Religion+(Nicole-Marie)

= = = Religion By: Ariana Vespa  =



Senegal's constitution allows freedom of religion and seperation from church and state. Senegal is a very diverse country. It has many ethnic groups. interactions between different ethnic groups and other non-African groups have created people who are multicultural and proud of their origins. Here are a few of Senegal's may ethnic groups.

Ethnic groups:

The Serer make up 15% of the population and live in central west Senegal. The Pular are 1/4 of Senegal's population and the second largest indigenous group in Senegal. The Pular people live in the northern part of Senegal by the Senegalese river. The Jola are also called the Diola. They live in Casamance. The Mandinka live in southeastern Senegal and also in Casamance.
 * The Serer
 * The Pular
 * The Jola
 * The Mandinka

Each ethnic group has its own history,language,and culture. Interactions between different ethnic groups and other non-african groups have created people who are multicultural and proud of their origins.

The marabouts are muslim religious leaders. Muslim religious leaders (marabouts) influence Senegal's voting patterns, economic practices, and have a strong impact of the countries development. The marabouts became powerful when Senegal wanted to become independent. They became powerful at this time because they were the most vocal and supported leaders. Their popularity drew a lot of animists to Islam.

The Mourides practice a unique from of Islam developed in Senegal. Mourides belong to a special kind of brotherhood.

A lot of Senegalese combine there religion. For example, Islam combined with indigenous animist practices and ceremonies. Another example, Christianity combined with indigenous animist practices and ceremonies. This is done more in the south of Senegal.

Villagers believe in spirits and genies and wear charms called gri gri around almost every part of there body. The people believe that the gri gri protect them from illness and evil spirits. French is senegals official language. But Wolof is the most widely spoken.