The Republic of Senegal, located at the bulge of West Africa between Mauritania and Guinea-Bissau, has an area of 75,750 sq. mi. (196,190 sq. km.) and a population of 9.49 million. Capital: Dakar. The economy is primarily agricultural. Peanuts and products, phosphates, and canned goods are exported. ,An abundance of megalithic remains indicates that Senegal was inhabited in prehistoric times. The Portuguese had some trading stations on the banks of the Senegal River in the 15th century. French commercial establishments date from the 17th century. The French gradually acquired control over the interior regions, which were administered as a protectorate until 1920, and as a colony thereafter. After the 1958 French constitutional referendum, Senegal became a member of the French Community with virtual autonomy. In 1959 Senegal and the French Soudan merged to form the Mali Federation, which became fully independent on June 20, 1960. (April 4, the date the transfer of power agreement was signed with France, is celebrated as Senegal?s independence day.) The Federation broke up on Aug. 20, 1960, when Senegal?s succeed and proclaimed the Republic of Senegal. Soudan became the Republic of Mali a month later.,, ,Senegal became a member of the ?Union Monetarie Quest-Africaine? in 1963.,, ,Also see French West Africa, Upper Senegal-Niger, West-African States.,, Rulers:,,, ,French to 1960,, Monetary System:,,, ,1 Franc = 100 Centimes,,