Senegal

Africa's westernmost country has for some decades been regarded as a relatively stable African democracy and economy. The former French colony has acted as role-model and mediator alike, sending peace-keeping troops to conflict zones within Africa and as far afield as Kosovo.

However, life for ordinary Senegalese presents many typically African challenges.

In a country once reliant on the export of gold, ivory and slaves, the economy is now largely based on agriculture, fish and phosphates.

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Gathering at village water supply

Unemployment is high and many Senegalese rely on money sent home from family members who have headed for Europe in search of a better life.

A simmering ethnic conflict has also been ongoing in the southern Casamance region, claiming hundreds of lives.

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Area (size): 75,995 square miles (just less than England & Scotland combined) Capital City: Dakar

Population: 14 million; of whom Wolof (>40%); Pular, Serer, others. Languages: French (official); Wolof; other African languages.

Religion: Islam (94%); Christian & traditional African faith minorities.

Christians in Senegal

Senegal maintains a stance of religious freedom. Yet Christians are few and scattered in the strongly Muslim country. Many attempts to evangelise many people groups have borne limited fruit in some, and met with strong resistance in others, especially those where the influence of traditional African religious practices are most entrenched.

Translation of the New Testament into Wolof, Serer and other languages has been ongoing, and radio broadcasts are an important means of sharing the gospel.

Overall however, the formation of viable churches is particularly challenging in Senegal.