Why Senegal is called a peanut republic: a bit of history and economics

Perhaps you have never heard of this country and you have no idea why Senegal is called a peanut republic, but the word "Dakar" is probably on your ear. The famous Paris-Dakar rally started for 30 years or finished in the capital of the country, near the famous Rose Lake.

Senegal is a small African state located on the west of the mainland, on the Atlantic coast. Tours in Senegal are quite popular among tourists from European countries who come here for safaris or for great fishing.

Senegal has a lot of tourist highlights. In the delta of the Salum River you can admire the thickets of mangrove, see the animals disappearing from the face of the planet. In the reserve of Bandia, tourists are shown a giant baobab, which for centuries has been an unusual cemetery. Traditionally, it is inside the baobabs that the griots are buried (this is a special caste of musicians, singers and storytellers from one of the African nationalities). The Senegal River is very picturesque with the city of Saint-Louis, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, the state is not called a country of baobabs or a Grigo region.

To answer the question about why Senegal is called a peanut republic is both simple and difficult. The state gained independence only in 1960. At the dawn of its existence, in the 70s of last century, the country was the leader in the production of peanut products. Today the situation has changed, but the name has survived.

Homeland scientists say South America. In Africa, peanuts were brought by Portuguese, who arrived in this region in the XV century. The plant was well established, as it was undemanding to the quality of the soil (even enriched it with nitrogen). The climatic conditions allowed to grow nuts almost all the year round.

In the early twentieth century, 90% of the countries of the African continent became European colonies. At the same time, areas specializing in certain crops were identified. Senegal "got" peanuts. The country still remains an agrarian state: more than 70% of able-bodied Senegalese are employed in this sector. Almost half of the land suitable for cultivation is occupied with peanuts. Nut is the main export item (about 11% of the total exported goods). So it is understandable why Senegal is called a peanut republic.

On the other hand, the state receives more income from tourism, fish exports and phosphorites. And although the peanut is still an important article of the country's economy (provides employment of the population), in recent years its production has been declining. The profitability of this industry is closely related to weather conditions. In addition, the state set fixed prices on peanuts, which are unprofitable for merchants. They prefer to either hold the goods, or sell it to Chinese resellers.

In 2012, the share of Senegal in world exports of peanuts was less than 2% (this is the 8th place in the world). The main exporter of peanuts today is China, which accounts for more than 45% of the fruits. So it's not entirely clear why Senegal is called a peanut buttercup in our time.

Well, maybe, after some time for the country come up with a new poetic name, for example, "mangrove republic" or "football power" (if the athletes of Senegal do not just reach the World Cup in 2014 before the quarterfinals, as in 2002, and Will be able to win in the finals).