Senegal celebrates Independence Day since April 4, 1960.

Honors heroes, rich culture with music, dance, and cuisine.

Senegal, historically rich, home to ancient kingdoms and settlements.

Portuguese arrival marked beginning of colonial era in Senegal.

French rule dominated, Senegal central to slave trade.

Battle of Logandème: Senegal's first uprising against French rule.

Independence in 1960, Léopold Sédar Senghor first president.