Senegal civics quiz: questions and answers
All 15 general civics quiz questions about Senegal with answers and explanations, grouped by topic. This is a learning quiz, not an official exam. Select a question to see the answer.
Government and law 5 questions
The 2001 Constitution, the National Assembly, the official language, the national motto and naturalisation.
Practise only: Government and law →
What is the capital city of Senegal?
Dakar
Dakar, on the Cap-Vert peninsula, is Senegal's capital and largest city.
What is the official language of Senegal?
French
French is the official language, and the Constitution also recognises national languages such as Wolof, Pulaar and Serer.
What is the name of Senegal’s legislature?
National Assembly
Senegal's laws are passed by the National Assembly (Assemblée nationale).
What is Senegal’s national motto?
One People, One Goal, One Faith
Senegal's motto is 'Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi', meaning One People, One Goal, One Faith.
In which year was Senegal’s current Constitution approved by referendum?
2001
The current Constitution was approved by referendum in January 2001.
History 5 questions
Gorée and Saint-Louis, the Mali Federation, independence in 1960 and Léopold Sédar Senghor.
Which date does Senegal celebrate as its Independence Day?
4 April
Senegal celebrates Independence Day on 4 April, marking the 1960 agreement on the transfer of power from France.
Who was the first President of Senegal?
Léopold Sédar Senghor
Léopold Sédar Senghor, a poet and thinker of the Négritude movement, was President from 1960 to 1980.
Which short-lived federation did Senegal belong to in 1959 and 1960?
The Mali Federation
Senegal and the Sudanese Republic formed the Mali Federation, which became independent in June 1960 and broke up that August.
Which island off Dakar is a UNESCO site linked to the memory of the Atlantic slave trade?
Gorée
Gorée Island, home to the House of Slaves, became one of the first UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1978.
Which city was the capital of French West Africa until 1902?
Saint-Louis
Saint-Louis, on an island in the Senegal River, was the capital of French West Africa until it moved to Dakar in 1902.
Geography, culture and symbols 5 questions
Dakar, the Senegal River, the CFA franc, the green star on the flag and the national anthem.
Practise only: Geography, culture and symbols →
What is the currency of Senegal?
West African CFA franc
Senegal uses the West African CFA franc, shared with other members of the West African Economic and Monetary Union.
What appears in the centre of Senegal’s flag?
A green five-pointed star
Senegal's flag has vertical green, yellow and red stripes with a green five-pointed star on the yellow stripe.
Which country is almost entirely surrounded by Senegal?
The Gambia
The Gambia lies along the Gambia River and is surrounded by Senegal except for its short Atlantic coast.
Which river forms Senegal’s northern border with Mauritania?
Senegal River
The Senegal River, which gave the country its name, forms the border with Mauritania.
Which instruments are named in the title of Senegal’s national anthem?
Koras and balafons
The anthem, with words by Léopold Sédar Senghor, begins 'Pincez tous vos koras, frappez les balafons'.
Think you know them?
Take a timed mock exam in the real Senegal Civics format.