Country Profile: Senegal
Senegal is located on the western tip of Africa, bordered by the North Atlantic Ocean. With a population of approximately 18.8 million people, the country exhibits a rich cultural tapestry, largely influenced by its historical ties to various empires and colonial powers. Senegal's economy is primarily services-driven, but also relies on agriculture, mining, and fishing. Governance in Senegal is characterized by a stable democratic system, having transitioned through various political phases since gaining independence from France in 1960.
Geography
Senegal is situated in Western Africa, sharing borders with The Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, and Mauritania. The country's diverse terrain includes low, rolling plains and a coastline of 531 km along the Atlantic Ocean. Senegal's climate is tropical, featuring a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April.
- Total area: 196,722 sq km
- Land boundaries: 2,684 km
- Major rivers: Senegal River and Gambia River
- Natural resources: fish, phosphates, iron ore
- Agricultural land: 49.4% of total area (2023)
People and Society
Senegal is home to a population of 18,847,519 people, primarily consisting of ethnic groups such as the Wolof (39.7%) and Pulaar (27.5%). The official language is French, and the predominant religion is Islam, practiced by 97.2% of the population. The demographic structure reveals a youthful society with a median age of 19.4 years.
- Urban population: 49.6% (2023)
- Life expectancy: 70.6 years (2024)
- Literacy rate: 50.4% (2023)
- Total fertility rate: 3.96 children/woman (2025)
- Population growth rate: 2.4% (2025)
Economy
Senegal has a lower middle-income, services-driven economy with significant contributions from mining, construction, and agriculture. The economic landscape was adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, but the country is developing offshore oil and gas sectors. In 2024, the real GDP is estimated to be $83.183 billion with a growth rate of 6.9%.
- GDP per capita: $4,500 (2024)
- Unemployment rate: 3% (2024)
- Inflation rate: 0.8% (2024)
- Major agricultural products: rice, groundnuts, and millet
- Exports: $7.001 billion (2023)
Government
Senegal operates as a presidential republic with a history of stable democratic governance. The current president, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, took office in April 2024. The nation's political structure includes a unicameral legislature, the National Assembly, which comprises 165 directly elected members.
- Capital: Dakar
- Legal system: Civil law based on French law
- Suffrage: Universal at age 18
- Independence: Achieved on April 4, 1960
- Government type: Presidential republic
Military and Security
The Senegalese Armed Forces, comprising the Army, Navy, and Air Force, play a crucial role in both defense and internal security. The military's budget allocation for 2024 is 1.6% of GDP, with approximately 25,000 active personnel.
- Military deployments: Includes participation in peacekeeping missions
- Military service age: 18-28 years with a 24-month commitment
- Active personnel: About 25,000 (2025)
Energy
Senegal is working to enhance its energy infrastructure, with 67.9% of the population having access to electricity as of 2022. The energy mix is dominated by fossil fuels, while initiatives in solar and wind energy are underway.
- Installed generating capacity: 1.772 million kW (2023)
- Electricity consumption: 7.547 billion kWh (2023)
- Renewable energy sources: Solar (7.4%), Wind (9.1%)
Environment
Environmental challenges facing Senegal include deforestation, soil erosion, and overfishing. The country is a party to multiple international environmental agreements aimed at addressing these issues.
- Total water withdrawal: 2.759 billion cubic meters (2022)
- Urban population growth rate: 3.59% annually (2020-2025)
- Carbon dioxide emissions: 10.373 million metric tonnes (2023)
Transportation
Senegal has a developing transportation network that includes 20 airports and a railway system of 906 km. Major ports such as Dakar facilitate trade and commerce.
- Total merchant marine: 36 vessels (2023)
- Airports: 20 (2025)
- Ports: 6 (2024)
Communications
The telecommunications sector in Senegal has seen significant growth, with a mobile cellular subscription rate of 120 per 100 inhabitants as of 2022. The internet penetration stands at 61% of the population.
- Fixed-line subscriptions: 399,000 (2023)
- Internet users: 61% (2023)
- Broadband subscriptions: 357,000 (2023)
Key Metrics
| Metric | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 18,847,519 | 2024 estimate |
| Area | 196,722 sq km | |
| GDP (PPP) | $83.183 billion | 2024 estimate |
| Unemployment Rate | 3% | 2024 estimate |
| Life Expectancy | 70.6 years | 2024 estimate |
| Literacy Rate | 50.4% | 2023 estimate |
| Energy Consumption Per Capita | 8.303 million Btu | 2023 estimate |
| Electric Access | 67.9% | 2022 estimate |
| Birth Rate | 29.54 births/1,000 | 2025 estimate |
| Urban Population | 49.6% | 2023 estimate |
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