.com/2011/03/19/making-the-rounds/
Melbourne to Senegal: A travel blog 