Country Profile: Senegal

Senegal, located on the western tip of Africa, boasts a rich history of continuous human settlement dating back to the Paleolithic era. The country is characterized by a diverse population of approximately 18.8 million people and a vibrant economy driven mainly by services, agriculture, and mining. Senegal is one of Africa's most stable democracies, known for its effective governance and strong international participation, particularly in peacekeeping efforts. Despite facing challenges such as a low-level insurgency in the south and systemic corruption, Senegal continues to develop its offshore oil and gas resources, reflecting a growing economic landscape.

Geography

Senegal is situated in Western Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean to the west and flanked by Guinea-Bissau and Mauritania. The country's terrain consists mainly of low, rolling plains, and it has a total area of 196,722 sq km, slightly larger than twice the size of Indiana. Significant natural resources include fish, phosphates, and iron ore, while the climate is primarily tropical, characterized by a rainy season from May to November.

531 km of coastline along the Atlantic Ocean
2,684 km of land boundaries with four neighboring countries
Approximately 70% of the population is concentrated in urban areas, particularly around the capital, Dakar

People and Society

As of 2024, Senegal's population is estimated to be 18,847,519, with a median age of just 19.4 years. The country is home to a variety of ethnic groups, predominantly the Wolof (39.7%) and Pulaar (27.5%), and has a rich cultural tapestry reflected in its languages and religious practices. A significant majority of the population identifies as Muslim (97.2%), primarily adhering to various Sufi brotherhoods.

Literacy rate stands at approximately 50.4% (2023 est.)
Life expectancy at birth is 70.6 years (2024 est.)
3.96 children are born per woman on average (2025 est.)

Economy

Senegal's economy is classified as lower middle-income and is mainly services-driven, with key sectors including mining, construction, and agriculture. The nation has been adapting to economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, while also focusing on developing its offshore oil and gas fields. As of 2024, the GDP is estimated at $83.183 billion with a per capita income of $4,500.

6.9% growth in GDP projected for 2024
Unemployment rate stands at 3% (2024 est.)
Agriculture constitutes 15.5% of GDP (2024 est.)

Government

Senegal operates as a presidential republic with a stable democratic framework. The current President, Bassirou Diomaye FAYE, took office in April 2024, following elections that showcased a healthy democratic process. The country is divided into 14 administrative regions, and its legal system is based on civil law influenced by French legal traditions.

The constitution was last amended in 2016, limiting presidential terms to two consecutive five-year terms.
165 seats in the National Assembly, with 41.2% occupied by women as of the latest election in 2024.
Suffrage is guaranteed for citizens 18 years and older.

Military and Security

Senegal maintains a robust military force known as the Senegalese Armed Forces, which includes the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The country participates in international peacekeeping efforts and has been involved in counterinsurgency operations, particularly against separatist movements in the south.

Military expenditures are projected at 1.6% of GDP for 2024.
Approximately 25,000 active personnel in the armed forces.
The military is engaged in peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Energy

Senegal's energy sector is evolving, with around 67.9% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The country's electricity generation is primarily reliant on fossil fuels, but there is a growing shift towards renewable energy sources such as solar and wind.

1.772 million kW of installed electricity generation capacity (2023 est.)
7.547 billion kWh of electricity consumption (2023 est.)
Increasing investment in solar energy, accounting for 7.4% of total installed capacity (2023).

Environment

Senegal faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, overgrazing, and seasonal flooding, which have been exacerbated by climate change. The country is a participant in various international environmental agreements aimed at promoting biodiversity and combating desertification.

11.9% of municipal solid waste is recycled (2022 est.)
Total water withdrawal for agricultural purposes was 2.759 billion cubic meters (2022 est.)
10.373 million metric tonnes of CO2 emissions (2023 est.)

Transportation

Senegal's transportation infrastructure includes a network of roads, railways, and airports, with 20 airports and roughly 906 km of rail track. The country's port facilities, such as the one in Dakar, are vital for international trade.

36 vessels in the merchant marine fleet (2023)
The capital, Dakar, serves as a major transportation hub for both domestic and international travel.

Communications

Communication in Senegal is facilitated by a range of media, including numerous private television stations and radio outlets. The country has a growing number of internet users, reflecting increasing access to digital technologies.

22.4 million mobile cellular subscriptions (2023)
61% of the population are internet users (2023)
399,000 total subscriptions for fixed-line telephones (2023)

Key Metrics

Metric	Value	Note
Population	18,847,519	Estimated as of 2024
Area	196,722 sq km
GDP (PPP)	$83.183 billion	Estimated for 2024
GDP per capita	$4,500	Estimated for 2024
Unemployment rate	3%	Estimated for 2024
Life Expectancy	70.6 years	Estimated for 2024
Literacy rate	50.4%	Estimated for 2023
Military Expenditures	1.6% of GDP	Estimated for 2024
Electricity Access	67.9%	Estimated for 2022
Urban Population	49.6%	Estimated for 2023