Celebration: Republic of Senegal National Day

Manila Bulletin – Fri, Apr 4, 2014

Today is the National Day of Senegal. This holiday commemorates its independence in 1960.

Located in western Africa, Senegal is bordered to the north by Mauritania, to the east by Mali, to the south by Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, and to the west by the Atlantic Ocean. With a land area of around 197,000 square kilometers, Senegal has an estimated population of 13 million. The capital and largest city is Dakar.
Senegal is known for its musical heritage, particularly its national dance, mbalax.  The country is also renowned for its hospitality and the legendary openness of its peoples. It has abundant cultural wealth and is acclaimed as a model of democracy in Africa.
The modern sector of Senegal includes fishing, phosphate mining, tourism, and chemical industries.  The country has a growing industrial sector, which is one of the largest in West Africa.  Peanut cultivation and cotton production form the backbone of Senegal’s agricultural economy. Important technical assistance has been provided by France and other countries of the European Union and the World Bank.
We congratulate the people and government of the Republic of Senegal led by Their Excellencies, President Macky Sall, Prime Minister Aminata Touré, Minister of Foreign Affairs Mankeur Ndiaye, and Minister of Culture and Tourism Youssou N'Dour, and its Republic of the Philippines Consulate headed by Consul Edward S. Go, on the occasion of its National Day.  CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!