Senegal was an important transit point on the slave trade route, and the control of Senegal meant an upper hand in the slave trade. The Portuguese, the British and the Dutch all tried to establish control over the region before the French lay claim to it. Senegal served as French territory till it gained independence in 1960.
Senegal has a rich cultural heritage that comes from its diverse ethnic population. Most ethnic groups follow a social structure, akin to a caste system. Generally, the system is semi-rigid. Music is a very important part of Senegalese culture. The Griot, a caste of musicians and performers, are the main custodians of this musical heritage. French influence is also visible in Senegal, especially in local architecture and cuisine.
Senegal is a country situated on the West African Coast. The country shares boarders with Guinea-Bissau in the southwest, Guinea in the southeast, Mali in the east, Mauritania in the north, and the Atlantic Ocean, in the west. The tiny nation of Gambia forms a near-enclave within Senegal. Senegal has a flat terrain, with mountains in the east and southeast of the country.