Status: Partly Free
Legal Environment: 19
Political Influences: 14
Economic Pressures: 6
Total Score: 39
Population: n/a
GNI/capita: n/a
Life Expectancy: 52
Religious Groups: n/a
Ethnic Groups: Wolof (36 percent), Pular (24 percent), Serer (15 percent), other (18 percent)
Capital: Dakar
An increase in press freedom in recent years did not continue in 2001 despite recently elected President Abdoulaye Wade's expression of concern over the harassment of domestic journalists by government authorities. The editor in chief of Le Matin, an independent daily newspaper, was prosecuted in July on charges of publishing "false information." In December, police officers assaulted two journalists during a demonstration. Officials aggressively harassed other journalists. Laws prohibiting "discrediting" of the state remain in force, and lead to self-censorship. Six private radio stations broadcast country-wide, and international broadcasts are accessible. Television is controlled by the state. Internet use is uncontrolled, its use limited only by the cost.
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