Senegal is the westernmost country on the African continent. It was a French colony until 1960 and there remains a notable French influence including most dominantly, the language...and also the delicious bread you can get at the local boutique (corner store). Besides French, Wolof is the next most dominant language. The country's population is 14 million and predominantly Muslim. Roughly 25% of the population live in Dakar, the capital city where I will also be living. The currency is the CFA and right now $1.00 Canadian is worth approximately 489 CFA. According to The World Factbook, "..[Senegal] is one of the most stable democracies in Africa." The current president, Abdoulaye WADE, was elected in 2000 and re-elected in 2007. He has been criticized for excessive spending like the 160+ foot bronze statue he commissioned, the African Renaissance Monument.
The weather is very hot, humid and rainy from May-November, and is cool-er and dry from December to April with temperatures varying between the low-20s in the cool season to mid-30s (plus humidity) in the hot season. On Thursday, for example, the temperature was 28 in Dakar and in Mississauga. However, the relative humidity was 79% in Dakar compared to 48% in Mississauga. Fortunately the classrooms have air conditioning units and the apartments are equipped with fans to keep us comfortable.
hmmm...i wonder how long it would take to drive from Senegal to France? :-)
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