The westernmost country in mainland Africa, Senegal has a complex and varied history. Home to one of Africa's earliest recorded kingdoms in the early ninth century, Senegal was later colonized by both the Portuguese and the French. Since its independence in 1960, the country has managed to unite its various cultures and language traditions into a peaceful and stable society. Informative sidebars and colorful photographs accompany the text and allow readers to learn more about Senegal's rich culture.