U.S. Relations With Senegal
More information about Senegal is available on the Senegal Page and from other Department of State publications and other sources listed at the end of this fact sheet.
U.S.-SENEGAL RELATIONS
The United States established diplomatic relations with Senegal in 1960, following its independence from France and the dissolution of the Mali Federation. Senegal had three presidents from 1960 to 2012. Power was transferred peacefully from one president to his handpicked successor in 1981, and transferred again in elections in 2000. The country's fourth president was elected in 2012.
Senegal is a strong U.S. ally as a regional, diplomatic, and economic partner. The country shares many fundamental values and international goals with the United States, and it has been a symbol of democracy as well as ethnic and religious tolerance. Senegal also has contributed to regional peacekeeping operations. The main challenge Senegal faces is accelerating economic growth in order to create more opportunity for young people, who are the majority of the population.
U.S. Assistance to Senegal
U.S. assistance seeks to support increased agricultural production, improved health care, and better basic education as well as to increase the professionalism and capacity of the Senegalese Armed Forces. U.S. assistance also aims to help consolidate democratic outcomes resulting from Senegal's 2012 presidential and legislative elections, while continuing to support Senegal's efforts in anti-corruption, transparency, and good governance.
Bilateral Economic Relations
Senegal is eligible for preferential trade benefits under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). U.S. exports to Senegal include oil, vehicles, machinery, plastic, rice, and textile articles. U.S. imports from Senegal include processed food, cosmetic products and seafood. The two countries have signed a bilateral investment treaty. The United States also has a trade and investment framework agreement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), of which Senegal is a member.
Senegal's Membership in International Organizations
Senegal and the United States belong to a number of the same international organizations, including the United Nations, International Monetary Fund, World Bank, and World Trade Organization.
Bilateral Representation
The U.S. Ambassador to Senegal is James Zumwalt, other principal embassy officials are listed in the Department's Key Officers List.
Senegal maintains an embassy in the United States at 2215 M St NW, Washington, DC (tel. (202) 234-0540).
More information about Senegal is available from the Department of State and other sources, some of which are listed here:
Department of State Senegal Page
Department of State Key Officers List
CIA World Factbook Senegal Page
U.S. Embassy: Senegal
USAID Senegal Page
History of U.S. Relations With Senegal
Human Rights Reports
International Religious Freedom Reports
Trafficking in Persons Reports
Narcotics Control Reports
Investment Climate Statements
Office of the U.S. Trade Representative Countries Page
U.S. Census Bureau Foreign Trade Statistics
Export.gov International Offices Page
Millennium Challenge Corporation
Travel and Business Information